Often we are asked for advice for someone who is planning to use a power plumbing snake for the first time. And the reply is usually simple: if a manual one doesn’t work, it may be time to consider when to call a professional plumber.
A power plumbing snake or a drain auger has the potential to wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Operating one of these is venturing into the world of professionals.
Whether or not you will succeed depends on how patient, controlled, and knowledgeable you are with a plumbing snake.
Following are the things that you need to understand about a power snake before trying one:
Understand what you are working with
A power snake is a very efficient piece of equipment that utilizes a cable with a motor attached. The motor can rotate at very high speeds.
Thus, unlike a regular plumbing snake, this equipment does not only serve the purpose of pushing away the clog from your pipes.
Instead, it slices, cuts, seizes, dislodges, and removes whatever is obstructing your pipes depending on the attachments used.
Move Slowly
If there is one thing that separates the professional from a rookie plumber, it is the fact that they move slowly.
Always start slowly. Let the machine handle all the hard work by feeding the cable gently into the drain. Speed only reduces control and increases the risk of damage. Professionals combine patience with expert plumbing inspection and safe drain clearing services to avoid costly mistakes.
At high speeds, the cable risks kinking, twisting, or snapping due to the pressure put on it. It also limits your ability to react in case something goes wrong. Moving slowly gives you time to assess the situation and adapt to whatever conditions may arise.
Avoid Forcing the Cable at All Times
One piece of advice that you will hear from professional plumbers is this.
Use the rotation of the machine to break the obstruction slowly instead of brute force. Forcing the cable is a sure-fire way to damage pipes and may require pipe repair services or full residential plumbing repairs later. If your pipes have already taken damage from a DIY attempt, our leak repair services in San Antonio and leak repair services in Lubbock teams can assess and fix the problem before it gets worse.
“Bite” and Kickback
When the snake bites the clog, you should expect this moment as well. You will literally feel it as the tension of the cable will rise and there might be some tugging and jerking from the side of the equipment.
It is normal, but for the first timers it can come as a surprise.
Do not lose control of the machine and do not move. In most cases you are likely to feel the torque effect – much like you would with a drill when suddenly caught.
Wear Appropriate Gloves
Surprisingly, this aspect matters greatly. Make sure to wear tight and durable gloves. If possible, use leather gloves because loose ones can easily get caught in the rotating cable.
Your gloves should be protective enough to keep your hands safe without compromising your control over the tool.
This is one reason many homeowners trust licensed and insured plumbers who provide professional plumbing solutions safely and efficiently.
Know Your Plumbing System
Not all plumbing systems are created equal. Some of them may not withstand such aggressive treatment as snaking.
For instance, if the pipe system in your house is aged and there is corrosion, you should know that both metal and plastic pipes become fragile when exposed to excessive pressure. In case your pipes belong to one of these categories, you should take additional measures. Getting a professional leak detection services in San Antonio or leak detection services in Lubbock inspection first can tell you exactly what condition your pipes are in before you attempt any DIY work.
Besides, it may happen that you will face some serious obstructions such as tree roots in main lines. To get rid of them, a different technique should be used.
In case your pipes are not in their best condition, it may be better to think twice before starting.
Do Not Snaking Blindly Further
There may be a lot of cables in a power snake that can move quite far inside your plumbing system.
It can be dangerous if you feed the entire cable without any idea of how deep the blockage is located. Ideally, you should have an approximate idea of the distance from your sink drain or toilet to the blockage site: for example, whether it is located in the main drain or some of its branches.
Clean and Retract Carefully
Clearing the clog isn’t the end point of this task. Gently retract the snake while it is rotating. Clean the snake as you pull it back out to avoid a mess.
When It Is Time to Stop
Contact a plumber if:
Your snake hits an immovable object consistently
The water does not drain no matter how many times you try
You are dealing with tree roots or collapsed pipes
Sometimes, it pays to stop earlier.
Power plumbing snake is a tool where confidence without competence will get you into trouble.
Plumbers rely on being patient, paying attention to what their equipment feels, and respecting it.
No need for a clog to ruin your day! Call Leaky’s Plumbing!
Leaky’s Plumbing offers effective services to tackle any stubborn clogs you encounter. We have state-of-the-art technology and equipment ready to clear out your pipes.
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