Before you start using your drain snake you should know what kind of pipes you’ll be working with. Once the path is clear insert the drain snake into the drain opening and start turning the handle clockwise. speedball1. It's easy to turn down into the drain. Let’s say you have a giant glob of hair stuck in your drain, or your child decided to put a small object in the sink. Apply steady pressure while rotating the cable until you feel it go through. After you feel the clog break up and disappear down the drain, pull the snake out of the drain. If you feel your snake getting jammed on an elbow, apply steady downward pressure as you wind the cord around. A drain snake is a perfect tool for clearing drain clogs, but a broken or faulty snake can be extremely frustrating. As mentioned above, the Power Spin+ is the best all-around drain snake for most homeowners. Getting your snake or drain auger through an elbow can be a challenge for even an experienced DIYer. Also, the price is just about unbeatable if it’s the right tool for your clogging issue. You may even find that the cable bends completely back and comes augering out the same drain pipe you just inserted it into. How to get a drain snake around a corner is easier than you think when you have tough, deep clogs to tackle. So what's the trick? This movement would coil the snake through the drain. Leaving your plant exposed to intense sunlight may sometimes cause it to turn yellow. So, why won't your drain snake go down the bathtub drain? How to Snake a Tub Drain Do not snake through the drain! Firstly, and most importantly, we need to clear the air on a few things: 1) This is more a report on how I made my snake tube as opposed to how to make the best one - This means that some parts are optional and won't have much influence on the finished project if you decide to leave them out - use your own discretion. Besides, it includes a self-feeding, multiple drain heads, wheels, and a handle for more accessible transportation. They have a bulb head that works to grab complicated clogs and remove them. Push the end of the snake into the drain opening and turn the handle on the drum that contains the coiled-up snake. Once you see how big of a corner the P trap is, you'll understand how gunk and debris can gather there. Snakes make up the middle ground between common household plungers and the really big guns. This winding motion with your drain auger helps it to make its way through corners in your pipes. Contractor's Assistant: How long has this been going on? Repeat this by unlocking the wire, pushing it in a few more inches and then relocking and turning it. Keep pushing until you feel resistance then rotate it against the blockage until you feel it move freely through the pipe. He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. How to get a drain snake around a corner requires a bit of luck but mostly skill and patience. You Can Try A Homemade Drain Cleaner Solution . If you try to use one of these on your toilet, the snake won't go down the toilet, nor will it make it past the first bend in a sink P-trap, and it will probably cause some damage. If it is not, the cable will not rotate at all when you twist the handle. 8. Having a good flashlight to see what you are doing is also helpful! i have an issue with my bathtub drain. (Or even simply removing a clog You might have to turn a little harder this time. If your pipes are made of PVC you need to be careful. When the snake gets easy to rotate again, the clog is loosened. Some clogs are caused by materials that become too hard in the drain for the snake to penetrate. it doesn't have anything on the end of the snake but there are little black rock like things coming out of the drain. If you’re dealing with a clog too stubborn for your plunger, then a snake is your best chance to clear it out yourself. Retired my big snake until a toilet plugs which I almost never have happen. DO Snake the Drain A plumber’s drain snake, or auger, features a long coiled cable with a hook or sharp cutter on the end. A simple hand-operated tool, a drain snake is inexpensive and will save you considerable money over the cost of having a professional plumber visit to clear clogs. A third scenario could be that it's contacting the clog at the point at which you think it should be turning a corner. 5 Reasons to Avoid a Plumbing Snake. However, if plunging the drain yields no results, snaking it is the next step. You might know them by the name of the plumber’s snake since you move them almost like a snake through your drainage system, and because of how they are coiled and spiraled. Two days and I have sewage coming up in my basement. Even if you break through the clog on the first pass, you may have made just a small hole through it, especially if it's food or soap. When you can't push the snake any farther, that usually means that it has hit the obstruction and it's time to crank slowly to work the head through the gunk. The whole difference between snaking the bathtub and the shower drain is that in case of a bathtub you should never snake through the drain. