If you've got a clogged toilet, sink or shower there are a few ways to try to get the water flowing again. A plunger is the easiest way to try to clear a minor clog, but you don't want to plunge too much.
If a clogged toilet doesn't get cleared after a few plunges, you can actually get a clog so compacted in the toilet that it has to be pulled and replaced if you get too aggressive with your plunging.
Another option that people often turn to is drain cleaners. These also need to used with caution. They can be damaging to your pipes and if you use drain cleaner first and then use a plunger, you can have chemicals splash back up on you.
The third option is a plumbing snake. These come in various shapes and sizes. There are smaller versions that the average homeowner can use with a little elbow grease and the bigger professional augers that are necessary to cut through tree roots and tougher clogs.
To know which clogs you can clear on your own and when it's time to call in a professional plumber, let's take a closer look at which clogs can be cleared with a drain snake in Springfield Missouri.
What Is A Drain Snake?
Your standard plumbing snake, also known as a drain snake or auger, is a metal cable with a curved coil at the end that digs into your clogs to loosen or remove them, allowing water to once again flow freely.
How Does A Drain Snake Work?
Start by inserting the end of the drain snake into the clogged pipe and feeding it down into the drain with your hand. You can then use the hand crank to get it deeper inside. Eventually, you will start to feel resistance as the end of the snake makes contact with the clog.
Continue pressing the drain snake deeper until it can no longer move forward. Then, move the cable side to side to embed it into the clog. Then begin to slowly crank the cable back out.
Hopefully the clog will come back out with it. If not, repeat the process.
If the drain snake jars the clog loose, you may be able to flush the clog out by running your water down the drain.
When Should I Use A Drain Snake?
Hair clogs - One of the most common types of clogs in bathroom drains is hair clogs. If you notice your sink or shower draining slower than usual, it's likely a hair clog. Using a plumbing snake can easily grab and pull out the hair clog, allowing water to flow freely again.
Food clogs - If you have a garbage disposal, it's common to experience food clogs in your kitchen sink. In most cases, you can clear the clog yourself with a plumbing snake. However, it's important to avoid putting certain types of foods down the disposal, such as pasta, rice, and potato peels, as they can create more significant clogs.
Soap clogs - Soap scum can build up in pipes over time, causing slow bathroom drains. A plumbing snake can help break up and remove the soap scum, allowing water to flow freely again.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Multiple clogs - If you have multiple clogs in different areas of your home, it's likely a more significant issue that requires professional attention. This could indicate a clog in the main sewer line, which can be a serious problem if not addressed promptly.
No improvement - If you've attempted to clear a clog with a plumbing snake but notice no improvement, it's time to call in the professionals. There may be a more severe clog or underlying issue causing the problem that requires expert attention. You don't want to damage your pipes by getting too aggressive.
Foul odor - If you notice a foul odor coming from your drains, it could indicate a sewer line clog or other serious plumbing issue. In this case, it's essential to call a professional plumber right away to address the problem before it becomes more severe.
Drain snakes are useful tools to have, but for bigger drain cleaning issues, there’s no substitute for a professional plumber’s touch.
If you don't want to tackle the messy job of clearing a toilet, sink or shower clog or you've given it your best shot and it's time to call in the cavalry, you can call on the drain cleaning professionals at United Plumbing.
We have the expertise to handle any plumbing issue you may encounter. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.