Using a drain snake isn’t all that difficult. However, we’ve outlined some tips to help ensure that you’re successful.
When it comes to home plumbing issues, even small problems can quickly become huge plumbing emergencies. This is why it is great to have a plumber you can trust on your speed dial, just in case. But it also nice to have some tools handy to tackle the issue yourself if needed. In these situations, a one-size-fits-all, magic bullet tool would be great. Unfortunately, it doesn’t exist – though many people think that the drain snake comes close. While there is lots that a drain snake (or auger) can do, there is also a lot it can’t do.
What Can It Do
A simple hand-crank drain snake is something you can pick up in most commercial tool stores, or even online, and it is a great tool to have in your toolkit in addition to sink and toilet plungers. The way a drain snake works is that you send the coil down the drain until it finds the clog. Then you rotate it and it either pushes the clog through or anchors into it and you can pull it back out when you retract the coil. These tools are very good for removing basic clogs like tangles of hair. In fact, they are much better than chemical drain cleaners and you won’t run the risk of damaging your pipes like you might with the chemicals.
What Can’t It Do
While the drain snake works well with basic clogs, the bigger ones will be an issue. It just doesn’t have the power to push through a huge clog. It also doesn’t thoroughly clean the drain, it simply breaks up the clog enough for water to push through (some of the debris will still be there and may build up and clog again sometime in the future). In these situations, you need to call in a professional. They have similar tools, except they are motorized so they have the power to deal with large clogs. A professional plumber will also have tools to actually clean the pipes. So even if you personal drain snake gets the water flowing again, it is always a good idea to call in a professional to make sure the clog is really gone.
Call Mahon Plumbing Today
If you’re ready to see how an upgrade can help your home, the experts at Mahon plumbing are here to help. Mahon Plumbing has been serving the Baltimore region’s plumbing needs since 1994. We’re ready to offer quality plumbing services and gas installation for both commercial and residential uses. Our tracks and employees are ready to handle the toughest of jobs.
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