Unclog Your Drains and Pipes With a Plumber’s Snake

You’ve tried everything. From pouring boiling water and Drano® down the pipes to plunging away endlessly, but your drains are still hopelessly clogged. If nothing else seems to work, then you may want to consider using a plumbers’ auger. Also known as a plumbers’ snake, this tool helps break up those particularly unrelenting obstructions within your pipework. So, how do they work?

Our plumbing experts at Handyman Connection® of Grapevine can show you just what this helpful tool can do.

What Is a Plumbers’ Snake?

An auger is a hand-cranked drill used to bore holes on many different surfaces. At its tip is an inclined plane wrapped helically around an axis. On the other hand, a plumbers’ auger, also known as a plumbers’ snake, has a long coiled cord designed to extend inside pipes and bend depending on how the pipes are oriented. The hand-crank drives the snake deeper into the pipe, where it can break down a clog. In some cases, where the clog cannot be broken down, the coil can also latch onto the obstruction so the user can then pull it out.

Using a Plumbers’ Snake

Most of the time, its operation is pretty straightforward; however, you may also ask our representatives for proper instructions so you avoid making a mistake.

Insert the snake end into the clogged drain. Manually turn the drum handle to allow the cord to extend farther. When the end reaches the clogged area, you’ll notice a slight resistance as you drive the snake deeper. When you do, start cranking the drum handle. This will rotate the coil, allowing it to “drill” into the blockage. Pull out the snake, and run water for a two to three minutes to ensure proper clog removal.

Find everything you need for a successful DIY repair at Handyman Connection of Grapevine. We are your number one provider of bathroom and kitchen repair and remodeling. Give us a call at (817) 533-4333, or fill out our online contact form to request an estimate today.