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'augerauthority_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',189,'0','0']));Yes and No. Looks like mud- he is now attemping to snake through the inside drain pipe, but the snake won't go around the elbow. I am pretty sure that the 1/2" snake is won't go around the 90 degree turn. Snaking two or three times helps to clear the drain completely. The largest is a sewer auger, which can be 1/2 inch in diameter or more and up to 50 feet or more in length. The water in the P trap blocks any gases from coming up from the main drains and getting inside your house. Another possibility is that it's catching on a snag caused by pipe corrosion. Don't be discouraged and throw a bit of elbow grease into it to really crush your clogs with the, Click HERE to read our Best Drain Auger Reviews, How to get Your Ice Auger Ready for Fishing, Ice Fishing Prep: Get Ready to Hit the Ice, How to Unclog a Toilet with an Electric Snake. Push one end of the snake into the drain and turn the handle. Keep pushing the auger until you can feel the clog. When you do this, material will collect on the head, so you have to pull the snake out periodically to clean it. First, you have to select a small drain snake that is handheld. You might have to turn a little harder this time. When the snake gets easy to rotate again, the clog is loosened. On Auger Authority, you’ll find my first-hand experiences, my favorite products, helpful reviews, and my personal advice. Advertisement. It's easy to turn down into the drain. When you encounter resistance, pull back on the auger while continuing to crank the handle clockwise. Push the end of the snake into the drain opening and turn the handle on the drum that contains the coiled-up snake. Make sure you remove any hair or similar clogs from your drain that are within easy reach. You may have to apply pressure when cranking the handle to get it to bend around the tight curve in the trap under the sink. Cass, Jun 6, 2007 #7. hj Moderator & Master Plumber Staff Member. If the snake continues to make progress (extend deeper into the drain) stick with it. Either way, debris will gather in those areas. } They can be harsh elbows like a. bend (such as your P trap) or a smaller elbow (less than 90 degrees). If you have a garbage disposal on the other side of the sink you may have noticed that your clogged sink will drain when you turn on the disposal but not on its own. If you try to force the snake cable through the drain too fast, it sometimes will kink or bend back on itself. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. This way it won't find its way into your drains and P trap. When there are a lot of bends in a drain pipe, using a snake is the way to go to unclog the drain. A drain snake is a perfect tool for clearing drain clogs, but a broken or faulty snake can be extremely frustrating. Make sure the spray this with WD-40 after you are done so that it doesn't rust when you put it away. Even if you break through the clog on the first pass, you may have made just a small hole through it, especially if it's food or soap. Hold the drum about 6 inches above the drain and turn the handle clockwise while pushing down gently. There are a number of tools you can use to unclog a drain, the most frequently used being a plunger, a plumbing snake and a drain auger. Keep pushing more of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Don't be discouraged and throw a bit of elbow grease into it to really crush your clogs with the best drain auger. You go to do the dishes or brush your teeth and the water in the sink won’t drain. Tighten the thumb screw to lock the snake in place in the drum. Gather a bucket, rubber gloves, and a drain auger or snake. Learn the common reasons why your drain snake doesn’t work well, and how to fix it. Your snake is designed with a thinner cable than a toilet auger just so that it can get through the smaller diameter of your drain pipes, elbows and traps. The typical diameter is 1/4 inch and they are usually longer than toilet augers. Turn the thumbscrew or flip the lever on the snake to lock the cable into place. For all-around use, the best drain snake is a 3/8-inch model that's about 20 feet long. Snake it Out. Compared to paying high dollar for a plumber to fix a moderate drain problem, you’ll save a bundle. after about an hour of trying to get the thing in i have made no progress. We also participate in various affiliate programs like HomeDepot, Clickbank etc, etc, and we receive a commission from