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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.
How do you unclog a drain with an auger?
How to Use a Drain Auger Step One: Insert the Drain Auger. Grab your drain auger and insert the end of it into the drain or directly into your toilet. Step 2: Navigate The Drain Auger Towards The Clog. Crank the handle clockwise as you slowly push the drain snake into the toilet. Step Three: Pull the Drain Auger Out.
How does a snake work to unclog a drain?
Plumber’s snakes work by entering the drain directly to physically contact and then clear away the obstruction causing the clog. You manually insert the auger head into the drain and then begin uncoiling it by rotating the handle.
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 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 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 do a snake cleanout?
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.
How do I snake the main drain in my house?
How to clear a main sewer line clog Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe. Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond. Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable. Step 6: Slowly pull the auger back out of the pipe.
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.
Should I snake my own drain?
Leave sewer line blocks to the pros. Professional plumbing augers are more powerful, but even so, snakes don’t clean the drain. While a snake may dislodge the clog and resolve the immediate problem, accumulating sludge coating the wall of the pipe means clogging will likely recur.
Why is my drain still clogged?
Most bathroom drain clogs result when dirt, skin flakes, and especially hair binds to soap scum on the walls of drain pipes. Over time, this gunk accumulates and reduces water flow. Troubleshooting: Remove and clean the drain stopper. If that doesn’t work, remove the drain elbow joint and clean it out.
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.
Is it easy to snake a drain?
The equipment is easy to use, but ask the dealer for operating instructions. The basic process is as follows: Push the end of the snake into the drain opening and turn the handle on the drum that contains the coiled-up snake. The auger begins its journey down the drain.
Can you snake a toilet with a drain snake?
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’t get snake past trap tub?
So, why won’t your drain snake go down the bathtub drain? The answer may be that you are either using the wrong kind of drain snake, or you are trying to force it through a P-trap, or you are forcing the snake cable through the pipe too quickly or the clog is just too darn big.
