How to unclog pipes with a plumber's Drain Snake?

Your pipes are clogged? Using a drain snake to unclog the problem is an easy operation to perform. Action Bricolage advise you how to unclog your piping.

Using a drain snake to unclog your pipes.

Obstruction in piping is always the most troublesome. Whether it is the sink, the toilet, the bath or elsewhere, it is important that the insides of evacuation pipes are clear to maintain the proper evacuation. The slightest concern, therefore, requires a quick and effective solution urgently. Good news ! You can take care of it yourself without having to wait for a plumber to become available. And for that, the use of a plumber's drain snake is the best option.

When should I use the drain snake?

The snake is a very easy tool to handle but before you decide to use it, you have to determine the true source of the obstruction in your pipes. In general, there are two distinct types of blockages: organic and non- organic. For non-organic blockages, it is better to use a liquid chemical-based unblocker that will melt the clogging material. You can use an inspection camera to see what type of blockage is clogging your pipes. Organic blockages, caused by the accumulation of food residue, fat, soap scum or hair, are the type that you can unblock with the use of the drain snake. They come in different types:

• the encased drain cleaner is stiffer than a conventional cleaner and allows easy use thanks to its integrated storage case
• the cable drain cleaner with a crank handle and its highly flexible galvanized steel cable
• cable coated drain cleaner with no risk of rusting
• the drum drain unblocker for clean use thanks to its integrated storage case
• the brush drain cleaner to clean the pipes without leaving any residue
• the rigid toilet auger specially designed to unclog toilets

Follow these steps to use a plumber's drain snake properly

Step 1: Check the siphon head

This step is necessary to verify if you need to dismantle the siphon before cleaning your pipes with the drain snake or not. An angled siphon will not need to be dismantled, which is not the case with a straight or flat siphon. Before dismantling, put a basin under the trap, unscrew and remove the threaded rings, let the deposits run into the basin and dismantle the siphon.

Step 2: introduce the drain cleaner

Insert the end of the drain snake by carefully turning the crank or handle according to the type of tool you have chosen. The more you turn it, the more the tip of the snake advances into your pipeline. You must proceed slowly so that the snake does not end up stuck.

Step 3: Dislodging residue

When you feel an obstacle, increase the speed of your movement to put more pressure on the blockage. Remove the snake head regularly to clean it before reinserting it into the clogged pipe. Repeat these actions until the impurities are completely dislodged. Clean the siphon and put it back in the case. You can also use other types of drain cleaners which are discussed in another article. Find all these products on sale on www.action-bricolage.fr