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 do you get a drain snake past a trap?
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.
Which direction do you turn a drain 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 do you unclog a drain if a 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. Set a bucket under the trap.
How do you drain a sink snake?
To use a drain snake, remove the sink strainer and insert the tip of the augur down the pipe and twist the hand crank, which releases the wire cable. Keep feeding more of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance—this signals that you have reached the clog. Rotate the auger to break up the blockage.
Is drain snaking safe for pipes?
If you have a clogged pipe, a drain snake is a simple and cheap tool you can use to fix it. These are advertised as devices that anyone can use to unclog a drain. But if used improperly, drain augers could make the clog worse. You could jam the obstruction in there tighter, or worse, do damage to your pipes.
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 also cause the equipment to get stuck. Broken PVC pipe is another issue with drains.
Can snakes come up drain pipes?
Can snakes come up drain pipes? Yes, they can, though it isn’t common. While snakes are good swimmers and can hold their breath for a long time, they don’t often infiltrate your home via the pipes.
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.
How long of a drain snake do I need?
Because they are designed for the toughest of clogs, the cable should be no smaller than 5/8 inch in size, with a minimum length of 75 to 100 feet in length.
What is the difference between a snake and an auger?
The biggest difference between drain snakes and augers is how they remove the clogs. While an auger attempts to force its way through and demolish the obstruction, a snake is designed to pull it out the way it came.
How do I turn my plumbing snake into a corner?
Here’s how to turn a corner with a drain snake:
Have a drain snake with a corkscrew auger and make sure that it is securely attached to the cable.Locate the clog through the cleanout plug.Push the corkscrew auger through the clog until it no longer moves forward, then crank backward about 1/4 turn and push again.
Can you snake your own main 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.
Why can’t I get the snake down the drain?
Too much force – When you’re trying to dislodge a blockage, it can be tempting to try and force a snake cable through the drain too fast. If you force it, sometimes the cable can bend back on itself or kink. Instead of forcing the cable, extend the snake cable a few inches at a time until you reach the clog.
How do you get a snake past the bend in the pipe?
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.
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