A manual drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or a drain auger, is a small boring tool that rotates slowly as it's physically pushed through a stubborn clog. The terminal end of the device is a corkscrew-shaped hook that is fed into a clogged drain or toilet.
Hydro-Jet. For the toughest of clogs, a plumber may use a hydro jet. This tool sends pressured water through pipes to break down drain build-up. This tool is often faster and more efficient than a typical drain snake.
For an easy clog, your plumber may get the job done in mere minutes. For a more stubborn or deep-seated clog, the process may take multiple hours. If you're dealing with a stubborn household clog, it may be time for you to enlist a professional plumbing company to come help.
Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a strong acid that is commonly used to dissolve clogs in drains. This acid works by breaking down organic materials such as hair, grease, and soap scum that can accumulate in pipes and cause blockages.
By Clog Size and Severity
A simple clog can cost about $100 to $150 to fix. In contrast, more difficult clogs that require additional equipment and labor can cost as much as $500.
When you are using a baking soda and vinegar solution to clean out your drain, you are actually causing the rubber and plastic that are used for the drain's pipes to be eaten away by the mixture. Over time, this rubber and plastic will break down, causing the drain to become even more blocked.
Using a snake is also more invasive and time-consuming than using a chemical cleaner is, and can often become a dirty job. When it comes to getting at and removing major clogs or clogs that are deep down in your pipes, however, a plumber's snake is your best bet.
Final Verdict. Our best overall pick for drain cleaners is Drano Max Gel Clog Remover, which also comes recommended by experts. We love that this formula works on every type of drain pipe and can clear just about any clog.
Auger: An auger is one of a professional plumber's best tools. Also known as a plumbing snake. This flexible tool can wind its way through any drain to reach the blockage. It is used in both bathrooms and kitchens.
You need to make sure that you've securely tightened thumbscrew(the piece that secures the cable inside the drum or handle). If the thumbscrew is loose, the cable will not rotate at all when you twist the handle. The cable rotation is how the drain snake picks up debris, so if it can't do this, your auger won't work.
In addition to baking soda and vinegar, you can also add water pressure to this mix. To do this, use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to baking soda, and mix it into 60 gallons of water. As you pour the water down the drain, use a drain snake or plunger to dislodge debris that is blocking water flow.
Dental floss, hair, animal fur and other stringy material are the most common causes of clogged drains in bathroom fixtures like showers, bathtubs and sinks. They are especially harmful because they can knot up, combine with other substances already in the pipes and attach to parts of the drain.
If water doesn't drain properly, it can cause problems not just limited to your pipes, such as mould, water damage to your walls and carpets/flooring and even shifting of the foundations of your home. Fortunately, blocked drains and pipes show obvious warning signs before the small problem becomes a huge nightmare.
Generally speaking, you're usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains, which are usually outside of property boundaries, and sewers.
Drano is not only ineffective, but it's also extremely damaging to your plumbing system. The heat created by the chemical reaction is more than your drains are designed to take. Corroded, aging plumbing can easily breakdown. Pipes can split and the glue holding them together can disintegrate.
Drain Snakes Can Damage Pipes
When a drain snake is inserted into a pipe, the end may flop around, scratching the pipe. If the operator isn't completely confident in their ability to control the drain snake, they may apply too much force on the device.
Why Plumbers Dislike Drano & Other Liquid Plumbers. One of the main reasons plumbers dislike liquid drain cleaners is that they can actually cause more harm than good. These products contain harsh chemicals that can corrode your pipes and cause damage over time.
You may be surprised to learn that pouring soda down the drain does work for some clogs. To be specific, you need a dark-colored cola (such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi). This type of carbonated beverage usually contains a good amount of phosphoric acid, which given enough time, can eat away at some types of clogs.
Can you leave baking soda in the drain overnight? It is safe to leave baking soda (and vinegar) to work overnight to unclog a drain.
Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
The most common occurrences of clogs within indoor plumbing are toilets and the trap underneath drains such as sinks, tubs, and showers. The reason is that both have curved channels that are designed to collect a small amount of water that prevents sewer gases from coming up from the drain.
If used water takes a long time to drain, that can be a sign of a clogged vent stack. Debris blocking the vent won't allow air to get inside and push the water out of drainage pipes. Any drain in your home that takes forever to drain can be due to a blocked vent.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
We suggest that you mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda with 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar to create your drain unblocking remedy. When mixing the two ingredients, they should start to fizz straight away so you should waste no time pouring the concoction straight down your sink.