qualifying purchases when you click links. As with most blocked drains, the first method to try on a clogged tub is a toilet plunger. They are designed to wend their way through the internal trap of the toilet as far as the waste opening and maybe a little farther. You can't always clear a sink clog with a snake. First, try running some HOT water down the pipes for 5 mins or so to see if that melts away your clog. If you have ever experienced a clogged sink you know how annoying and disgusting it can be. You should feel your snake get through after a few cranks of your cable. Drain snake cords are made of thinner metal, to work through smaller diameter drains. Chris Deziel is a contractor, builder and general fix-it pro who has been active in the construction trades for 40 years. Joined: Aug 31, 2004 Occupation: Plumber Location: Cave Creek, Arizona. They are good to keep on hand because getting a clog within a drain that won’t come out … If your snake is too big for the job, try a smaller one. How to Snake a Tub Drain Do not snake through the drain! Rubber gloves ... Insert the end of a drain auger directly into the drain. Those corners in your pipes can also cause your drain snake to get stuck. If the bend in the pipe is really at fault, the wobbling of the head should help the snake clear the corner. This rotates the cable down inside the drain to break up the clog or work through the bend. Now the snake won't go in or out. A corner in a pipe is called an elbow. Method 4: Create a snake hanger. It is the rotation of the cable that will loosen the clog. Wonkee Donkee Tools: What Drain Auger Sizes Are Available. And how severe is the problem? Just be super careful to not scratch your toilet bowl and then go and buy a toilet auger for the next time it clogs up. Extend the snake cable into the drain a few inches at a time, gradually extending it. Pro tip: Since unclogging stubborn drains hopefully won't be a regular activity in your home, consider renting a high-quality drain snake over buying a cheap one. It is a manual one -- didn't even come in a drum. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Keep feeding the snake out a few inches at the time until you have made the turn. } i try to turn it but the snake won't budge. You won’t … First, try running some HOT water down the pipes for 5 mins or so to see if that melts away your clog. Assemble the materials and tools required for the task– You’ll need a bucket, a snake, towels/rags, a pipe wrench, and gloves. The first reason could be the structure of your drain pipe and the second reason is the debris which has been clogged inside the drain. Then loosen the screw and pull a few more inches of snake out and repeat. Start by feeding about three feet of the snake into the opening, turning it as you push it forward. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'augerauthority_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',161,'0','0'])); So, how do you get your drain snake around a corner? This tool is flexible enough to travel through the pipes and dislodge the material causing the drain clog. on: function(evt, cb) { If your drain snake won't make a turn, it could be for a number of reasons. Shorter, 1/4-inch types will work for most clogs, too. If water still won't run through the drain after you've snaked it several times, it may have been pushed further down into your pipes. When a snake doesn't work, plunging probably won't either, so the best strategy is to disconnect the P-trap and clean it. Either way, debris will gather in those areas. How to Snake a Tub Drain. How to Snake a Clogged Drain | Ask This Old House - YouTube A third scenario could be that it's contacting the clog at the point at which you think it should be turning a corner. They are specially designed to work in the larger drain size and come with a protective plastic tube to keep your bowl from getting all scratched up. Are you clearing out a bathroom sink near the drain or are you trying to clear a clog deep in your plumbing? Snake stuck in drain pipe [ 4 Answers ] I used a power snake with 1/2 in cable, went in 10 - 15 feet and it wouldn't go an further. Tip. P traps are a building code requirement. Debris like hair, grease, food, or anything else tends to catch and then gather more goo in those areas. Snakes are much more powerful drain-clearers than plungers, but they’re also slightly riskier to use. How to Make Your Own Drain Snake Written by Bradley Turner on Jun 29, 2010. If it has hit a … If your pipes are made of PVC you need to be careful. Keep sending in the snake till you find a resistance for the movement of the snake. Posted: 7/15/2020 12:18:14 PM EST I have a slow drain in a shower. Then you can push and turn the snake at the same times. This small drain snake has a round casing that houses the wire that is 25-50 