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

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.