Correctly Snaking a Clogged Drain

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

An auger is a coiled line in a drum body, and it typically has a spiral head on the end

Basic Four Step Process

A clogged drain is a frustrating experience because it often happens when you have limited time to deal with it. For example, you are getting ready for a meeting that you are already late for, and you notice that the bathroom sink won't drain. Thankfully, some brilliant inventors designed a tool for the job, an auger. However, most people call it a snake. It is a coiled line in a drum body, and it typically has a spiral head on the end. While it is not a complicated tool to manage, there is a basic four-step process.

1. Push
   
2. Stop
   
3. Rotate and Push
   
4. Run Water
   
   

Push
It is necessary to clean blockages because if they are left, they can lead to a pipe break, which is expensive to mitigate. Therefore, to free your pipe of this clog, you will begin by extending the coiled line into the drain. Grab the end of the snake and pull out about a foot, inserting the head into the pipe. Then continue to push the snake into the drain until you feel resistance.

Stop
When you feel a slight resistance, don't assume it is the clog. Pipes bend and turn, which means you might need to apply extra pressure on your journey to the clogged portion of the pipe. To get through some bends, rotate the handle. If the auger has stopped and won't move easily, then stop pushing.

Rotate and Push
Once at the clog, you will need to turn the handle to rotate the auger head. Gently push as you turn the handle. The spiral head should break through the clog.

Run Water
Lastly, once the auger is moving freely through the line, go ahead and retract the snake back into the housing and run the water for several minutes. If the water runs freely, congratulations. However, if the problem persists, then you might want to contact a plumbing specialist in Swannanoa,NC, to assess and resolve any underlying issues.
A clogged is a nuisance. However, a snake can save the day. Just remember to push, stop, rotate and run water.