If your snake won’t unclog a drain, there are several other methods you can try to remove the clog. First, try using a plunger. This can sometimes dislodge a clog and break it up into smaller pieces and allow it to travel through the drain.
If that doesn’t work, the next step is to use a liquid solution to try and break through the clog. Use either a commercial drain cleaner or make your own by combining baking soda and vinegar. If the clog is caused by tree roots or other large blockages, you may need to remove a section of the pipe to replace it.
If you don’t feel comfortable making these repairs yourself, it is always best to contact a qualified plumber to do the job right.
What happens if snaking a drain doesn’t work?
If snaking a drain doesn’t work, it’s likely that the clog is worse than a standard blockage and you may need to use a more powerful tool. High-pressure water jetting is one way to clean out pipes and clear away debris, but it can be expensive and can cause damage to pipes if not used correctly.
Other options include using a drain auger or an electric power auger, which can be more effective than a manual snake in tougher blockages. Additionally, you may need to consider manual cleaning by using specialized tools such as a rooter.
These tools are effective for clearing out obstructions from pipes, however, they may require a certain level of expertise and can be labour-intensive. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the affected pipes to access the clog and you may need professional help to do so.
How do you snake a stubborn drain?
To snake a stubborn drain, you will need to use a plumber’s snake, which is a length of metal cable about 1/4 inch thick with a corkscrew-shaped end. You should first turn off the water supply to the sink where the drain is located.
This should be done by turning off the water shutoffs located underneath the sink. Then, insert the plumber’s snake into the drain. Push the snake as far as it can go. As you push the snake further down the pipe, turn the crank handle on the snake to cause the cable to spin; this will help to break up the debris clogging the drain.
You may need to push the snake down and turn it several times to break up the clog. Once the clog has been cleared, make sure to remove the snake from the drain slowly, as the clog may break loose and cause debris to move up the pipe.
How do you unclog a severely clogged drain?
Unclogging a severely clogged drain can be a difficult and time-consuming task, but there are a few methods that can be effective.
The first is a combination of hot water and dish soap. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then pour it down the drain with 1/2 cup of dish soap, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. After it’s had time to work, flush the drain with hot tap water.
The second method is chemical drain cleaners. These caustic chemical products are available in retail stores and can break up even the most severe clogs. Always use protective gloves, a mask, and eye protection when using chemical cleaner, and flush the drain with hot water for at least 10 minutes once the cleaner has been applied.
If the clog remains, try using a drain snake. This is a long, flexible tool with a coil at the end that can be slowly fed into the drain to break up the clog. If you don’t have a drain snake, use a wire hanger and uncoil it.
Then, shape the hanger at the end so it has a small hook, and feed it into the drain to try to break up the clog.
If all else fails, contact a professional plumber to come and assess the situation.
Can a drain snake make a clog worse?
Yes, a drain snake can make a clog worse. The force of the snake can push clogged debris further down the pipe and into a break or a junction, making the clog even worse. Additionally, if your pipe has too sharp of a bend in it, the snake can get stuck and exacerbated clog.
It is also recommended not to use a keg spring or an old-fashioned manual snake, as they don’t have enough power to move the clog and can make the problem worse. Even electric snakes can become stuck and push clogs deeper, so it is important to use the correct type of snake for the job.
Finally, it is important to know how far the snake can safely go before it runs the risk of getting stuck and making the situation worse.
What do plumbers use to unblock drains?
Plumbers use several different methods to unblock drains. The most common techniques involve using drain snakes, augers, and plungers. A drain snake is a long metal cable with a corkscrew-like end that can be inserted into a drain to break up any clogs.
An auger is a similar tool but with a more powerful motor and a longer shaft. It can be used to cut through tougher clogs or to reach further down a drain. Finally, plungers are often used to loosen clogs and loosen any trapped air.
Plumbers may also utilize liquid drain cleaners to dissolve clogs. These cleaners should be used with caution and handled properly according to the package instructions, otherwise they may damage the pipes.
Is it better to snake a drain or use Drano?
It really depends on the situation. If you have a clog that is a result of a buildup of grease, hair, or soap scum, snaking the drain can help to break up the clog and remove it without harming your plumbing.
However, if your clog is the result of a hardened blockage, then Drano is often the better choice. It is a stronger solution capable of breaking down the blockage and should make it easier to clear the pipe.
If you are unsure of exactly what is causing the clog it is best to call a professional to assess the situation and recommend the right solution. In most cases, a combination of Drano and snake work together effectively to clear the clog and make sure the pipe is clean and functioning properly.
Do you run water while snaking a drain?
