5 Things You Need to Effectively Snake Your Drain
Can we let you in on a little secret? Minor plumbing clogs don’t always require professional help. While we love coming to our customers’ rescue, we also love saving you money with DIY solutions whenever possible. Whether you are struggling with a clog in the kitchen sink, shower drain, or toilet, one inexpensive plumbing tool can likely help solve your plumbing problems. Say hello to the drain snake.
What is a drain snake?
A drain snake (also called an auger) is a plumbing tool that is readily available at most hardware or home improvement stores. it is used by inserting a metal cable into a drain to dislodge blockages in pipes and clear clogs.
How to use a drain snake
In order to get the most out of the drain snake, there are a few tricks you should be aware of. Before you start the de-clogging process, continue reading for five things you need to effectively snake your drain.
- Make sure you have the right tools. For starters, the right drain snake. There are many available on the market today, ranging from basic drain snakes to electric options. If you are new to the plumbing scene, we recommend sticking with the simple choice. When in doubt, give Waldman Plumbing a call or ask an employee at the local hardware store.
- Read up on how to use a drain snake tool. Drain snakes are simple to use, but you can cause unwanted damage to your pipes if you aren’t careful. To get the most effective work from the drain snake, gently insert it into the drain and slowly push until you feel resistance. Once resistance is met, rotate the drain snake until you feel the device continue without obstruction into the pipe.
- Have hot water handy. Most blockages will unclog by using the steps above. Some clogs will break up and make their way through the plumbing system, while others will come out with the drain snake upon removal from the drain. Either way, we recommend flushing a healthy amount of hot water down the drain to ensure the clog has been removed in its entirety.
- Prepare a DIY concoction if necessary. If the drain is still draining slow after the initial attempt with the drain snake, you might need to try again. For stubborn clogs, a home remedy mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water should do the trick. Prepare this DIY concoction, pour it down the drain, cover the drain plug and wait 5-10 minutes. Then, attempt to run hot water down the drain again.
- Avoid harsh chemicals. We caution most homeowners against using liquid or gel drain cleaner as these chemicals can wreak havoc on plumbing pipes and actually result in more damage than the initial clog.
Professional drain cleaning in The North Shore
A drain snake is a simple tool that’s relatively easy to use for most homeowners. However, if your attempts of using a drain snake and DIY concoctions don’t work and you’re still dealing with the headache of a clogged drain, contact Waldman Plumbing and Heating, Inc. for professional drain cleaning services. To schedule an appointment with a licensed plumber, call (781) 780-3184 today.