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How to Use a Plumber's Snake to Snake a Drain

10/28/2022

If you're dealing with a clog that's too tenacious for a plunger but you aren't quite ready to give up just yet, a manual drain snake might be your best option. A drain auger, often known as a plumber's snake, is a tool that "snakes" it's way through pipes to clear obstructions. The method of "snaking" a pipe is a compromise between the more extreme methods of "plugging" and "bringing in the heavy guns," such as professional, powered drain augers.

The plumber's snake is a DIY drain-clearing tool that is more effective than using a plunger, but it is also more difficult to operate. They might be challenging to maneuver through tight turns and twists because of their size. Learn the ins and outs of how your snake operates so that you can avoid making mistakes that will cost you money. Everything you need to know about using a drain snake is provided here for your convenience.

How to operate a plumbing snake, as well as an explanation of what an auger actually is.

Simply put, an auger is a tool that is designed to bore into various materials. One type of auger is known as a drill. A plumbing auger, also known as a plumbing snake, is a long, flexible metal cable that, at one end, features a small, uncoiled spring and, at the other end, features a handle. The snake's auger head has a distinct resemblance to a corkscrew. An auger used in residential plumbing is typically between 20 and 50 feet in length. When it's not being used, the cable can be wound into a tight cylinder and stored away. The vast majority of plumbing snakes for the home are operated manually and feature a handle or crank that can be turned to both releases and manipulate the cable. You can navigate through difficult terrain by rotating the coil by turning the handle, which is located on the side of the device.

Entering a drain directly to make direct physical contact with the obstruction that is causing the clog and then removing it is what is meant by "snaking" a drain. You begin by placing the head of the auger into the drain, and then you manually feed the snake forward into the drain until you reach the obstruction. As the snake unwinds, it makes it's way further into the drainpipe, and eventually, the head of the snake makes its way past the blockage. The following is a more in-depth explanation of how to use a drain auger:

How to Use a Drain Snake:

1. The first step in learning how to use a drain snake is to put on some clothing that you don't mind getting messed up and to lay some old towels down below the pipes that you will be working on. It is possible for your snaking process to become nasty depending on the type of clog you are attempting to remove. If you wind up eliminating the p-trap, this becomes a very essential consideration.

2. (Optional but recommended) (Optional but recommended) Think about getting rid of the p-trap. The curved section of pipe that can be found below the sink is known as the p-trap. It is the conduit that links the drain in the sink to the larger drainpipe network in your home. It was designed to be bent in this way so that sewage gases would not be able to travel up through the sink and into the house. P-traps are typically manufactured using PVC pipe; however, they can also be manufactured using metal.

It is possible to remove the p-trap by hand, either by using your hands or by employing the assistance of an adjustable wrench. After removing the P-trap, you should give it a careful inspection and make sure that it is clean inside. If you've identified the cause of the obstruction, you might not need to use the snake at all. By removing the trap, the tough twist can often be avoided, which makes the process of snaking easier.

3. You might want to remove the trap arm, but this step is optional. The section of the pipe that is between the p-trap and the main wall pipe is referred to as the trap arm. It maintains the position of the p-trap and may curve once more before it reaches the wall. Search for a nut, either made of metal or plastic, that connects the trap arm to the wall. Turn the nut counterclockwise to release the trap arm, if you can find one. In the event that you are unable to, it is possible that the arm is bonded in place; in such a scenario, you should not attempt to remove it. Once you have removed the trap arm, you need to make sure that you clean it out just like you would the p-trap.

By removing the trap arm, you will have the greatest amount of access to the drainpipe that is possible. Check the inside of the drainpipe for any obstacles that could be there. If you are able to see the obstruction, you should attempt to remove it from where you are currently standing. When all else fails, it's time to bring out the snake.

4. Insert the snake's auger head into the pipe using the manual threading method. Put the head of the snake into the drain (if you didn't remove the trap beforehand), or the access point on the wall, whichever is appropriate. In the event that the trap wasn't removed, you might want to consider running cold water while you snake.

If you thrust the auger into the drain with too much force, you could end up damaging the drain entry or the tubing leading to the drain. Be patient and check to see that the snake's head and cable are not excessively large for the drain that you are attempting to snake.

5. Using the snake itself, start the process of uncoiling the snake. Maintain as close a distance as feasible between the entrance of the pipe and the handle of the snake. When there is less slack in the auger, you are able to direct a greater amount of force into the pipe.
Continue to slowly and steadily feed the line. It is possible that you have come across the blockage or merely a bend in the pipe if you experience any resistance at any time when the cable is moving through the pipe.