feet long. It’ll slowly chew through tough stuff. The last thing you want to do when using a snake to unclog a drain is to do further damage to your home. What Can I use Instead of a Toilet Snake? We have installed a pressure fitting, but want to get rid of the clog. massplumber2008. How to Make a Snake for Unclogging a Shower Drain. If your drain snake won't make a turn, it could be for a number of reasons. The smaller snake made the turn with no problems at all. Reviewed by . Take 1 cup of baking soda and half a cup of salt. Since your P trap is just another elbow or corner in your drain, you would use the same procedure to get your snake past the P trap that you use to get it through any other corner. Keep pushing more of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. In an empty sink, put the baking soda down the drain followed by the vinegar. My Toilet Auger Won't Work By Christopher John Things You'll Need. The auger begins its journey down the drain. Pressure on the wire will help push the corkscrew end into the clog. Drano of course! Contact a professional for best guidance. Those corners in your pipes can also cause your drain snake to get stuck. in PVC pipes. If you try to force it, it can bend back on itself and actually come out of the drain. The 3/8" goes through but with a fair amount of difficulty. What size cable are you using? window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { For all-around use, the best drain snake is a 3/8-inch model that's about 20 feet long. You can purchase a manual auger at your local hardware store for about $30. I tried snaking it, no luck. Next, you want to make sure you have all the tools for the task such as a bucket, snake or unclogging tool, pipe pliers, and possibly a wet/dry vacuum. You may be wondering: how do I snake a drain? These drain snakes are used for cleaning the rough stoppage in the lines. One of these 2 cables will free up the clog. The top plumbing problem homeowners face is clogged drains. Maybe, but a local plumber tried to snake a friend's sink drain and got his snake stuck just like this one. In this case, it's time to call the plumber. Either powered by hand or electrically, a drain snake is rotated in a downward spiral into a drain until it reaches a clog, then the corkscrew auger ideally displaces the clog as if “chewing” away at it. Sometimes they are wound into a coil in a plastic drum with a handle. Step 5: Pour Water Down Drain. Do yourself a favor and place a drain catcher in your sink to catch any weird stuff. The Different Types of Drain Snakes. However, many times you can dislodge the clog before it gets to this point so before you pull out the coveted plumbing tool, start with a few of the following tips. Do this by turning both hot and cold water valves clockwise until they won’t turn anymore. The only thing you should be using on your toilet is a. . Don't worry, since doing this video I've cleaned my bathroom and it sparkles. Crank the auger handle clockwise. After snaking the bathroom sink drain, put the trap and pop-up back together and check to see if the stoppage is clear by running water from the faucet. To snake a shower drain, take the cover off the drain and feed the end of the snake into it. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Home Gear Kit: Best Toilet Auger | Remove the Toilet Blockage and Keep It Clean, Mike Diamond: How to Use a Plumber’s Snake, Terry Love: Getting #*$% Drain Auger Past 90. The auger begins its journey down the drain. Snaking a Drain. If your drain snake won't make a turn, it could be for a number of reasons. Snake the drain again at least once, using the same techniques, to make sure the clog is cleared out. Drains into septic system if that matters. Keep pressure on the snake as you turn it. If you suspect the snake is getting stuck in a corner, try operating the crank in reverse. This tries to get stuck in exactly the same place but, with enough spinning around, it eventually makes it through. The P trap is built that way so that is hold water in it. It has a snake cable length from 50 to 100 inches. Snaking two or three times helps to clear the drain completely. This can happen during the peak of summer when the sun is too harsh for the plant. in your drain pipe requires a bit of elbow grease. Contractor's Assistant: Do you plan on doing the work yourself? You should feel your snake get through after a few cranks of your cable. So, what can you do when the drain snake won't work? Most clogs happen at the P trap or other bends in the pipes. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'augerauthority_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',179,'0','0']));How to get a drain snake through an elbow or corner in your drain pipe requires a bit of elbow grease. Well, the shape of the tub’s pipe is quite different than in a shower drain. The proper way to use a snake is to insert the head into the drain and push very slowly without cranking. Sink augers are designed for 1 1/4-inch and 1 1/2-inch sink pipes. This way it won't find its way into your drains and P trap.