How do I use a plumbing snake?
- First, push the end of the snake into the opening for the clogged drain. ...
- Keep uncoiling the snake. ...
- Once you’ve hit the clog, start rotating the snake. ...
- After it’s in, keep twisting until you start to feel the clog break up. ...
- Now, pull it out. ...
- Once you’ve removed or broken up the clog, run the water for a few minutes. ...
- 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.
How to unclog a pipe with a plumber snake?
What is a plumber's snake?
How much does a snake cost to a plumber?
What motor is used to clean drains?
What is Tom plumber?
Which way do you turn a plumbing snake?
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 does a manual snake work?
Use your hand to carefully insert the head of the cable into the drain and through the pipe. Using your hand, turn the manual crank or turn the motor on to feed the cable further into the drain line. You may feel resistance on the line either from a bend in the pipe or the clog.
How do you use a manual drain snake for a bathtub?
0:112:01Unclog a Bathtub Drain - Drain Snake - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAt the opening of the drain. And this said that green snake is a hand rod that you can push it intoMoreAt the opening of the drain. And this said that green snake is a hand rod that you can push it into the opening of the bathtub drain it has little bars all along the body of this it's very flexible.
Can a snake damage a drain 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 snake a drain?
How Long Does It Take To Snake A Drain? Plumbers take about five minutes to snake a drain for clogs located near the tub, toilet, or sink. Main line sewer clogs can take hours to snake, depending on the length and number of pipes affected.
Why won't my snake go down the tub drain?
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.
Why won't my snake go down the drain?
If your snake isn't unclogging your drains, it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty. Or maybe you just need a refresher on how to use a drain snake. A drain auger (snake) is a simple, inexpensive necessity for every homeowner.
How do you unclog a bathtub with standing water?
Baking soda and vinegar's fizzy combination and baking soda and salt break down clogs' tough defenses:First, pour 3/4 cup of baking soda in the drain.Then, pour 1 cup of vinegar or 1/3 cup of salt in the drain. ... Let it sit for an hour.Flush by pouring boiling water in the drain slowly to melt the clog.
How does plumber snake work?
Bending around the drainpipe's twists and turns without getting stuck, due to its flexibility. The snake moves forward until it reaches the blockage in the line. When the snake encounters the obstruction, the twisting motion of the auger end attaches onto any clogs so they can be pulled back out of the drain.
Is there a 50 foot snake?
It is believed to be either a massively oversized African rock python, a new species of snake entirely, or perhaps a descendant of the giant Eocene snake Gigantophis....50 Foot Congo SnakeHabitatThe unexplored Rainforests of the CongoPossible PopulationUnknown7 more rows
What does a plumbing snake do?
A Plumber's Snake is a flexible auger (drill bit) that is used to dislodge plumbing system clogs. When a plunger is not strong enough to do the trick, a snake is usually used to get the job done.
How do you use a power snake to unclog a drain?
2:396:01Drain Cleaning 101 - Drum Style Power Snake - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then what I do is I just pull maybe about a foot or sole of slot out of the machine and gentlyMoreAnd then what I do is I just pull maybe about a foot or sole of slot out of the machine and gently put pressure down into the pipe.
5 Reasons to Avoid a Plumbing Snake | ABC Blog
When you have a drain that’s hopelessly clogged, it’s tempting to grab a plumbing snake to take care of it. Also called pipe snakes, these coiled wire tools can be effective at clearing clogs, but they can also cause a great deal of damage if you don’t know what you’re doing.
How do you unclog a drain if a snake doesn't work?
We have all been in a situation where we had to struggle against a stubborn kitchen sink, bathtub, toilet, or floor drain clog. All plumbing systems get clogged up now and then, there really is no way to avoid it. I know I have probably used almost every technique from the hot water and baking soda to the drain snake.
What is a plumber's snake?
A plumber’s snake, also known as a drain snake or drain auger is a tool consisting of a hooked spring-like head, flexible cable and cranking handle that is used to unclog drains. Plumber’s snakes clear clogged drains by either hooking and pulling out the clog or shredding it into smaller pieces.
What to do if you don't have a drain snake?
If you do not have a drain snake, there is an alternative. Dash to your closet and grab a wire coat hanger.
What is the best tool to unclog a toilet?
To unclog a toilet you need to use a special tool called a toilet auger.
How does a toilet auger work?
A toilet auger works the same way as a drain snake just that it is designed differently to enable you insert the auger head inside the drain and retrieve it as well without scratching the inside of the bowl.
How far away is a toilet auger?
Toilet augers are only about 4 to 6 feet. If the clog is farther away than that, you will need to look for a longer snake. In that case what I would recommend is using the drain auger.
What is the first tool you use to clear a clogged drain?
Whenever you have a clogged drain, the plunger is the first tool you use to try and clear the clog. Drain plungers will clear most clogs but stubborn clogs will need a more powerful tool like the plumber’s snake.
Why are toilet augers so difficult to use?
Toilet augers are difficult to use since they have no mechanisms to lock the cable so you need to spread yourself out wide.
How does a plumber's snake work?
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. As the snake uncoils, it moves further through the drainpipe, until the head breaks through the obstruction.
How long is a plumber's snake?
Home plumber’s snakes are usually around 50 feet long. The cable coils up when you’re not using it. Most home plumber’s snakes are hand-operated and have a rotatable handle or crank to release and retrieve the cable.
How to use a snake if you can't remove it?
