The plumbing system of every house is essential to the comfort of the residents. If any of the drain is clogged, such as in the kitchen, shower, laundry room, or bathroom, then you have a huge problem in your hands.
Your first instinct would be to fix the problem yourself. But if the clogging issue runs too deep that a normal sink or drain auger cannot handle, then you need to use a plumber’s snake.
What is a plumber’s snake?
A plumber’s snake is also referred to as a drain snake, as well as an auger, and sometimes as a toilet jack. It is a slim twist-drill that is very flexible and sturdy. This tool is designed to unclog drains, dislodge clogs, clear clogged sanitary sewers, and free congested pipes. Often, a plumber’s snake is the last resort in case a typical plunger cannot take care of a burdensome clog.
As an auger, the plumber’s snake is crafted using a metal material that is spiraled in shape to achieve its greater purpose. The coiled metal is transitioned into a lengthy cable with a hook at the end that is capable of breaking down difficult clogs.
However, unlike regular spirals, the plumbing snake has a broader gap in its coils. The metal spiral is connected to a heavy duty hand crank, which is used to turn the helix in order to remove the clog in the drain, sewer, or pipe.
How does a plumber’s snake work?
The plumber’s snake works by breaking the obstacles inside a clogged plumbing system. It can handle all kinds of clogged items such as glass wool and tree roots. It shreds the barrier into pieces, allowing the flow of water to commence.
The operator of the plumbing snake rotates the hand crank in order to release the metal coil and hook and start clearing away the barrier in the plumbing system. As the handle is turned, the metal spiral starts to uncoil until the operator feels like the obstacle is reached, and then more pressure is put into the task to allow the plumbing system to be free from the barrier.
4 different kinds of snake auger
A plumber’s snake has four different variations. Their functionality is quite the same, but they vary in some aspects. But no matter their differences, there is no doubt that the invention of an auger snake helped revolutionize the plumbing system industry.
- Hand Spinner or Hand Auger- mostly used for bathroom drains and kitchen sinks for commercial or residence. This kind of drain snake is not compatible for the resolution of toilet clogging.
- Toilet Auger or Closet Auger – designed with a short auger that comes with a hook-shaped end. This auger is short because the typical clogging in the toilet happens in the bowl trap. And the cable is enough to breach the barrier and destroy it.
- Drum Augers – this is a robotic auger that is designed with interchangeable blades. It can handle snaking of different pipes. A drum auger is perfect for a sewer pipe blockage since it can shred tree roots. However, if used wrongly, this plumber’s snake can cause damage to the pipe, regardless if the pipe is made of copper or plastic.
- Roto Rooter – Samuel Blanc invented this kind of auger in 1933. It is also perfect for handling tree roots as a pipe blockage and other related barriers. The Roto Rooter is equipped with blades and cable that rotates simultaneously as they cut through the pipe blockage.
How to safely use a drain snake
No matter what type of a plumber’s snake you wish to use, the core usage of this tool is the same. The instructions are simple, and following them ensures a safe process. And when you’re ready to use the drain snake, don’t forget to wear rubber gloves, mask, and old clothes. The whole process can be messy, so be ready.
- Take out the P-trap from the drain using a wrench, or even with the use of your hands.
- Position the hook of the drain snake into the mouth of the clogged drain, pipe, or toilet.
- Rotate the crank handle and push the plumber’s snake into the hole. Keep pushing until you can feel the barrier. Remember to not rush the process of uncoiling the snake.
- Once you feel the pressure of the barrier, move the drain snake up and down in order to breach the obstacle and break them down. Take note to pay attention to the scraping sound. If the plumber’s snake is in contact with the wall pipe wall, reposition the snake immediately.
- Pull the drain snake from the pipe, toilet, or drain without rotating the crank. The blockage would be resolved by then.
- Allow water to run through the pipe for a couple of minutes until you are sure that the barrier is gone.
- Once the issue is completely sorted out, replace the P-trap and safely store the plumber’s snake in a secure place.
If for the first try the barrier is not breached, then repeat the simple steps until you succeed. Also, when you pull out the drain snake, there’s a possibility that the blockage will come out too.
Once your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room is back to normal with a working plumbing system, be more cautious in your usage. Take note to always have a filter for your drains and sinks. Never allow eggshells, coffee grounds, beans, nuts, oil, and other residue to go down your pipe.
Final say
A plumber’s snake is an integral tool for the plumbing system. It is ideal to have one at home, but always follow the correct instructions on how to use it. But in any case that you find the clogging issue too much to handle, you can always count on an emergency plumbing service near you. Choose the best plumbers in your area and give them a call right away to resolve the clogging issue. With a professional plumber’s help, your plumbing is back to good condition in no time.