3 Steps to Snake a Clogged Pipe

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Water damaged bathroom due to a broken pipe in Garner,NC

A drain auger or snake is a coiled metal spiral about a quarter-inch thick with a handle that has a hand-crank or drill attachment. If plunging does not clear a clogged pipe, you may want to try this tool. A snake is not difficult to use, and may clear a stopped pipe without the need for a plumber. Here are three simple steps to snake out a drain.

1. Insert the Snake

Put the auger down the sink drain and continue to push more of the length in until you encounter resistance. The sharp curve of the sink trap may pose an early challenge. Apply pressure while cranking to make the snake bend and proceed down the pipe toward the blockage.

2. Push Until You Encounter Resistance

Continue feeding the snake down the sink drain until you encounter more resistance. This should be the cause of the clogged drain. Now it is time to crank or drill the snake.

3. Drive the Snake Through the Clog

Some augers require cranking by hand to rotate the tip. Other designs have an attachment for a power drill. Soft clogs tend to get broken up by the snake and go down the drain. Solid clogs may get caught in the auger head. If twisting does not gradually become easier, try pulling up the snake. The head may have captured a solid clog.

Run water down the affected drain for several minutes to make sure the clog is completely clear, and then clean off the snake. Homeowners may want to purchase an auger or snake, but you can also rent this equipment from home improvement retailers.

Contact a plumber if you cannot clear a clogged drain yourself or experience a pipe break. If a sewer backup causes damage in your home in Garner, NC, you should also hire a residential water damage restoration service.