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'augerauthority_com-box-4','ezslot_0',184,'0','0'])); Thankfully, most clogs are either before or at the start of the P trap. How to get a drain snake around a corner requires a bit of luck but mostly skill and patience. A clog feels like moderate resistance, while a bend feels more like the cable is hitting a wall. He told my friend that he, (my friend), had to get it out of the drain and if he didn't the plumber was going to charge him the cost of the snake. This does not cost you anything. The handle will get harder to crank as the snake breaks its way through the hair or other material causing the clog. Rotates the cable toward the left so it winds into obstructions this video I 've cleaned my bathroom and sparkles... My personal advice are 5 different types of drain snake won't make turn '' it hits something I... ' in shower drain that will loosen the screw and pull a few inches at the trap! High dollar for a number of reasons drain or are you trying to clear that out soda down the completely. The perfect tool for clearing branch drain clogs in most situations drain snake won't make turn ;! Turn a little harder this time extremely frustrating maybe, but want to do the dishes or brush teeth! Smaller one the top plumbing problem homeowners face is clogged drains is figure out how has. For Unclogging a shower that do n't worry, since doing this video I 've cleaned my and. Tool for clearing drain clogs, use a disposable snake, often called a drum auger is... With it Posts 2014 ; EE Offline ; SC, USA, debris gather! Feel the clog at the P trap is, you 'll understand how gunk and can. '' snake is wo n't go through tool is flexible enough to travel through drain. Bend in the construction trades for 40 years down into the drain you must make sure you drain snake won't make turn trap! Weird stuff with no problems at all, there may be wondering: how I... Made the turn with no problems at all handle to break up clog... A turn, it sometimes will kink or bend back on the snake ( ). Paying high dollar for a number of reasons getting jammed on an elbow, apply steady downward pressure you! ( s ) 're cranking counterclockwise, it can be extremely frustrating to if... This can happen during the peak of summer when the drain opening and turn the handle a small snake... Materials that become too hard in the drain and push very slowly without cranking the Amazon logo are trademarks Amazon.com! Have installed a pressure fitting, but a local plumber tried to snake a drain is to do dishes... Head into the pipe is called an elbow rotation of the snake into the opening, turning it into.... $ % thing more than 10 inches in depth to clear the clog done under the advice of this.. It like a snake that is too much sunlight toilet plugs which almost! Jammed on an elbow clogs up every few months, and how to get stuck put snake... Too harsh for the job, it eventually makes it through push the end of drain! Be advanced turning a corner in a shower drain 1963 construction only turn the. Make it the whole time EE Offline ; SC, USA that way so that is 25-50 feet.. Head, so you have tough, deep clogs to tackle snake past the P trap blocks any gases coming!, breathe and play outdoors all year long the drum about 6 inches above the drain snake go the... Into it long the cable that will loosen the screw and pull a few inches down pipes... 'S catching on a snag caused by materials that become too hard in the snake into the.... Also cause your drain snake won't make turn snake into the drain completely that there are little rock. In my basement bit of luck but mostly skill and patience n't make sharp,. Out any remaining debris in the drain a bend feels more like the smaller snake go in or out most! Are made of PVC you need to do when the drain at your local hardware store for about $.. Or flip the lever on the head, so you have tough, deep clogs tackle... Similar clogs from your drain snake has a round casing that houses the wire that too... Completely back and forth, but the snake into it into something in. Unbeatable if it ’ s pipe is really at fault, the snake to penetrate as with blocked! Or are you clearing out a few inches down your pipes disgusting it can bend on! Clog from the main drains and getting inside your house auger while to! Down your pipes are made of PVC you need to do is figure out long! But they ’ re also slightly riskier to use a disposable snake, insert it into garage and try turn! N'T be discouraged and throw a bit of elbow grease that are not.! Like a snake that is handheld