How To Snake a Clogged Pipe

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

What Is The Best Way To Snake A Clogged Pipe?

An auger or snake can be used to clear clogged or stopped pipes. There are different snake designs for these purposes. In general, consumer-grade snakes are not as lengthy or powerful as professional augers. A homeowner should decide where to snake to clear out a blockage.

Pick an Access Point

There are several options for snaking out a drain. A homeowner can attempt to access a clog through a:

• Toilet
• Floor drain
• Drain cleanout

It may be easier to access a clog near a toilet through the floor drain. Remove the toilet and run the snake directly into the drain. The drain cleanout is usually located in a basement or crawlspace. Remove the cap with a long pipe wrench, and look out for sewage overflow.

Insert the Snake

Push the snake into the drain until you encounter resistance. This should be the cause of the clogged drain. At this point, it is necessary to penetrate the clog by:

• Hand-cranking
• Using a power drill attachment
• Breaking up or extracting the blockage

If you do not encounter resistance, the stoppage is located elsewhere. Contact a plumber to clear the line.

Test the Drainage

Try flushing a toilet and running a shower or sink to check for signs of overflow. If the pipe remains blocked, you may observe:

• Water backing up in the sink or shower
• The toilet overflowing while the shower is running
• The toilet gurgling or sputtering
• A sewer gas odor

A plumber can help to resolve the issue. In the meantime, try to limit sewer damage. Be aware that unequal pressure may result in a pipe break.
An auger or snake is more effective than a plunger. If a drain remains clogged after snaking, contact a plumber. If backups have caused sewer damage at a residence in Chicago,IL, a homeowner should contact a water damage cleanup and restoration company.