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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.
Which way do you turn a plumbing snake?
Place the snake cable down the drain. As you push the snake into the drain, rotate the handle clockwise. You may need to use both hands on the handle if you are having trouble pushing. To feel for the clog, it is a good idea to move your hands lower on the cable, about three inches above the opening of the drain.
How do I turn my plumbing snake into 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 do you use a manual snake?
A manual drain snake is a slender and long wire like structure that it could fit into any common styled drain hole. Push one end of the snake into the drain and turn the handle. This movement would coil the snake through the drain. Keep sending in the snake till you find a resistance for the movement of the snake.
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.
Why won’t my snake go down the drain?
If you’re using a drain snake and it won’t go down the drain, don’t force it. Call a plumber near you. Wrong size drain snake – If the drain snake you’re using won’t fit down the drain, then you may be using the wrong kind of drain snake. For general drain clogs, a small drum auger will generally do the trick.
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 use a handheld drain snake?
You manually insert the auger head into the drain and then begin uncoiling it by rotating the handle. As the snake uncoils, it moves further through the drainpipe, until the head breaks through the obstruction.
How does plumber unclog drain?
The plumber inserts the hose deep down into the drain, and then high-pressure water blasts out the nozzle to clean out all parts of the drain. The pressure is enough to completely wash away all debris clinging to the drainpipe walls, making it hard for debris to build up again.
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 I snake my own drain?
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 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.
How do I unclog the main sewer line 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 I unclog the main drain in my basement?
Try a Plunger: A minor clog should clear after a few strong pumps with a plunger. Place the plunger cup so it completely covers the drain opening, and then go for it! Baking Soda & Vinegar: Plunger didn’t do the trick? Try pouring baking soda down the drain, then chase it with a healthy amount of white vinegar.
