Understanding the Issue: The Clogged Drain
Frustration can quickly mount when confronted with a stubborn clog in your plumbing system. While plungers often provide initial relief, sometimes the blockage is too severe or deep down for it to manage with conventional methods alone.
Enter the plumbing snake – also referred to as a drain auger – designed specifically to reach deep into pipes and break up blockages that other tools cannot handle.
Differentiating Between Plumbing Snake and Plunger
Before getting your hands dirty with using a plumbing snake, it’s very important to understand when to use it. The key is to identify the type and location of the clog.
A plunger is often sufficient for smaller blockages near the surface. However, when the blockage proves resilient or is found deep in the piping system, it’s probably time to use the more powerful plumbing snake.
Decoding the Plumbing Snake (Drain Auger)
Understanding your tools when it comes to unclogging stubborn clogs is the first step to solving them successfully. A plumbing snake or drain auger is typically a flexible coiled spiral snake which can be pushed down a pipe to break up or retrieve obstructions causing the clog.
The Cable Auger
A cable auger or drain snake is typically employed to clear sink, tub, and shower blockages. Featuring a coiled snake enclosed within a spool which can be released via hand crank into the drain, its long reach enables it to break up blockages or pull them out entirely from deep within pipes.
The Closet Auger
The closet auger, in contrast, is specifically designed to tackle drain clogs in toilets. The cable of a closet auger is contained within a rigid shaft, and its hand crank is designed to be operated in close quarters, like a toilet bowl. The tip of a closet auger is often angled to better reach through the tight curves of a toilet trap.
How to Use a Cable Auger (Drain Snake) for Sink Drains
Employing a cable auger for sink drains involves a specific set of steps.
- First, insert the coiled end of the drain snake into the drain opening.
- Crank the handle to release the drain snake, guiding it into the pipe.
- Continue turning the handle until you feel resistance, indicating you’ve reached the blockage.
- Rotate the drain snake to latch onto the blockage, allowing the coil to either break it apart or pull it up.
- Once the clog is dealt with, crank the handle in the opposite direction to reel the drain snake back into its housing.
- Flush hot water down the drain to wash away any residual debris.
Using a Closet Auger for Clogged Toilets
When you’re facing a clogged toilet, here’s how you employ a closet auger:
- Place the end of the snake at the bottom of the toilet bowl, keeping the tip facing up for efficient trap maneuvering.
- Crank the handle to lower the snake into the drain pipe, keeping the drill steady.
- Continue cranking until the snake is fully extended.
- After reaching the clog, rotate the drill to break it apart. If the blockage is solid, you should retract the drill, remove the clog from the end, and repeat the process until the toilet is clear.
- Test the toilet to see if it flushes properly.
Signs You Might Need Professional Help
Plumbing snakes are useful tools, but sometimes a persistent clog requires professional intervention. If after several attempts your plumbing snake doesn’t do the trick or there is evidence of larger issues like water backing up into multiple fixtures, it might be time to contact a plumber for professional help, like Chambliss Plumbing Company.
Maintenance Tips for Plumbing Snakes and Augers
Good maintenance practices ensure your plumbing tools remain in top shape. After every use, clean and inspect for signs of wear or damage – failing to do this could leave them ineffective and unsafe for use.
Conclusion: Clogged Drain? No Problem!
With a plumbing snake or drain auger and knowledge on how to use them effectively, taking on stubborn clogs becomes manageable. While these tools should handle most situations on their own, occasionally professional assistance will be required for severe blockages.
Don’t let a clogged drain ruin your day – take control and use your tools effectively so your home’s plumbing system remains operating at maximum capacity!
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