Table of Contents
How do you use a drain snake?
Steps for using a drain auger Push the end of the snake into the drain opening and turn the handle on the drum that contains the coiled-up snake. Keep pushing more of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Rotate the snake against the blockage until you feel it feed freely into the pipe.
Is a drain snake easy to use?
Drain snakes are simple tools, but they must be used properly so that clearing a drain is an easy task.
Can a drain snake damage pipes?
If you have a clogged pipe, a drain snake is a simple and cheap tool you can use to fix it. These are advertised as devices that anyone can use to unclog a drain. But if used improperly, drain augers could make the clog worse. You could jam the obstruction in there tighter, or worse, do damage to your pipes.
What is the difference between a 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 do you get a snake out of a drain 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.
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.
Do drain snakes work on toilets?
A drain snake is a long, retractable metal cable that you wind down into a drain to either grab the material causing the clog, or force it through. A toilet snake is a type of drain snake made specifically for use on toilets.
Can I snake a drain myself?
For smaller clogs, snaking your own drain is possible. Routine, minor sink clogs from hairballs or food remnants are typically located in the U-shaped trap directly below the sink or only a few feet deeper in the drainpipe. They may be cleared by using a light-gauge, hand-operated auger.
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. Set a bucket under the trap.
How do I clear the main drain line in my house?
Steps For How to Clear A Main Sewer Line Clog Loosen the Drain Pipe Cap (Cleanout Pipe) The first step is to find your main drain cleanout location. Remove Cap, Allow Build-Up to Drain. Once you remove the cleanout cap, step away quickly. Insert the Snake into Pipe. Run the Tool Until Clog Is Gone. Clean Up.
Can a drain snake break a PVC pipe?
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.
How often should I snake my drains?
If your drains are clogging every month, it’s wise to get them cleaned right away. As for maintenance, we recommend cleaning them every two years, but we may suggest more frequent cleanings if you have a large household and use the sinks a lot.
How far should a drain be from a snake?
When to Snake a Drain Use a drain snake when your sink, shower, or tub drain is draining slowly or is not draining at all due to soft clogs located up to 15 to 25 feet down the line.
What does a plumbing auger look like?
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. Home plumber’s snakes are usually around 50 feet long. The cable coils up when you’re not using it.
What does a drain auger look like?
Drain augers are a long tool that looks like a snake. They can be fed down a drain or toilet to remove a blockage. Drain snakes have a rubber shield to protect drains and toilets from scratches, unlike most other snakes. This tool is excellent for bathroom drains including showers, bathtubs, and toilets.
