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How do you use a drain snake auger?
Instructions For Using A Drain Auger At Home: Step One: Insert the drain auger into the drain or toilet. Step Two: Turn the handle of the drain snake clockwise and slowly push. Step Three: When you’ve found the blockage with the drain auger, pull it out without rotating the drain.
What is the difference between a drain snake and an auger?
Drain snakes work for smaller drains like your kitchen or bathroom sink. Drain augers tackle larger pipes like your toilet or shower drain. The snake covers lines from 1-1/4″ – 2″ range, and you’ll use an auger for lines in the 1-1/2″ – 3″ range.
How does an auger snake work?
A plumbing auger or plumbing snake is a long, flexible metal cable with a small, uncoiled spring on one end and a handle on the other. The auger head on the snake looks like a corkscrew. Plumber’s snakes work by entering the drain directly to physically contact and then clear away the obstruction causing the clog.
How do you get a drain snake past a trap?
The proper way to use a snake is to insert the head into the drain and push very slowly without cranking. If you try to force it, it can bend back on itself and actually come out of the drain. Push gently and slowly, and if the auger is the right one for the job, it should slide smoothly through the pipe.
How do you unclog a drain if a snake doesn’t work?
If the auger still doesn`t work, call a plumber. If you can`t remove an obstruction in a sink drain by using an auger inserted into the drain, tackle the clog through the U-shaped trap under the sink.
Can a toilet auger be used on a sink?
If you’ve got a clogged toilet, opt for a toilet auger. They’re specifically designed to handle tough clogs in plumbing. You should only use a drain snake if an auger just isn’t an option. But if you’ve got a sink or bathtub clog, put the auger away.
Can you use a regular auger on a toilet?
Important: to avoid scratching the visible ceramic surface inside a toilet bowl, do not insert a handheld drum auger directly into the toilet. This is a good next choice, since the auger can break through many clogs that are further away from the toilet.
How do you unclog drains?
Follow these easy steps to unclog your drain: Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain. Next, pour a cup of baking soda and 1 cup water/1 cup vinegar solution. Cover with the drain plug and wait 5 to 10 minutes. Pour boiling water down the drain again.
What does snaking a toilet do?
To clear a clog in your toilet without a plunger, or if plunging hasn’t worked, a toilet snake can help you return to a functioning flush (sigh of relief). To get started, put on a pair of rubber gloves and make sure you’ve located the water supply in case you need to quickly restrict the water flow.
Can a drain snake break a pipe?
Drain Snakes Can Damage Pipes While billed as devices that are easy to use by anyone and everyone, drain snakes can be hard to manage, and if used improperly, can damage pipes. Old pipes in many homes are galvanized, or coated in zinc, which was done to prevent the pipe from rusting or corroding.
How long does it take to dig a hole with an auger?
Power augers can dig as many holes in an hour as a post hole digger can dig in eight hours, with hole sizes ranging from 6” diameter holes and up.
Will an auger go through rock?
Augers are very powerful machines with a lot of torque that can throw you like a sack of potatoes if the auger bit encounters a rock or a root. But rocky ground or heavy clay can stymie even the most powerful auger.
How deep can a one-man auger dig?
The available depths for an auger are generally 3 and 4 feet–but there are augers that exist that allow you to drill with more width and depth. Those wielding a one-man auger shouldn’t use it for any holes exceeding 8 inches in diameter. Whereas two-man augers get the job done for a maximum of 18 inches in diameter.
How do I get auger past a corner?
How to Get Past Corners With Drain Augers Place the cable of the drain auger at the beginning of the drain opening. Turn the handle for the drain auger clockwise to start the cable through the drain. Pull the cable back a little when you reach a corner by turning the handle counterclockwise.
How long of a drain auger do I need?
Because they are designed for the toughest of clogs, the cable should be no smaller than 5/8 inch in size, with a minimum length of 75 to 100 feet in length. This snake is designed to clean out drains that are 3 inches or larger, which typically includes clean outs to the street.
Can’t get snake past trap tub?
If you’re using a drain snake and it won’t go down the drain, don’t force it. Call a plumber near you. If this is the case, a new drain snake may be required. Too much force – When you’re trying to dislodge a blockage, it can be tempting to try and force a snake cable through the drain too fast.
