What Is A Plumbing Snake?
A plumbing snake is a tool used to clear clogs in piping and drains. It appears like a hose but can be used for different purposes. A plumbing snake is a long, adjustable cable with a small uncoiled spring or auger attached to one end. It has two ends, one with a handle and the other with a spring. Essentially, the snake aids in uncoiling the drain and locating the obstruction causing the backup and clogging the piping.
Plumbing snakes are primarily used to clear large clogs. People often can overcome this by using a plunger. Plumbing snakes seem more potent than plungers, but snakes are more challenging to operate. A plumbing snake can be used to clean shower drains, kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and tubs. A toilet snake is required to clean clogs in toilets. A plumbing snake is typically used to resolve these types of clogs.
How To Use A Plumbing Snake?
A home plumbing snake is more than 40 feet in length. When not used, the cable coils are kept in a circular housing. Most plumber snakes are managed by hand, and it has a rotatable handle. To navigate through tricky areas, spin the handle. It enters the drain directly and clears the obstruction that is causing the clog. Insert the auger until you reach the clog. As the snake uncoils, it moves deeper into the drainpipe until the head breaks through the blockage. Without the assistance of a professional, anyone can try to repair clogs in their home. It is very safe, but we should use it cautiously to avoid leaking and tearing the pipes. To do so, we must take certain precautions to reduce the risk of damage when using a snake.
Follow these steps to avoid damages caused by a Plumbing Snake
Insert The Auger After Preparing The Drain Or Pipes
The first step is to remove the p-trap, or you can send the spring directly to the drain. The p-trap is curved and located beneath the sink. It is simple to remove by hand. P-trap removal makes snaking easier. If you can identify the obstruction in the p-trap, the problem will be much easier to solve. Otherwise, you must remove the p-trap and begin snaking by directly inserting the auger into the pipes.
Begin To Uncoil The Snake
When you insert the auger into the pipe or drain, you must start uncoiling the spring. Hand-held plumbing snakes are uncoiled by twisting the handle. Do this slowly, not quickly, for the best results. Do not push too hard after inserting the coil into the drain because doing so may cause damage. As you roll the handle, the coil will come down. When you reach the obstruction, you will feel pressure.
Uncoil The Snake Until It Reaches The Blockage
When you feel a blockage inside the pipe, slowly move the auger up and down; only then will the obstruction break up. If the auger becomes stuck in the block, try pulling the snake out of the pipe. If the waste does not appear, continue snaking until it does.
Remove The Snake And Inspect The Pipe To See If It Is Clear
Once the blockage has been fully separated from the pipe, you can remove the snake. After that, reassemble the sink to its original position. Then you must inspect and confirm that the clog has been entirely removed from the pipe by passing water through it. You will have to keep sneaking if the sink isn't draining correctly. You should contact a reputable plumber if the sink is still not draining properly.
Benefits Of Plumbing Snake
Plumbing Snakes Are Eco-Friendly
By performing tasks that a plumber would generally perform, a cable snake can help you save money. It can assist you in avoiding nasty drain clogs and other issues that could harm your home's plumbing system. A cable snake drain cleaning also uses no harsh chemicals or toxic substances, making it environmentally friendly to unclog drains around your home.
Time-Saving
You can save time by using a cable snake to clear your drain if you have an urgent problem that requires immediate attention and usually does not require additional tools or devices. Because a cable snake is less invasive than plungers or snaking equipment, you are less likely to damage your drains while cleaning.
No Chemicals Required
This type of cable uses water pressure to clear drains, eliminating the need for chemicals. Although splashing acid into the drain may seem easier than using a cable snake, it is not always practical. Acid does not cooperate with all types of blockages and may cause harm to your pipes.
Easy Installation
The plumbing snake is simple to install. You only need a cable and a plunger. We can install the cable snake without using any tools in seconds. There is no need for plumbers.
Simple Upkeep
One advantage that many people are unaware of is how simple it is to clean up after cable snake drain cleaning. Working with snakes eliminates the necessity to worry about getting dirty water on your outfits or having nasty chemicals on your arms.
Snaking your drain can be a difficult task. To avoid this, carry a plumbing snake with you. If you do, you won't have to worry about drainage. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty and rubber gloves and old towels in case the area gets wet.
Conclusion
Every home requires plumbing. However, many house owners know that their home's plumbing system requires maintenance and repairs. You may occasionally notice that your restroom or kitchen counter is slow to dry or completely clogged. We are all aware that hair can easily fall into bathrooms or drains and that washing dishes and disposing of food waste in our kitchen sink is simple. Certain materials, however, pass through these drains and accumulate in the pipes, clogging them. When inappropriate materials are flushed down the drain, they form clogs in the pipes. Do-it-yourselfers can use plumbing snakes to clear these clogs.