6. When you have reached the obstruction, continue to press while rotating the handle to move the head back and forth. You should make an effort to remove the obstruction or go around the corner, but you shouldn't force the auger into the pipe's walls. If you hear scraping noises, you need to stop what you're doing and readjust the snake. It may be helpful to make consistent push and pull actions when spinning the crank.

7. Remove the snake from the drain and then reassemble the various parts of the sink. Make sure there are no remnants of the obstruction on the auger head, and then clean it. If you had previously removed the trap arm and the p-trap, then you need to put them back in place at this stage.

8. Make sure the sink works. The obstruction ought to have been successfully removed by the snake, which should have resolved the clogging issue. You can try to repeat the process of snaking if there is still a clog after you have tried everything else. However, similar to plunging, excessive use of a drain snake can cause damage to the pipes and drains in your home. If a careful snake through didn't fix the issue, it could be time to bring in the experts.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services in Union City

Snaking is a surprisingly simple and approachable do-it-yourself job for homeowners. You should be able to remove annoying clogs from your sink, bathtub, or toilet as long as you are familiar with how to operate your snake and have the patience to manipulate your snake.

Because there are going to be moments when you just can't get through that clog no matter what you do. Don't despair! Following the removal of your snake, the next step is to get in touch with CBJ Plumbing Union City NJ. Outside of the Union City area, we can locate and clear any kind of traffic jam thanks to the expertise and equipment at our disposal.

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A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Increase the Effectiveness of Your Water Heater

10/21/2022

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Did you realize that simply heating up your water accounts for over twenty percent of the total energy cost for your home? The consumption of more energy is required for the process of heating water than practically any other domestic activity (except for heating and cooling your whole home.) If your water heater's efficiency is less than fantastic, the hefty prices you already face will hit you even harder than they would have otherwise.

Water heaters that are not energy efficient do not operate as well as they could and cause you to spend more money on a monthly basis. It's a no-win situation that has the potential to become much drier over time. The efficiency of your water heater may be improved with a number of tried and tested techniques, which is fortunate. Here are five easy DIY projects that can improve the efficiency of your water heater and save you money in the process.

Step 1: Drain Water Heater Sediment

Magnesium and calcium are two examples of minerals that might accumulate in the tank of your water heater over time. These minerals will eventually fall to the bottom of the tank, where they will become cemented and form silt. The settling of sediment in your tank might make the system work harder than it has to in order to heat the water, which is inefficient. Over time, the additional labor causes the tank to experience a buildup of pressure, which leads to overheating and possibly even ruptures. At the very least once every year, and perhaps up to three times if you have hard water, you should completely drain your water heater tank and rinse it out with cold water. This will ensure that your water heater is operating at peak efficiency.

When sediments are removed, your heater will operate much more efficiently, and you will avoid the more expensive repairs that can arise as a result of the buildup that sediments can cause. If you have the correct equipment, flushing your water heater is a fairly straightforward chore that you should be able to complete on your own. You also have the option of calling in a professional to perform this task as part of a broader call for water heater repair.

Step 2: To insulate the water pipes

Heat has a rapid dissipation rate, and this is especially true in your plumbing and water tank. Even though this is a natural occurrence, it hinders the ability of your water heater to heat water as effectively as it could. It is necessary to heat a greater quantity of water in order to compensate for the heat that is lost in the pipes of your home. When you heat more water, your water heater will have to run for longer periods of time, at a higher level of intensity, and will use more electricity. This results in an increase in the amount of money spent on your power bill. Insulating water pipes is an effective way to reduce heat loss and increase operational efficiency.

When you insulate your pipes, the heat generated by the system is contained within it, where it should be. Insulated water pipes retain heat for extended periods of time and even have the ability to boost the water temperature by 2-4 degrees Fahrenheit on their own. Even something as simple as insulating your cold water pipes can make a difference.

If you do a little bit of research beforehand, the task of insulating your pipes and water heater will not be too difficult for you. Simply choose an insulation material, take the necessary measurements of your pipes, and get started using some equipment that is already in your home, including gloves, scissors, a tape measure, and duct tape.

Step 3: Install Fixtures with a Low Flow Rate

Installing plumbing fixtures with a low water flow rate is one more simple step that can help you save money over the long term without requiring a significant amount of time or work initially. The water flow rate (in gallons per minute) is decreased by low-flow fixtures, which perform exactly what their name implies they will do. This results in less of your valuable hot water being wasted unnecessarily down the drain.

