As a homeowner, there are few things more frustrating or irritating than a clogged drain. A clogged drain can be inconvenient and unsanitary, and if not handled promptly, it can lead to serious plumbing issues. Fortunately, there are ways to handle a clogged drain on your own, with the assistance of a few well-chosen home supplies from your local hardware store. The most common among these is a drain snake, a tool that can unclog your drains and help get your water drainage back to normal. Here’s everything you need to know about a drain snake and how to use one.
What is a Drain Snake?
A drain snake is also known as a drain auger. It is a metal cable coiled into a protective drum, with the cable featuring a corkscrew-like spring that can remove tough drain clogs. You can operate a drain snake by hand, making it a popular choice for any homeowner who is dealing with water drainage issues. Drain snakes and other plumbing supplies can be purchased at home supply and hardware stores.
When to Use a Drain Snake
It can be hard to know when to utilize a drain snake. However, if you are experiencing any sort of water drainage issue, such as your sink, shower, or tub drain draining slowly or not draining at all, it could be time to give a drain snake a try. Many drainage issues are caused by soft substances, such as hair or other debris, and these can be removed with the sharp end of the snake cable.
Generally, drain snakes can’t remove hard obstructions, such as jewelry items or rocks. If you suspect that a hard item has caused your drainage issue, you might need to call in the services of a plumber.
How to Unclog a Drain On Your Own
Using a drain snake is easy, even if you’ve never used one before. Here’s how to unclog a drain using a drain snake in three easy steps:
1. Put on safety glasses and gloves before you get started. Remove the access drain or P-trap from your sink or shower. Be sure to have some towels and a water bucket on hand to protect yourself from splashback and keep the surrounding area dry.
2. Extend the drain snake’s cable and push it into the drain pipe by hand. If you encounter an obstruction, stop and try to snag it with the sharp end of the cable. Slowly rotate the handle of the drain snake. This is to allow the snake to get a good grip on the obstruction so that it can be removed from the drain.
3. Retract the cable and loosen the thumbscrew. Slowly pull the cable toward you, until the drain snake and the obstruction are clear of the drain. At this point, you can remove the debris, using a paper towel or cloth. Dispose of it, and clean your drain snake before storing it.
Trust the Pros at Builders for Plumbing Advice
While it isn’t hard to use a drain snake, there are some reasons why you should reach out to a plumbing professional. If the obstruction doesn’t budge after you have used the drain snake on it, or if you think that the object is hard, you should consider contacting a plumber. Additionally, if you are concerned about any sort of strange sound or rattle in your drain, go ahead and contact a plumber.
If you need any supplies for your home plumbing or home improvement project, head to Builders! We carry a full line of supplies and tools for all your home improvement needs, including top-of-the-line plumbing accessories, and tools.
