How do I turn my plumbing snake into a corner?

Bend the end of the snake about 3 or 4 inches from the end before you insert it so it will more easily go around the corner when it encounters it. You can also try pulling back on the cable just a bit when you get to a corner.

Which direction do you turn a drain snake?

As you push the snake into the drain, rotate the handle clockwise. You may need to use both hands on the handle if you are having trouble pushing. To feel for the clog, it is a good idea to move your hands lower on the cable, about three inches above the opening of the drain.

How do you turn a snake into a pipe?

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 navigate a drain auger?

Rotate the auger cable clockwise and apply slight pressure to feed the line deeper into the drain. If the cable moves, you can continue to feed the snake into the pipe. If you can no longer feed the cable into the drain, the snake may be at the clog. Apply pressure again to push the auger tip into the obstruction.

Can a drain snake make a clog worse?

While drain snakes can be very effective in clearing certain clogs, sometimes they can actually exacerbate a problem. For example, if your pipes are old and corroded, sticking a drain snake down there can scrape off chunks of metal, making the clog much worse and damaging your pipe.

How to Snake a Drain | Step by Step DIY Plumbing | Zillow

Why won't my snake go 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 clean a drained snake after use?

With a high-bristle wire pipe brush, poke through the plumbing snake's crevices, dislodging any remaining particulate that the scrubbing brush was unable to reach. Then, run the plumbing snake through clean water to ensure that the coil is clean. Wipe it down with a rag and leave it out to dry completely.

Should 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 with a crossbars?

The crossbars are located a few inches under the stopper/strainer. If hair is wrapped around the crossbars, slice it with a utility knife and then grab it with the wire. Perhaps your clog is deeper. The drain stick can be inserted deep enough to go through the drain basket, the drain shoe, and hit a drain trap.

How do you get a snake past the trap?

How often should you snake your drain?

ANNUALLY. Even if you don't notice any specific signs that your drains are having trouble with clogs, you should do your best to have them cleaned at least once every year.

How long does it take a plumber to snake a drain?

Plumbers take about five minutes to snake a drain for clogs located near the tub, toilet, or sink. Main line sewer clogs can take hours to snake, depending on the length and number of pipes affected.

What kind of oil do you use in a drain snake?

Preserves & Protects Sewer Cables & Equipment

General's Snake-Oil Classic™ is better than common lubricants. Its special rust inhibitor cuts through moisture and replaces it with a rust resistant coating.

What is the difference between a drain snake and an auger?

Drain snakes work for smaller drains like your kitchen or bathroom sink. Drain augers tackle larger pipes like your toilet or shower drain. The snake covers lines from 1-1/4″ – 2″ range, and you'll use an auger for lines in the 1-1/2″ – 3″ range.

Can you run a snake down a shower drain?

Sometimes the best way to unclog a shower drain is with a drain snake, sometimes called a manual auger or electric auger. If it's electric, you'll need a power drill to run the plumber's snake. If it's manual, you'll have to turn the handle by hand to operate it.

Is snaking bad for pipes?

Drain Snakes and Pipes

The damage to the protective zinc can lead to significant rusting and cracking, which may lead to serious flooding in the future. The drain snake can break off pieces of metal that can add more damage. Flooding can result if pipes break during snaking.

Can a drain snake damage PVC pipes?

If you have a clogged pipe, a drain snake is a simple and cheap tool you can use to fix it. These are advertised as devices that anyone can use to unclog a drain. But if used improperly, drain augers could make the clog worse. You could jam the obstruction in there tighter, or worse, do damage to your pipes.

Can a power snake break a pipe?

The aggressive force from a snake or improper use of a power snake may lead to cracks or complete pipe breakage.

What is a hair snake?

The Hair Snake is the fast and easy way to clear clogged and slow running drains. This durable plastic tool is suitable for use in many residential drains. Plastic. For most household sink, shower and tub drains. Environmentally safe.

How do you make a homemade drain snake?