Consider switching out high-flow fixtures in your home, such as shower heads, faucets, and even toilets, with low-flow models that use up to half as much water. This will result in significant reductions in your monthly utility bills. They require an initial investment of a little more cash, but in the long term, they will save you a substantial amount of cash, which is especially beneficial if you have a family member who is renowned for taking long, hot showers.

Step 4: Set your Water Heater to 120 Degrees Fahrenheit

The fact that a thermostat is pre-installed in every water heater is something that many homeowners are unaware of. This thermostat tells the system how much heat it needs to apply in order to bring the water in the tank to the desired temperature. The higher the temperature at which your system heats the water, the longer it operates and the greater the total amount of energy that is consumed. You should check the setting on the thermostat of your water heater if the temperature of your hot water seems to be dangerously high or if it heats up extremely quickly. Turning down the thermostat on your water heater will assist to maintain the quality of your drinking water while also reducing the cost of your utility bills.

The majority of manufacturers will preset water heaters to a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit as the default setting. In point of fact, it is not safe to wash oneself or take a bath in water with temperatures higher than 120 degrees. Even though most industry professionals will agree that a temperature of fewer than 120 degrees creates an environment in which bacteria can grow in the water that has settled in the tank, you should still take care to ensure that you do not set the temperature of your water heater any lower than that. You can use this tutorial to save between three and five percent every year on your annual water bill by following the steps on how to manually lower the temperature on your water heater at home by yourself.

Step 5: Fix any Leaks in the Plumbing

Leaks in the plumbing are much more prevalent than you might believe. In addition to this, you may not realize the extent to which they impact the structure of your home. Even the smallest leakage from a faucet can waste 1,661 gallons of water per year, which can add $35 to your water bill. The amount of water that is being wasted also has an effect on your water heater. The more hot water that escapes from your pipes into the surrounding environment, the more work your water heater needs to do. This indicates that it is operating for a longer period of time, which results in greater consumption of energy. The fact that your water heater is continuously operating because it needs to make up for lost hot water is the most typical sign that there is a leak in your plumbing system. How then can you detect leaks in your water system before they empty your water tank and your wallet?

The water heater itself is frequently the source of leaks that compromise your home's water supply. To begin, check the area around the tank of your water heater for any obvious signs of leaks. Both the temperature-pressure relief valve and the drain valve are strong candidates for the origin of the leak. It's possible that the temperature-pressure relief valve is broken, in which case it will leak instead of releasing pressure (as it was designed to do). You should also inspect the water pipes themselves, paying particular attention to those that are located close to fixtures such as sinks and showers. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a "little leak" that can be ignored. Call your local plumber for assistance if you need help repairing plumbing problems or locating probable leaks in the plumbing.

Maintain your water heater by performing routine maintenance on it

It is simple to forget about your water heater, particularly when there does not (seems to be) anything wrong with it. We strongly advise you to ensure that your heater is as energy-efficient and well-maintained as is humanly possible, even if there are no leaks or other obvious causes for concern. It will help you save money on your water bill right now, and it will also help extend the overall life expectancy of your water heater.

If you need assistance ensuring that your water heater is working as well as it should, or if you would like to replace or repair your water heater, contact the plumbing experts at CBJ Plumbing Union City NJ as soon as possible to make a service appointment. If there is anything we can do to make you feel more at ease in your own home and save you money in the long term, we will do it without hesitation.

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What Caused My Sewer Line to Become Clogged?

10/14/2022

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The most significant issue that could arise with your plumbing system is most likely a clog in the main sewer line. Because there is nowhere for the wastewater to go, your entire plumbing system is effectively rendered inoperable if the sewer drain becomes clogged. The key to everything is in removing that obstruction. Even the most frightening plumbing situations are less likely to include human waste if they can be avoided. We are sorry to be the ones to break this to you, but unfortunately, yes, this does happen on occasion.

To our great relief, the majority of potentially disastrous plumbing issues can be avoided with a minimum of effort. Taking a few fundamental precautions is the most effective approach to prevent sewage from backing up into your home. If you have a sewer drain pipe that doesn't seem to be draining properly, it's probably due to one of the following three issues:

Tree Roots in Sewer Line

This is of particular importance for people who live in California, such as ourselves. In order to thrive, trees require moisture. In the event that they have less access to moisture than usual (for example, as a result of a drought), they will begin searching for water anyplace they can find it, including in your sewer system. Root tendrils as thin as human hair can squeeze through the tiniest holes or pipe fittings in your sewer drain pipe and eventually cause a lot of damage.

