October 01/2021
How to Snake Your Own Drain
A clogged drain is easily among the top three most common plumbing issues. The consequences of a clogged drain can range from a nuisance to devastating water damage. If you are experiencing slow drainage, foul odors, or water or sewage backups, then you might need to grab a drain snake quickly! In this article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey, we will go over how to snake your own drain. If you prefer a professional drain cleaning for long lasting results, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey to schedule an appointment or arrange an emergency dispatch. Our live representatives are on standby to take your call now.
The Tools You Will Need
For this job, you will only need a drain snake and a large bucket to place under your drain. Also make sure to put on protective gear such as gloves and a mask when dealing with gray or black water.
A drain snake, or drain auger, is a long cable with a hook, bulb, or drill on one end to catch debris. The other end of the device will have a crank or handle to extend and pull the cable. The thickness of typical cables range between ¼ inch to 3/8 inch with lengths varying widely. They can be bought at your local hardware store at a reasonable price.
If you are in a rush or do not have the means to purchase an auger, you can put together a makeshift drain snake with a metal clothes hanger. Unravel and straighten the clothes hanger and duct tape clothe to the ends. This will protect your hands and the drains from damage.
Let’s Start Snaking!
If there is a screen or obstruction covering the drain, then remove it. Next, slowly push the cable into the drain, turning the handle clockwise as you push. Keep your grip about two or three inches from the mouth of the drain to control the motion. You might hear scratching, but this is likely the cable moving around a curve in the drains. Once you hit a strong resistance, you may have hit the blockage. Push in and back out to feel for weight on the auger. Push back in until you puncture through, then pull the auger back out slowly, making sure not to lose the debris hooked on the end. If the blockage is extremely tough, you can pour hot water into the drain before snaking. This should soften the debris.
Consider This Method
If you can not do the grunt work involved in drain snaking, you can try using a homemade concoction. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the drain. This should fizz and break apart the blockage. Then pour hot water into the drain to flush it down.
Get A Professional Drain Cleaning for Long Lasting Results
Unclogging the drain is nowhere near as effective as a professional drain cleaning. Our qualified plumbers in Ocean Township have the equipment to safely and thoroughly clear out the blockage so that you do not have to deal with the clog again any time soon.
