Designed to clear different types of products, plumbers consider drain snakes tools that cater to smaller drains like your kitchen or bathroom sink. The drain snake takes care of pipes ranging from 1-1/4″ to 2″ in diameter. Conversely, drain augers are designed for larger drains, such as your bathtub or shower drain.
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Do you run water while snaking a drain?
Run cold water while you snake, if you didn’t remove the trap. If you push the auger into the drain with a lot of force, you could damage the drain.
If you don’t have access to a drain, you can use the same method as above, but this time you’ll need to make sure that you’re not pushing too hard. You’ll want to be careful not to push too far, as this could cause you to break your snake’s neck.
Which direction do you turn a drain snake?
If you have a tub screen or a hair trap covering your drain, move it out of the way. Push the snake cable into the drain, then turn the handle in a clockwise direction until you hear a click. If you don’t hear the click, then the cable is too long and you need to shorten it.
If you’re using a drain snake, you’ll want to make sure it’s long enough to reach the bottom of your tub, but not so long that you can’t reach it with one hand. You’ll also want it to be able to move freely in the tub so that it doesn’t interfere with the flow of water.
What if snaking a drain doesn’t work?
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, for example. A drain snake is a simple, inexpensive necessity that can save your life. The first thing you need to do is remove the snake from the drain. This can be done with a pair of pliers or a screwdriver.
If you don’t have a plier, you can use a flat head screw driver to pry the head off. Be careful not to puncture any of the threads on the jaws. The jaws are made of rubber and should not be punctured. You can also use your fingers to pull the jaw off, but be careful to avoid puncturing the rubber.
Once you have removed it, it’s time to clean up the mess you’ve made. Use a damp cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris that may have gotten into the drainage system. It’s also a good idea to use some mild soap and warm water to remove any oil or grease that might have accumulated in the pipe.
Should I snake my own drain?
The sewer line blocks should be left to the pros. Snakes don’t clean the drain, even though plumbing equipment is more powerful. Accumulation of sludge coating the wall of the pipe is a long-term problem that can be solved by a snake.
The best way to deal with sewer blockages is to remove the blockage and replace it with a new one. If you can’t find a professional to do the job for you, you may be able to find someone who can do it for a reasonable price.
Is auger better than plunger?
The first thing you’ll want to do is tackle a small problem with a tool. For more stubborn clog, an auger is your best bet. Clean up the clogged area with an abrasive cleaner. You can use a mild soap and water solution, or you can go for a more aggressive cleaner like WD-40.
Either way, it’s important to get rid of all the dirt and grime that’s accumulated in the area. If you’re using a cleaner, be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area so that the fumes don’t get into your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Can a drain auger damage pipes?
These are supposed to be used by anyone to clear a drain. If the drain was used wrongly, it could make the problem worse. “It’s not a good idea to use an auger if you don’t know what you’re doing,” .
Should I buy a drain auger?
A basic hand-crank drain snake (a.k.a. a drain auger) is a much better option for getting rid of a minor clog than resorting to chemical drain cleaners. You should never use these chemicals on your drain.
How long does it take to snake a drain?
The time it takes to snake a drain is about five minutes. Depending on the length and number of leaks, main line sewer clogs can take hours to get rid of. If your clogged sewer is a main line clog, you’ll need to call your local plumber to see if they can fix the problem. If they don’t fix it within a few days, call us. We’ll send you a free repair estimate.
How do you recoil a drain snake?
To recoil a drain snake, you need to insert the new cable through the hole in the back and guide the wire around the outer perimeter of the auger’s drum. When you establish a foundation around the edge of the container, you will be able to pull the snake out of the drum.
Drain snakes can be cleaned by soaking them in water for a few minutes, then rinsing them under running water. You can also use a mild detergent, such as Dawn dish soap, to remove the dirt and grime from the drain.
How do you turn a drain snake into a corner?
Bend the end of the snake about 3 or 4 inches from the end before you insert it so it will more easily go around the corner when it encounters it. When you get to the last few inches, you can try pulling back on the cable.
