Tips for Snaking a Drain

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

If you know how to snake your drain properly, though, it can also be an easy fix.

Tips for Snaking a Drain

If you have a clogged shower or sink in your home in Oak Highlands, TX, it helps to have a plunger handy. Sometimes, however, the plunger doesn't do the trick. If you have a clog that you can't plunge clean, try using a drain snake. Here are a few tips for using one effectively.

Identify the Cause

It's helpful if you know what is clogging your drain before you stick the auger down in it. If it gets too compacted, it could weaken the pipe and eventually cause a pipe break. There are several common causes of clogs:

• Hair
  
• Greasy food particles
  
• Soap residue
  
• Mineral buildup
  
  

Solid objects may offer resistance to the auger until they're broken up, allowing them to be pulled out. Loose particles may break up and simply wash down the drain.

Thread the Auger Firmly

Insert the auger and slowly crank it to move the snake down the drain. You don't want to jam the auger quickly into your clogged pipe, but don't be surprised if you have to apply a little pressure to get it past the pipe's bend. You may also need to apply pressure to break up the clog once the tip of the snake reaches it.

Test With Water Blast

Water remediation experts recommend that you test to see if the drain is open after you have snaked it to avoid an overflow. Even if you are able to pull out the objects that have stopped up the pipe, you still need to test to see if the job is done. Turn the water on as high as it will go to flood the pipe. If the clog is gone, it should drain quickly and easily. If the water takes a long time to go down the drain, try snaking the drain again.
A clogged pipe can be a nuisance. If you know how to snake your drain properly, though, it can also be an easy fix.