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 tackle larger pipes like bathtubs and shower heads.
Drain snakes are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and they come in many different materials. Some are made of plastic, while others are constructed of wood, metal, or fiberglass. You can also choose to have your snake professionally installed by a professional plumber.
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Do you run water while snaking a drain?
If you removed the p trap, you can put the snake in the drain line. If you haven’t removed the p trap, you may want to run a small stream of cold water while you snake the drain line to help flush out any remaining water.
If the water level is still too high, add a few drops of dish detergent to a spray bottle and run it over the top of the trap. You may need to repeat this process several times to get rid of any water that may still be trapped.
Can I snake my own drain?
For smaller clogs, snaking your own drain is possible. U-shaped trap below the sink or a few feet deeper in the drainpipe are the most common places for minor sink clogs from hairballs or food remnants. They can be cleared with a light-gauge, 1/6-inch-diameter drill bit.
If the clog is deep enough, you may need to use a larger drill to get to the bottom of the trap. You may also have to drill a new hole in your drain pipe to accommodate the new drain.
Is auger better than plunger?
Like we mentioned above, you’ll probably want to tackle a minor clog with a plunger first. For more stubborn clog, an auger is your next best bet. The curved end of the handle pipe should be facing the same direction as the pipe you’re trying to clean. Once you’ve located the clogged pipe, use a small flat-head screwdriver to pry it free.
If you don’t have a flat head screw driver, a pair of pliers will work just as well. Be careful not to over-tighten the screw, as this can cause the plunge to pop out of its socket.
Can I use a drain auger on a toilet?
Plumbing snakes (also called drain cables) that are used to unclog sinks can actually scratch your porcelain toilet bowl. If plunging did not work, you want a toilet auger (also sometimes called a closet auger). A protective sleeve protects the bowl from the snake’s sharp teeth, even though the snake is a plumbing snake.
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 cause the equipment to become stuck. The broken pipe is an issue with the drain. However, if it is not installed properly it can be a problem.
How often should you snake your sewer line?
A good rule of thumb is to have your sewer lines cleaned out every 18 to 22 months. It is difficult to remember, but think of it as a year and a half to two years. These systems are designed to capture rain water and store it for later use.
How long does it take to snake a drain?
It takes about five minutes for a drain to be snaked out. 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 I turn my plumbing 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.
