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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. 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.
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.
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.
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 drain snake outside?
Overview of Steps Locate and clean around the outside of the cleanout plug to keep leaves and dirt from falling into it. Place the root cutting head of the auger in the cleanout access and turn on auger’s power. Feed the auger cable into the drain until resistance can be felt as it meets and begins to cut at roots.
How do you clean a drained snake after use?
With a high-bristle wire pipe brush, poke through the plumbing snake’s crevices, dislodging any remaining particulate that the scrubbing brush was unable to reach. Then, run the plumbing snake through clean water to ensure that the coil is clean. Wipe it down with a rag and leave it out to dry completely.
Can you use a snake on PVC pipe?
PVC pipes are an improvement over cast-iron pipes, because they have smooth walls that don’t allow debris to cling, so if you have to clear a clogged drain deep in the pipe, you can usually do it with a plunger or drain snake.
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 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.
What should I use to unclog a shower drain?
Mix together 1 cup of vinegar (distilled white vinegar works best) and 1 cup of baking soda. First, pour boiling water down the drain to loosen; then follow with the baking soda-vinegar mixture and wait 15 minutes. Rinse with more boiling water.
How do I unclog my main sewer without a cleanout?
Use a Plunger to Clear a Main Drain Clog Choose a toilet on the ground floor. Tape over the tub, sink and shower drains with duct tape. Get a bellows or force-ball plunger, insert it in the toilet bowl, let it fill with water and then plunge away.
How do plumbers unclog drains?
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.
What if drain 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. If there`s a clean-out plug at the low point of the trap, remove the plug with pliers or an adjustable wrench.
