Table of Contents
Can I snake my own drain?
For smaller clogs, snaking your own drain is possible. Routine, minor sink clogs from hairballs or food remnants are typically located in the U-shaped trap directly below the sink or only a few feet deeper in the drainpipe. They may be cleared by using a light-gauge, hand-operated auger.
How do you snake a drain without a snake?
Put in your drain stopper, turn on the hot water and let it pool in the sink. Add one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar to the water and remove the stopper. The hot water, baking soda, and vinegar will flow down the pipes and help eliminate minor clogs.
How do you make a snake unclog a drain?
You can also make your own drain snake at home with a pipe cleaner or a wire hanger. Cut a 2-liter bottle into a spiral with “teeth” in it, which is a very effective and cheap alternative to store bought drain snakes. Wet and dry vacuums are powerful appliances with a lot of suction.
Can a drain snake break a pipe?
Drain Snakes Can Damage Pipes While billed as devices that are easy to use by anyone and everyone, drain snakes can be hard to manage, and if used improperly, can damage pipes. Old pipes in many homes are galvanized, or coated in zinc, which was done to prevent the pipe from rusting or corroding.
Can’t get the snake down the drain?
Too much force – When you’re trying to dislodge a blockage, it can be tempting to try and force a snake cable through the drain too fast. If you force it, sometimes the cable can bend back on itself or kink. Instead of forcing the cable, extend the snake cable a few inches at a time until you reach the clog.
How do you unclog a drain if a snake doesn’t work?
If the auger still doesn`t work, call a plumber. If you can`t remove an obstruction in a sink drain by using an auger inserted into the drain, tackle the clog through the U-shaped trap under the sink. Set a bucket under the trap.
What do plumbers recommend for unclog drains?
A combination of baking soda and vinegar produces a bubbling reaction that can work to loosen a clog. After using baking soda and vinegar, it’s a good idea to flush the drain with hot water. This helps remove the clog and remaining residue from the pipes.
How do I clear the main drain line in my house?
Claim your home to stay up-to-date of your home’s value and equity. Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. Step 2: Open the cap and let the buildup drain out. Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe. Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond. Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable.
What is the best for clogged drains?
Best Overall Drain Cleaner: Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover. Best Drain Cleaner for Hair Clogs: Liquid Plumr Clog Destroyer + Hair Clog Eliminator. Best Enzymatic Drain Cleaner: Bio Clean. Best Monthly Build-up Remover: CLR Clear Pipes & Drains.
How do you get a snake out of a drain trap?
The proper way to use a snake is to insert the head into the drain and push very slowly without cranking. If you try to force it, it can bend back on itself and actually come out of the drain. Push gently and slowly, and if the auger is the right one for the job, it should slide smoothly through the pipe.
How do you snake a drain with a hanger?
Clog, Be Gone! Step 1: Remove the shower drain plug or cover. Step 2: Look in your closet for a wire hanger—you’re going fishin’! Step 3: Stick the hook end into the shower drain hole as far as it will go, rotating the hanger as you push it down. Step 4: Repeat Step 3 until the hanger comes out clean.
Can you use a snake on PVC pipe?
PVC pipes are an improvement over cast-iron pipes, because they have smooth walls that don’t allow debris to cling, so if you have to clear a clogged drain deep in the pipe, you can usually do it with a plunger or drain snake.
Can a drain snake break a PVC pipe?
If the bottom of the pipe or fittings are missing this can cause the snake to catch and break the pipe. It can also cause the equipment to get stuck. Broken PVC pipe is another issue with drains. If PVC is installed correctly there is usually no issues.
How far should a drain be from a snake?
When to Snake a Drain Use a drain snake when your sink, shower, or tub drain is draining slowly or is not draining at all due to soft clogs located up to 15 to 25 feet down the line.
Can you snake Orangeburg pipe?
A smaller auger will not damage the pipes, IF they are still “round” enough for it to go through the opening, although it will not clear the pipe completely. If it is a typical Orangeburg sewer, you have root infiltration every 10′ and at every fitting.
