Many homeowners experience problems with their drains becoming clogged up, from small inconveniences to major plumbing issues. While different tools are effective at clearing away clogs, drain snakes are most useful in clearing away stubborn obstructions. In this post, we discuss what a drain snake is, its functions, the various varieties available, and why every household should own at least one to help break through tough clogs quickly and efficiently.
What Can A Drain Snake Do?
A drain snake (also referred to as a plumbing snake or auger) is an essential tool used to unclog drains and sewer lines of obstruction. Made up of long flexible metal wire with coiled ends that can be placed into drains by hand or machine to reach stubborn blockages that regular plungers cannot. As its long, flexible body moves through pipes, its twisted ends grab onto any blockages, which then can be pulled free or broken apart to restore normal water flow again.
Learning About Different Kinds Of Drain Snakes
There are various kinds of drain snakes designed to clear away specific kinds of clogs or lines, making knowing about all your options essential in selecting the most suitable snake for your specific needs:
- Handheld Drain Snake W/25-Foot Cable
This handheld drain snake works wonderfully for clearing small clogs in sinks, tubs, and baths. Easy to use and move by hand makes them great DIY plumbing projects; its 25-foot cable should clear most residential blockages quickly.
- Toilet Auger
Wrench A toilet auger is specifically designed to work in toilets and features shorter, stiffer wires than standard drain snakes to navigate its way around bendy plumbing without damaging its intricate system. It’s an invaluable asset for people whose toilets frequently get blocked up.
- Powered Drain Snake (Runs On Electricity Or Batteries)
For serious clogs, it may be necessary to invest in a powerful drain snake. These tools come equipped with either an electric or battery-powered motor that turns its cable, giving more force against tough obstructions. Plumbers frequently utilize such snakes when dealing with deeper and harder-to-reach jams.
- Drain Snake With A Camera (Also Called Pipeline Inspection Camera)
Some drain snakes feature an attached video camera, enabling people (or plumbers) to see inside a pipe and identify what may be blocking it. This type is typically only utilized by professionals to tackle tough plumbing problems.
Why A Drain Snake Should Be Included In Every Home?
Drain snakes are essential tools for maintaining proper pipe operation in any home and should, therefore, be included as standard equipment: they offer various uses that benefit not only their owner but the whole community as a whole. Every household should own at least one.
- Cost-Effective Solution
Calling in a plumber for every minor clog can add up, which can save money by owning a drain snake and fixing simple drain problems themselves, saving on call-out fees. A mobile drain snake doesn’t cost much either, and after just a few uses, it can pay for itself!
- It Can Handle Many Types Of Clogs
Drain snakes can be used with toilet augers to clear out toilet drains, sinks, spas, and showers alike – even those in remote locations! They’re extremely effective at clearing jams caused by hair, grease, or soap scum build-up that chemical cleaners simply can’t reach down into deep pipes to clear. Chemical cleaners might only reach so far, while drain snakes reach further down pipes to unclog even tough jams.
- Choose What’s Good For The Environment
As an environmentally-friendly alternative to using chemical drain cleaners, which contain harmful corrosive ingredients that could damage lines over time and leach into our water supply, drain snakes may be better choices as they use mechanical force instead of harmful chemicals to unclog drains clogs, so it’s better for both our environment and pipes.
- Quick And Convenient To Use
Drain snakes provide an efficient and straightforward method for clearing away clogs quickly. Rather than waiting around for an on-call plumber to arrive, these devices allow users to address problems right away without waiting days or weeks for professional plumbers. Drain snakes can especially come in handy during sudden drain clogs that interrupt daily life, such as shower drain clogs in the middle of the morning rush or kitchen sink stoppage while you prepare dinner.
- Prevents Major Plumbing Problems
Regular use of a drain snake to clear away small jams can help prevent them from worsening into more costly repairs later. Debris that accumulates over time in pipes can slow or stop drainage altogether, placing increased strain on plumbing systems that could ultimately result in expensive fixes down the line. By clearing away clogs as soon as they appear, you can keep your plumbing healthy while saving yourself expensive fixes costs!
Conclusion
Every individual should own at least one essential plumbing tool: a drain snake. Not only can this tool unclog clogs easily and cheaply, it also saves homeowners both hassle and cost by helping to manage plumbing maintenance themselves without hiring outside help – learning to use one correctly is also invaluable in keeping their systems in top shape!