A plumbing snake is a very useful tool for clearing clogs and blockages from your drains and pipes, but unless you know how to use one correctly, it's best to call in a professional. The last thing you want is to make the problem worse or damage your drainage system!
If a plunger doesn't work, a drain snake can sometimes provide a quick fix to the trouble. However, these drain snakes are, at best, only a temporary solution. And they are not effective at actually cleaning the drain.
Do you need a plumber to snake a drain? For more minor clogs, you can snake your own drain. However, for heavy-duty clogs or to reach a clog far into your home's plumbing system, you'll need a power auger. A trained plumber best uses this type of tool as untrained individuals can cause pipe damage.
Both methods have different uses and are designed to cater to different plumbing needs. Snakes are best to clear out small clogs like when there is mineral built up or hair is clogged in the sink. Hydro jets are best for clearing out pipes and any sort of clogged drains.
While snaking is generally considered safe for your pipes, it can damage your pipes if they are in bad shape. Homes that have older pipes are more susceptible to this happening as hairline cracks and corrosion occur over time. Surprisingly, snaking your main line can potentially make the clog worse.
If your auger isn't unclogging a clog, it could be because: The old clog is still attached. Are you using a drain snake that has been used before? Make sure the old clog isn't embedded in the corkscrew end.
If your snake isn't unclogging your drains it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty, for example. A drain snake (also known as an auger) is a simple, inexpensive necessity for every homeowner.
Professional Plumbing Tools 101: Drain Augers
Also known as drain snakes, there are several different versions of drain augers that most plumbers will carry with them at all times. In essence, it's a basic tool, but an auger is best for tough drain clogs that just won't budge and for cleaning out drains, too.
Drain Snake vs Drano
As far as home solutions, the snake is your strongest drain unblocker. It can be very helpful to keep a plumber's auger or snake in the house. You have to be a bit more careful with snakes than you would be with a chemical cleaner, however.
Damaged Porcelain — The metal tip of the plumber's snake can easily scratch the porcelain of your sinks or toilets if you're not careful. This won't just affect the appearance of the toilet or sink, but it could cause your porcelain to degrade faster.
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.
Use The Drain Snake Properly
Following a specific procedure will actually yield the best results. First, if you have a tub screen or a hair trap covering your drain, move it out of the way. Next, slowly push the snake cable into the drain, and turn the handle in a clockwise motion as you push.
Annually. Even if you don't notice any specific signs that your drains are having trouble with clogs, you should do your best to have them cleaned at least once every year.
If the bottom of the pipe or fittings are missing this can cause the snake to catch and break the pipe. It can also cause the equipment to get stuck. Broken PVC pipe is another issue with drains. If PVC is installed correctly there is usually no issues.
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.
Designed to clear different types of products, plumbers consider drain snakes tools that cater to smaller drains like your kitchen or bathroom sink. The drain snake takes care of pipes ranging from 1-1/4″ to 2″ in diameter. Conversely, drain augers tackle larger pipes like your toilet or shower drain.
If your snaking session yields plenty of hair and soap scum, but still leaves you with a slow drain, there's a good chance that the P-trap is still obstructed. To clear it, plug the overflow hole with a rag and fill the tub drain with hot water, which will help to soften and loosen soap scum.
Insert the snake's head into either the drain (if you didn't remove the trap) or the access point on the wall. Avoid running hot water while you snake, and use cold water instead. If the pipe is severely clogged, it will only trap this hot water in the pipes and damage them.
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.
Crank the Handle of the Drain Snake
When pushing the cable through the P-trap, the U-shaped pipe section under the sink, you may encounter some friction and resistance. If this happens, push on the cable while cranking the drain snake slowly. A couple of turns will help the cable maneuver through the bends in the pipe.
Tighten the Thumbscrew
If you hit an obstacle and the cable will not rotate, the thumbscrew likely needs to be tightened. A handle on the side of the snake drum has a place for you to insert a corkscrew and tighten the drain auger. Tighten the auger as much as you can before continuing to snake.