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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How far should a drain auger go?
You might need to crank for a while depending on how far down your clog is, as the find the clog closet augers are typically made with about 25 ft. of reach. If you feel the cable come up against resistance, you’ve reached the problem. If you don’t have access to an auger, you can use a small screwdriver to pry open the top of the clamp.
Can a drain snake break a pipe?
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 coated in zinc to prevent them from corroding. Drain snakes, on the other hand, are made of copper and are not coated with zinc.
If you have a drain snake in your home, make sure that it is properly installed. If your snake is in good condition, it should not be a problem. However, if you notice that the snake has been damaged, you should contact your local snake control company to see if they can repair the damage.
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.
Are drain snakes any good?
Light-duty drain snakes are great for quickly clearing hair clogs in the shower or grabbing items that were dropped down the drain. The drain snakes are made of high quality plastic that is flexible and durable. Heavy-duty drain snakes made with more durable materials are also available. Drain snakes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all have the same basic design.
They have a handle on the end of the snake that can be used to hold items in place while you drain the water. You can also use the handle to pull items out of a drain, which is a great way to get rid of clutter in your home.
Should you snake a toilet?
Although technically you can use a regular snake (instead of a toilet snake) to unclog a toilet you really should not. The porcelain of your toilet bowl can be damaged by a regular snake. The toilet snake is designed to be used on toilets and will not work on any other type of toilet.
Take the snake out of the bag and place it on a flat surface such as a table or countertop. Place your hand on the toilet and squeeze the handle. If you are using a snake with a handle you will need to hold it in place with one hand while squeezing the other.
You can also use your other hand to push down on it to make sure it doesn’t slip out. Once you have squeezed it enough you should be able to pull it out with your thumb and forefinger. This will allow you to remove it from the bowl and clean it with soap and water.
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 augers are more powerful. The sludge coating the wall of the pipe can lead to more serious problems down the road if left unattended.
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.