You shouldn't consider yourself to be in the clear simply because you don't have a large number of trees in your yard. Roots can extend to great distances. It's entirely possible that the root systems of the trees in your neighbor's yard were to blame for the sewage backup in your home. Cleaning and inspecting your sewer and drains on a regular basis are the two easiest things you can do to protect your property from damage caused by tree roots.

Sewer Clog

This is by far the most prevalent reason for sewage to back up into homes. Unfortunately, people will try to flush everything and everything down the toilet, even if it doesn't belong there. You name it: paper towels, oil, a beloved goldfish that has passed away. The problem is that when you flush stuff down your toilet that your pipes are not designed to handle, your pipes start to become clogged.

If you only see a clog in a single fixture, this indicates that the obstruction is most likely contained in a single group of pipes. That is encouraging news! If you see sewage backing up in fixtures located throughout your home or near your home's cleanout for the sewer, the clog is likely located in your main sewer line. That is a significant issue, and in order to solve it, you will require the assistance of a specialist. Be careful about what you flush down the toilet in order to avoid creating clogs like these in the first place. Never pour hot grease down a drain, and only use your garbage disposal when it's absolutely necessary.

A Sewer Line That Is Damaged Or Has Collapsed

There is nothing that will last forever, and that includes the sewer line in your home. Depending on how old your house is, the sewage line may have collapsed under the pressure of the earth piled on top of it, or it may have been built using materials that are no longer in use. Or a mix of the two of them together. While the majority of sewer lines in use today are constructed from long-lasting and heavy-duty plastic materials, this wasn't always the case in the past.

Pipes in older dwellings are typically made of either cast iron or clay. Over time, these materials could deteriorate and wear away to the point where they crack or even fall apart completely. When a collapse occurs in a sewer system, the sewage that is being processed cannot be directed anyplace else; as a result, it builds up. If you are concerned about the quality of your sewer line, you can have a skilled plumber perform a camera inspection of your pipes to see how they are currently functioning.

Cleaning and Maintenance of the Union City Sewer System

Contact CBJ Plumbing Union City NJ if you are experiencing plumbing problems in your house that may be caused by a clogged sewer. Whatever it is that you require for your sewer line, we can provide it. Even if it seems revolting, that's exactly why we're here to help.

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Blogs

How to Use a Plumber's Snake to Snake a Drain

How to operate a plumbing snake, as well as an explanation of what an auger actually is.

How to Use a Drain Snake:

Professional Drain Cleaning Services in Union City

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Increase the Effectiveness of Your Water Heater

Step 1: Drain Water Heater Sediment

Step 2: To insulate the water pipes

Step 3: Install Fixtures with a Low Flow Rate

Step 4: Set your Water Heater to 120 Degrees Fahrenheit

Step 5: Fix any Leaks in the Plumbing

Maintain your water heater by performing routine maintenance on it

What Caused My Sewer Line to Become Clogged?

Tree Roots in Sewer Line

Sewer Clog

A Sewer Line That Is Damaged Or Has Collapsed

Cleaning and Maintenance of the Union City Sewer System

Author

Archives

Categories

Blogs

How to Use a Plumber's Snake to Snake a Drain

How to operate a plumbing snake, as well as an explanation of what an auger actually is. ​

How to Use a Drain Snake: ​

Professional Drain Cleaning Services in Union City ​

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Increase the Effectiveness of Your Water Heater

Step 1: Drain Water Heater Sediment

Step 2: To insulate the water pipes

Step 3: Install Fixtures with a Low Flow Rate ​

Step 4: Set your Water Heater to 120 Degrees Fahrenheit ​

Step 5: Fix any Leaks in the Plumbing

Maintain your water heater by performing routine maintenance on it

What Caused My Sewer Line to Become Clogged?

Tree Roots in Sewer Line

Sewer Clog

A Sewer Line That Is Damaged Or Has Collapsed

Cleaning and Maintenance of the Union City Sewer System

Author

Archives

Categories

How to operate a plumbing snake, as well as an explanation of what an auger actually is.

How to Use a Drain Snake:

Professional Drain Cleaning Services in Union City

Step 3: Install Fixtures with a Low Flow Rate

Step 4: Set your Water Heater to 120 Degrees Fahrenheit