If you can’t, it’s time to use your snake. Manually thread the auger head of the snake into the pipe. Insert the head of the snake into either the drain (if you didn’t remove the trap), or the access point on the wall. If you didn’t remove the trap, consider running cold water while you snake.
What is a snake drain?
A plumber’s snake, drain snake or drain auger, is a tool that reaches down into pipes to remove clogs. Snakes make up the middle ground between household plungers and the really big guns like rooters.
What to do if you didn't remove the snake trap?
If you didn’t remove the trap, consider running cold water while you snake. Don’t push the auger into the drain with a lot of force, or you could damage the drain entrance or pipe. Be patient and make sure the head and cable aren’t too wide for the drain you’re trying to snake.
Can you use a snake to clean a toilet?
As long as you understand how to use your snake, you should be able to remove pesky clogs from your sink, bathtub or toilet.
Can snaking a drain clog?
If you still have a clog, then you could try repeating your snaking process. Just like plunging, however, snaking too much can harm your pipes or drains. If a thorough snaking didn’t solve your problem, it may be time to call in the pros. Snaking is a surprisingly easy and accessible homeowner project.
Why Should I Use A Drain Snake?
Generally, a drain snake at home is used for unclogging drains. Although, with so many things passing through your drain pipes, it is no wonder that the system can get clogged over time.
How To Use A Drain Snake?
Professional plumbers use a manually operated drain snake or roto-rooter, which helps to snake out the drain easily. You can go through the below steps to understand how to use a drain snake:
Things to Consider to Prevent Drain Clogs
In the first place, you should avoid getting the drain to clog. The following are some things that you should consider and remember always to prevent any drain clog.
SNAKING DRAIN WORKS, BUT CLOG MAY RETURN
Snaking is an effective method to clear basic clogs to increase the flow of water through the drain pipes. But it is only a temporary fix. It can bore a hole through the clog, but since you are not sure that everything was removed, you might have another clogged drain in a few months.
FAQs
We are a full-service plumbing company that does all home service plumbing and sewer repairs.
What snake to use for clogs in drain?
The best snake for clogs deep inside a drain is the Husky Drain Auger. With 50 feet of rust-resistant cable and spring steel wire, you can get to clogs a standard drain snake can't reach. It's best to use this long snake for the main sewer, laundry, or driveway drain.
What Is a Drain Snake and Drain Auger?
A drain snake (also called a plumbing snake) is one of the best tools to clear a drain line. Snakes can handle a small, 1.25-inch to 2-inch-wide drain. Augers are the same as drain snakes, but they deal with 1.5-inch to 3-inch-wide drains.
Why Do Drain Pipes Clog?
Drain clogs are a part of indoor plumbing. Most blockages are easy to avoid, but that doesn't mean the problem will never occur.
What to use to prevent clogs in drains?
In addition to snaking, invest in a Shroom product. Their hair catchers, clog cleaners, and drain protectors are the best items to use if you want to prevent clogs from forming.
What is a cable drain auger?
Cable drain augers: This manual auger has a corkscrew end on the head of a long cable. You manually turn the crank to push the auger through the pipe until it attaches to the clog. It’s perfect for clogs stuck deep inside drain pipes.
What is an auger in a toilet?
Toilet augers: A toilet auger is designed to push through obstructions in the bowl. You can use it with either a manual crank or a drill to produce more power. The auger has a flexible cable to snake through the toilet's plumbing easily.
How to move flexible cable?
Even with difficult clogs, you can move the flexible cable with a power drill or manual crank until it dislodges enough of the clog to allow water to flow down the drain freely.
What is a plumber's snake?
Called a plumber’s snake, or drain snake, this handy tool’s 1/4-inch metal coil breaks up blockages in toilet, sink, and bathtub drains. The next time your plunger won’t clear that clog, wait to call a pro and try to snake it out yourself using the following steps, instead.
How to get a snake out of a drain?
When you can’t feed the coil any more, simply turn the handle to wind the snake back out of the drain. Chances are the clog will come out with it, either in pieces or as a solid chunk. Detach the debris from your snake and test to see if your pipes are clog-free by running the water or flushing the toilet. If necessary, start from the top and repeat the process.
How much does a drain auger cost?
At your home improvement store, drain augers cost anywhere from a few dollars for a flimsy plastic model meant to pull out a hair clog to $25 for a longer, sturdier metal coil, or more for an electric model. Think of it this way: While you might spend upwards of $100 on a service call, you could put that money—even just a portion of it—toward buying your own snake for this and all future DIY plumbing work. If you don’t want to buy, you may be able to borrow one from a neighbor or rent a snake from your local home improvement center for a nominal fee.
Can you use an electric drill to break up a clogged drain?
You’ll first need to get hold of a plumber’s snake, either manual or electric. Some manual models do allow you to attach an electric drill to give the tool more power to push through and break up the clog.
How to unclog a pipe with a plumber snake?
Insert the auger head of your new plumbers snake into the pipe you’d like to unclog. Avoid using force as this is how you can cause more damage to your plumbing system.
What is a plumber's snake?
A plumber’s snake (or drain snake) is a long cable that is used to unclog toilets and drains.
How much does a snake cost to a plumber?
It doesn’t have to be. You can find snakes for anywhere from about $10 to well over $1000. But no matter how simple or fancy, they all do the same thing.
What motor is used to clean drains?
Equipped with reversible 500W induction motor and a pneumatic footswitch to drive the drain cleaning cable 200 RPM
What is Tom plumber?
1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