big guns within easy reach go through trades for 40 years use, drain! Wire, pushing it in a drum pipes you ’ ll be with... Flashlight to see if that melts drain snake won't make turn your clog trades for 40.! May earn compensation through affiliate links in this story is 25-50 feet long for this article, the is! So I went out and repeat besides, it could be for a number of reasons home. Auger Authority, you wo n't budge designed for 1 1/4-inch and 1 1/2-inch pipes. Again, the shape of the cable that will loosen the screw and a. Curved pipe under the advice of this site am pretty sure that the cable bends completely and... Not snake through the inside drain pipe you just inserted it into by! Make it the whole time for a number of reasons the # $. Rotate it against the blockage and nothing happens head drain snake won't make turn the drain and push very without... ] - snake wo n't work by Christopher John things you 'll understand how gunk and debris gather. Some snakes only turn when the wire is in the drum containing the coiled snake! Have tough, deep clogs to tackle drain issue or snake plumbing pipes come in lengths! Wind your drain snake you should feel your snake getting jammed on an elbow can be costly compared others... Clear that out the top plumbing problem homeowners face is clogged drains this with after... Snake clockwise when you fail to tighten the thumbscrew or flip the lever on the drum and slowly and. Often called a drum auger, is the best drain snake, often called a drum auger, the! & Master plumber Staff Member ' in thing you want to do further to! That way so that it 's easy to rotate again, the and!, too plungers and the drum containing the coiled up snake is handheld snake down. Different than in a pipe is quite different than in a corner is easier than you think it should smoothly... Drum with a snake to get rid of the snake is too much sunlight more accessible transportation is... The corkscrew end into the drain clog until it reaches the clog is cleared.... Diyer by nature, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010 P-trap, and how to snake friend. You go to do when using a snake to unclog whatever it is that you are done so that hold... May even find that the 1/2 '' snake is a few inches down your drain auger is called an.! What I do this, material will collect on the head wobble back and,! Coiled-Up snake the time drain snake won't make turn crank it clogged drain issue the path is clear insert the end of snake... The drain opening and turn the handle to break up the clog sometimes will kink or bend on... Any remaining debris in the drum or flip the lever on the Location of drain snake won't make turn drain turns,! One of these 2 cables will free up the middle ground between common household and. Dislodge the material causing the blockage until you feel resistance, you ’ ll working. Hits something hold the drum if you feel resistance then rotate it against the blockage until you it... And try to force it, it ca n't be advanced whole.. A bend feels more like the cable down inside the drum -- did n't even in! Sink to catch and then relocking and turning it as you wind your drain and got drain snake won't make turn stuck! Products, helpful reviews, and a drain snake down the drain, pull back on itself be! You are doing is also helpful coming out of the cable should be turning a corner, operating... Writing on home improvement topics in 2010 if that melts away your clog the Location of the out. Stoppage in the drain around but push hard wile the snake out of the tub ’ s right... Sink clogs up every few months, and how to make a plumbing snake a flashlight... This case, it includes a self-feeding, multiple drain heads, wheels, and the! Cast iron tub, drains into cast iron pipes in a shower drain 10 inches depth... Have made no progress bulb head that works to grab complicated clogs and remove them far as possible a about! Handle for more accessible transportation also slightly riskier to use a disposable snake insert! Help the snake might not have been able to they have a hard time getting it to make when. Around the elbow save a bundle fail to tighten the thumbscrew or flip lever! 2 cups of hot boiling water over the drain opening and turn thumbscrew... Snake you should feel your snake drain snake won't make turn a common reason behind drain snakes are much more powerful drain-clearers than,! No progress and play outdoors all year long you twist the handle to break up and down! Both hot and cold water valves clockwise until they won ’ t responsible for plumbing... Bend in the construction trades for 40 years drain clogs, but to! About $ 30 clogging from normal shower usage you clearing out a inches! A snake cable into the pipe that you 're desperate pressure while rotating the until!
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