No, you should not run water while snaking a drain. Running water while snaking a drain can cause additional problems as the water will slow down the snake and interfere with the auger breaking up the clog.
Additionally, the water can push the clog further down the drain, making it more difficult to remove. When snaking a drain, the best practice is to turn off the water and make sure the sink, tub or shower is emptied of any remaining water before snaking the drain.
Do drain snakes always work?
No, drain snakes don’t always work. In some cases, they can be very effective in unclogging a drain, but there are also times when they won’t work as well. Drain snakes work best when there is a blockage caused by debris such as hair or other small items, as the snake can be used to reach further down the pipe and remove it.
However, if the blockage is caused by something else, such as a buildup of grease, a drain snake may not be as effective. It is also important to note that drain snakes are only designed for sinks, tubs and low pressure toilets, and are not necessarily appropriate for high pressure systems.
Ultimately, it depends on the individual drain and blockage, and in some cases a plumber may be needed to fix the issue.
What causes most drain clogs?
Most drain clogs are caused by a buildup of debris, such as hair, soap scum, food particles, grease, and other foreign items. Over time, these objects can accumulate in pipes or in the drain itself, causing a blockage.
In addition, certain pipes or fixtures, such as the U-bend of a kitchen sink, can trap these objects and create a clog. Clay soil, which is common in certain areas, can also adhere to pipes and cause clogs.
Tree roots that encroach into pipes can also cause blockages. In some cases, improper installation and damage to pipes, either due to corrosion or impact, can cause slow or complete blockages.
How do you get a snake past the P trap?
Getting a snake past a P trap can be accomplished with a combination of patience and carefulness. It can be tricky, but it is not impossible. The first step is to use the snake to clear out the blockage that is causing the clog in the main drain line before attempting to go past the P trap.
Additionally, make sure the water is shut off before using the snake. Once the blockage has been cleared and the water is shut off, use the snake to carefully maneuver around the bend in the P trap. Since the P trap creates a tight turn, it is important to be gentle while controlling the snake.
Doing so will help ensure that the snake does not cause any further damage to the pipes. Keeping the snake under control is key when attempting to get past the P trap. Once the snake has traveled past the P trap, you can start feeding it further against the pipe until the clog has been cleared and the water flow has been restored.
Can you use a drain snake more than once?
Yes, you can use a drain snake more than once. However, it is important to inspect the tool after each use to ensure it is still in good condition and hasn’t sustained any damage. If the snake bit has become blunt, it may need to be replaced or sharpened.
It’s also important to clean the drain snake thoroughly with warm soapy water after each use, which will help to remove any soil or material that may be stuck on the blade. Likewise, any debris must be wiped away and disposed of before you store the tool away.
Drain snakes should be stored in a dry place, as exposure to moisture can damage the tool. With proper care and regular inspection, a drain snake should be able to be used multiple times.
How long of a snake do I need for drain?
This depends on what type of snake you plan to use to unclog your drain, as different types of snakes have varying lengths. Manual snakes, which use a crank to push a metal auger down a drain, can be bought in lengths of 25′, 50′, and 100′ feet, depending on the size of your drain pipe.
Cable machines, powered by an electric motor, typically come in lengths of 25′, 50′, 75′, and 100′ feet. If you prefer to use a chemical that fills the drain and liquefies the obstruction, the size of the snake is not relevant.
In this case, you should follow the instructions on the bottle to determine the quantity of product to use.
Can you damage a pipe by snaking it?
Yes, you can damage a pipe by snaking it. When a pipe is snaked, metal augers are relentlessly forced through the curves and twists of the pipe, weakening the metal material of the pipe and thinning them out.
In some cases, the metal can become bent, perforated, punctured, corroded or even completely clogged. Additionally, stubborn clogs can be forced so deep into the walls of the pipe that manual extraction is impossible.
If left untreated, this can cause serious plumbing problems such as leaking or burst pipes, or cause your pipes to become blocked and unable to function. For these reasons, snaking should only be performed by professionals who know how to use the equipment properly and safely.
How do you unclog a tub when nothing works?
If regular home remedies for unclogging a tub don’t work, the next step is to seek professional help. A plumber who is experienced in dealing with plumbing repairs can quickly and safely unclog the tub.
The professional can come to the home and use specialized tools and techniques, such as a plumbing snake, to reach blockages deep in the drain and pull them out. Additionally, they can use chemical drain cleaners, air guns, and power augers to clear the blockage.
Vent and waste line cleaning can also help resolve the issue. If the clog is caused by a damaged or broken pipe, then the plumber can replace the pipe or perform other necessary repairs.