How to Use a Plumbing Snake

When it comes to effective drain clearing, a plumbing snake is one of the most versatile tools used by professionals. From clogged toilets to slow-draining sinks, a plumbing snake—also known as a drain snake or plumber’s snake—is designed to clear obstructions that standard plungers can’t handle. Here’s an in-depth look at how plumbing experts at The Plumbing Joint use a plumbing snake to tackle tough clogs, ensuring smooth, efficient, and safe results.

What is a Plumbing Snake?

A plumbing snake is a flexible auger that plumbers insert into a drain to reach and remove clogs deep within the plumbing system. Made from durable, flexible steel, the snake has a coiled metal wire at the end to “grab” or break apart clogs. Some models are hand-operated, while others are powered, depending on the severity of the clog. Plumbing snakes come in various sizes and lengths, specialized for different drains, like sinks, showers, and even toilets.

Types of Plumbing Snakes

Professional plumbers often use different types of drain snakes depending on the task:

• Hand Augers: Used for smaller clogs, particularly in sinks and tubs. These are hand-cranked and can handle minor blockages.
• Toilet Snakes: Also known as closet augers, these are designed specifically for toilets and prevent scratching porcelain surfaces.
• Electric Snakes: These heavy-duty machines are powered and used for large, stubborn clogs. They’re often employed in drain lines and sewer systems.
• Drain Cameras: Although not a snake itself, a camera attached to the end of a snake cable can help locate clogs and ensure they’ve been fully removed.

Professional plumbers select the appropriate tool based on the clog’s location, severity, and material composition. By using the right equipment, they can handle various clogging issues without causing damage to pipes or fixtures.

Step-by-Step Process: How Professionals Use a Plumbing Snake

Here’s an outline of how professional plumbers, like the experts at The Plumbing Joint, effectively use a plumbing snake to clear a clogged drain or toilet.

1. Assessing the Clog

Before inserting a drain snake, plumbers assess the situation. They determine the type of clog, whether it’s a clogged toilet, sink, or shower drain. In some cases, an inspection with a drain camera is necessary to visualize the clog and decide the best approach. This initial assessment is crucial to ensure that the correct tools are used and to avoid any further issues in the pipes.

2. Selecting the Right Snake

Choosing the appropriate type of drain snake is essential for effective plumbing repair. For example:

• Toilet clogs often require a specialized toilet snake, which prevents scratches on porcelain and is more adept at navigating the toilet’s unique shape.
• Sink and tub clogs might be addressed with a hand auger or smaller drain snake.
• Using the right tool helps prevent any unnecessary damage to pipes and ensures that the blockage is addressed directly.

3. Inserting the Plumbing Snake

With the correct snake selected, the plumber slowly inserts the device into the drain. Depending on the type of clog, they may rotate the snake by hand or use a powered auger. During insertion, plumbers are careful to move slowly and gently to avoid forcing the snake, which could damage the pipes.

This is especially crucial for older plumbing systems that may have weaker pipes susceptible to breakage. Professionals at The Plumbing Joint understand the importance of gentle, steady movements to ensure a successful drain clearing.

4. Breaking Up the Clog

Once the snake reaches the blockage, plumbers use a combination of turning and pushing motions to dislodge or break up the material. The coiled end of the snake is designed to latch onto or fragment the clog, making it easier to pull out. In some cases, the clog is dissolved or broken into smaller pieces that can pass through the drain.

For extremely stubborn clogs, such as grease build-up or hair in bathroom sinks, a powered drain snake may be used. This type of snake can generate more force, making it easier to handle heavy obstructions.

5. Clearing the Debris

After the clog is broken up, plumbers carefully retract the snake, often bringing remnants of the clog with it. They may flush the drain with water to confirm that the blockage is fully cleared. For toilets, multiple flushes ensure that the clog is entirely gone and the plumbing is back to normal.

6. Sanitizing and Testing

Professional plumbers also take steps to sanitize the area after drain clearing. This is particularly important for clogged toilets, where bacteria and pathogens are present. After clearing the drain, the area is thoroughly cleaned, and the drain’s function is tested to confirm that everything is operating smoothly.

7. Inspecting for Underlying Issues

At The Plumbing Joint, we understand that clogs can sometimes be symptomatic of larger plumbing issues, such as damaged pipes or tree root intrusion. After clearing the drain, our plumbers conduct a follow-up inspection to ensure that there are no additional obstructions or issues in the plumbing system.

Why Hire a Professional Plumber to Use a Drain Snake?

While drain snakes may seem like an accessible tool, using them incorrectly can lead to significant problems. Here’s why hiring a professional plumber to handle a clogged drain or toilet is beneficial:

• Prevents Pipe Damage: Professional plumbers are trained to operate plumbing snakes carefully, preventing unnecessary damage to pipes, especially in older plumbing systems.
• Efficient Clog Removal: Experienced plumbers can quickly diagnose clog types and select the appropriate snake, ensuring that the clog is cleared without additional damage.
• Addresses Root Causes: Professional plumbers, like those at The Plumbing Joint, assess the root cause of clogs, ensuring that underlying issues don’t lead to recurring blockages.
• Protects Your Plumbing System: With the correct techniques and equipment, plumbers avoid costly mistakes that could escalate plumbing repair needs.

Other Methods for Professional Drain Clearing

In addition to using a plumbing snake, professional plumbers have other tools at their disposal, including:

• Hydro-jetting: A high-pressure water technique used to clear stubborn clogs, especially in larger plumbing systems.
• Rooter Machines: For severe clogs caused by tree roots, specialized machines effectively remove roots without damaging pipes.
• Pipe Inspection Cameras: To precisely locate blockages and identify issues such as corrosion or pipe collapse.

These methods ensure that clogs are handled efficiently and thoroughly, often providing longer-lasting results compared to DIY approaches.

Contact The Plumbing Joint for Reliable Plumbing Repair and Drain Clearing

When it comes to using a plumbing snake or any other method for drain clearing, professional expertise matters. At The Plumbing Joint, our experienced plumbers handle clogs of all sizes, from kitchen sink blockages to stubborn clogged toilets. With our reliable tools and techniques, we’re here to provide safe, effective, and lasting solutions for all your plumbing repair needs.

Contact The Plumbing Joint today for all your drain clearing and plumbing repair needs. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your plumbing system operates smoothly and efficiently, so you can avoid inconvenient, recurring clogs.