One of the most frequent home issues is clogged drains. Most can usually be fixed using a plunger or some boiling water, while larger obstructions require additional work and may need professional intervention from plumbers in Melbourne to correct. A drain snake, commonly referred to as a plumber’s auger or simply a snake tool, can help. Learning its use correctly could save both time and money when your sink or shower drains slowly or your toilet clogs up, but for serious plumbing issues, seek assistance from experienced Melbourne-based plumbers instead.
What Is A Snake For Drains?
A drain snake is a flexible metal wire measuring anywhere between 25-50 feet that you can feed into drains by hand or machine to break up or pull out blockages and pull clogs out by touching their blockages before pulling or pushing through them through pipes and drainage networks. There are different kinds of drain snakes; handheld models work great in sinks or bathtubs while motorised snakes work better with toilets or main lines.
When To Use A Snake To Clear A Drain
Before using your drain snake to clear a drain, it’s essential that you understand when and why to utilise its capabilities. Below is an outline of when and why using one may benefit you:
- Plungers and chemical cleaners won’t do the trick to unclog your drain.
- Your water does not drain quickly or at all.
- Are You Concerned of an Internal Pipe Obstruction? If that is what’s happening to your pipe system, check its integrity with this simple test to check.
- Once you’ve determined there are no external issues, such as blocked vents or full septic tanks, the solution lies within.
If these signs arise, investing in a drain snake might be your next best move.
Items and Tools You Will Require
- A manual or electric drain snake is necessary
- Bucket (for collecting water and trash)
- Rubber Gloves
- Old towels/rags
- Wrench (not necessary, but useful when taking off P-traps)
- Flashlight (for improved visibility, optional)
Steps Of Using A Drain Snake
Step 1: Prepare the Area
If possible, use old towels or rags around the area in which you plan to work to absorb any spills that might happen when starting work with the Drain Snake. Furthermore, put an old bucket underneath any sink traps where any water or debris might build up, should come loose when starting up work on them, as this way everything stays contained when working starts flowing freely out!
Step 2: Remove the P-Trap (for Sinks)
To get to your drain line more easily and to stop pushing clogs down further, Utilising a wrench, unscrew and take off the P-trap from underneath your sink. Use it as a wrench to free it off its clamped pipe section (P-trap). Doing this makes accessing it simpler as well as prevents further pushing of any potential blockages down further into its entirety.
Step 3: Put the Snake In
Once the trap has been removed, carefully insert one end of your snake into either the drain or pipe and slowly push in until resistance occurs; that could indicate you have hit an obstruction or blockage in its path.
Step 4: Navigating Clogs
To pass through any blockages, turn your snake’s handle clockwise until the blockage has passed by turning clockwise with it as well, which allows it to grab onto it or through it more effectively as you twist gently while applying gentle pressure as required by twisting its body clockwise and following any instructions provided from its manufacturer regarding how best to operate if the device contains motor.
Step 5: Reconnect With Snake
Gradually pull back out your snake. Be cautious not to drop hair, grease, or other junk down the drain; always place this material into a trash bag instead.
Step 6: Repeat as necessary
For any remaining obstruction, repeat these steps until your drain has cleared itself completely.
When Should You Call In Professional Plumbers In Melbourne
A drain snake may help with small clogs on its own, but repeated instances could signal larger problems with your plumbing system. Professional help should always be sought when tree roots, broken pipes or large grease deposits require professional attention – tree roots being among them! Qualified plumbers in Melbourne will assess the issue, use cutting edge fighter technology and offer lasting solutions in order to stop further issues surfacing in future.
Final Thoughts
Drain snakes offer an efficient and cost-effective solution to common plumbing issues, with many homeowners being able to clear small blockages themselves with patience and appropriate methods; but please remember that not every plumbing issue can be tackled solely, so when in doubt consult experienced Melbourne plumbers.
