You can’t snake your bathtub drain because it is likely that the drain is constructed from plastic instead of metal, which means it will be too fragile for a metal plumbing snake. Additionally, snaking a bathtub drain is not recommended even for metal pipes, since the bathtub curves and has sharp metal edges that can damage your snake if it gets tangled in them.
If you need to unclog your bathtub drain, it’s best to use chemical drain cleaners you can buy from a hardware store. These will work to dissolve clogs without harming the pipe or requiring the use of a plumbing snake.
If the clog is severe and the drain cleaner doesn’t work, you may need to contact a professional plumber.
What to do if snaking drain doesn t work?
If snaking a drain does not work, the next step is to use a plumbing auger. A plumbing auger, or a drill-style auger, uses a rotating cable to try and clear up clogs further down the drain. It is attached to a drill and is inserted into the drain where it pushes against the clog and attempts to break it up.
In most cases, this should be enough to clear the blocked drain and restore the flow of water. However, if snaking and augering do not work, then it may be time to call a professional plumber to investigate the problem further.
Can you run a snake through a bathtub drain?
No, it is not recommended that you try to run a snake through a bathtub drain because it is not designed for that purpose. Snakes, also known as drain augers, are designed to help clear clogs from sinks, showers and garbage disposals.
A snake is typically inserted into an opening that is slightly larger than the device itself, and then turned in order to break up and free the clog from the drain. A bathtub drain is typically much larger than the snake, so it will not be able to effectively break up or clear the clog.
Additionally, the device used for snaking a bathtub should be calibrated for the size of the drain and the type of material used in the tub. For best results, it is best to call a plumber for professional drain cleaning services.
How do you unclog a bathtub that won’t unclog?
The first thing you should do when unclogging a bathtub that won’t unclog is to try using a plunger to create suction and dislodge the blockage. Start by filling the bathtub with just enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger.
Insert the plunger firmly into the drain opening and push the plunger up and down a few times. If the plunger doesn’t work, you will need to remove the drain stopper and take a look at the blockage yourself.
You should also use a bucket to catch any excess water as you remove the stopper. Once you’ve removed the stopper, use a metal snake or coat hanger to try and break up the blockage and free it from the pipes.
After the blockage has been dislodged, run hot water down the drain for a few minutes to ensure that the blockage has been cleared. If the blockage is still present, you will need to use a chemical drain cleaner.
Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the product label and avoid standing water when pouring in the cleaner. If none of these measures are successful, you may need to call a professional for assistance.
How do you snake a stubborn drain?
If you’re dealing with a stubborn drain, it’s important to first understand what is causing the blockage. If it’s debris, you can use a plunger to try and force the clog out of the way. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use a plumbing snake.
This is an effective tool for clearing slow or blocked drains caused by hair and other debris. To use a snake, start by loosening the snake’s feeder nut and pushing the cable directly down the drain until it won’t go any further.
Then, slowly turn the drive handle, either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the direction indicated on the handle. This will cause the snake to spin, breaking up the clog while you slowly pull the snake out of the pipe, reinstalling the feeder nut when you’re finished.
If you’re still not able to clear the drain after using the snake method for some time, then you may need to call a professional plumber for assistance.
Can snaking a drain make it worse?
Yes, snaking a drain can make it worse. Snaking is a process that uses a long metal rope to push down into a clogged pipe to try and free it up. Unfortunately, if the pipe or the clog is too fragile, the metal rope can break the pipe or make the clog even worse.
In addition, if the metal rope is too long and is forced into the pipe, it can cause further clogs where the metal has been forced through and will create a bigger blockage. It is best to consult with a plumber if the clog doesn’t resolve with snaking, to avoid making the issue worse.
Is it better to snake a drain or use Drano?
It really depends on the nature and severity of the clog. Snake tools are usually used to remove a clog that is too deep for chemicals to break down. Snaking can be effective at dislodging blockages caused by foreign objects, grease buildup, tree roots, and calcium deposits blocking the drain.
Drano, on the other hand, is a chemical-based product, consisting mostly of sodium hydroxide and aluminum. While this is effective at removing organic debris like food, hair, and soap scum, it will not work on more severe blockages like roots or hardened grease.
Drano is also not recommended for use on metal pipes and septic tanks. For these scenarios, a snake is the better choice. Ultimately, the right tool for the job will depend on the type of clog you are dealing with.
You’ll want to seek the advice of a professional if you are not sure which option is best.
What do plumbers use to snake a drain?
Plumbers use plumbing snakes, also known as drain augers, to unclog drains. A plumbing snake is a long, flexible metal cable with a corkscrew-like end. The cable is inserted into a drain and then the corkscrew is twisted and pushed through the clog as the plumber moves it back and forth.
Plumbers can also purchase specialized plumbing snakes with different heads designed to tackle various types of blockages. These heads can include blades to cut through tough clogs, as well as ball and cup ends to pick up debris.
The use of these specialized heads will depend on the type of clog present in the drain. Plumbers may also use chemical drain cleaners to loosen the clog if the snake does not seem to be able to completely clear the line.
Do you snake a drain before or after Drano?
Whether you snake a drain before or after Drano depends on the severity of the clog. If you have a minor clog, then Drano may be enough to clear it on its own. However, if you have a more serious obstruction and can’t clear it with Drano, then snaking the drain is the best option.
Snaking involves using a plumbing snake to manually break up obstructions in the drain pipe and clear out any blockages. If you’re using Drano, be sure to first read and follow the product directions carefully.
This will help prevent any potential damage to the pipes, and ensure that you get the most out of the product. If Drano doesn’t work after a few attempts, then snaking the drain would be the next best option.
Where do you snake a bathtub?
Snaking a bathtub involves using a plumbing auger, or a snake, to dislodge clogs from a tub’s drain. Before snaking a bathtub, it is important to make sure the stopper is open so the water will drain.
After the stopper is open, start by filling the bathtub with a few inches of water, as this will lubricate the drain and make the clog easier to clean out.
Next, insert the snake into the drain opening until it reaches the clog. Turn the crank on the snake handle to twist the snake’s end and drive it through the clog. Continue turning the handle until the clog breaks up.
Then slowly pull the snake back out of the drain opening until there is no resistance, indicating the clog has been removed.
Once the clog has been cleared, flush hot water down the drain to ensure it is cleared. Test the drain by running more water into the bathtub and make sure it drains properly. If not, repeat the snaking process until the clog is completely cleared.
Do drain snakes always work?
No, drain snakes do not always work. While they can be helpful in certain situations, they are not a perfect solution for every clogged drain. Depending on the root cause of the clog, a drain snake may not be able to unclog it.
If a clog is caused by a build up of grease, a drain snake may not be able to break it up enough for water to pass through. Additionally, if a clog is very deep and is caused by a collapsed pipe or large amount of debris, a drain snake may not be long enough to reach and clear it.
In these cases, you may need to call a professional plumber to fix the clog.
How do you get a snake past the P-trap?
When transferring a snake past the P-trap, it is important to proceed with caution, as this can be a tricky process. Depending on the type of snake and the size of the P-trap, the best strategy for getting a snake past it can vary.
The most common way to get a snake past a P-trap is to use an auger or drain-clearing tool to reach as far down into the P-trap as possible, and then pull the snake through. It is important to be sure the snake is securely attached to the auger so it doesn’t slip away.
Other tools that can be helpful in getting a snake past a P-trap are a snake retrieval tool, a flexible drain cleaning whip, and a drain snake. These tools are all good options for getting the snake safely past the P-trap.
Regardless of which option is chosen, it is important to move slowly and patiently when getting the snake past the P-trap, as rushing or forcing the snake can cause damage to the P-trap or lead to the snake getting stuck inside.
Taking the time to ensure the snake gets through safely is the best approach.
Can you use a drain snake more than once?
Yes, you can use a drain snake more than once. Drain snakes are a tool used to clear clogged drains, and they’re designed to be reused as often as needed. Before using the drain snake again, however, you should always inspect it for any damage.
If you notice any wear or tear on the snake, you should consider replacing it before use. When you do use the snake again, you should also clean it off to prevent any bacteria or germs from spreading.
How do you unclog a severely clogged drain?
To unclog a severely clogged drain, the first step to take is to try using a plunger and a snake. For a plunger, first add a few inches of hot water to the sink or tub. Insert the plunger into the drain and work it firmly, up and down, in quick, forceful strokes.
This is known as plunging; it is an attempt to loosen the clog. If this does not work, then use a snake, a flexible auger with a handle, to break up the clog. You may need to feed the snake into the drain pipe a few feet.
When the snake stops, turn the handle or crank clockwise to break up the clog, then pull out the snake. This process may be difficult, depending on the size of the snake, the curvature of the pipe and the severity of the clog.
If these attempts are unsuccessful, it is likely time to call a professional. There are chemical products available to try as well, however these should be used with caution as they can be toxic and damage pipes if left in the drain for too long.
How many times do you have to snake a drain?
The answer to this question depends on several factors and it really depends on the specific situation you are dealing with. Generally speaking, you should snake a drain at least twice annually in order to help prevent a clog from occurring in the first place.
If you suspect a clog or frequently experience slow draining, then you may want to snake your drain more often. You should also consider snaking your drain if you are undergoing remodeling projects or your house is several years old and hasn’t had its drainage system maintained in a while.
In some cases, you may need to snake your drain several times in order to break up the blockage and restore normal drainage. If you are experiencing frequent clogs, then you may need to consider additional maintenance like having professional video inspection or hydro jetting done in order to better identify the issue and address it.
Ultimately, the frequency of snaking will depend on the specific situation.