Snaging a Tough Clog With a Plumber's Snake

Most often when the toilet or sink is clogged, a plunger - either a regular-sized plunger (for toilets) or attenuated-sized plunger (for basins) can resolve any drain clog problem you are forced to deal with. There are cases, however, where the trusty plunger just won't do.

This is when a plumber's snake tool is the tool of choice. Also going by the appellations toilet jack or an auger - or additionally an electric eel - plumber's snakes remove clogs that are too impacted or sunk too deep in the drain pipe for plungers to reach. the snakes consist of an advancing wire wound around a metal reel attached to a rotating crank, which rotates and thereby unwinds the snake, advancing it and sending it forward . Its central portion turns in a corkscrew motion , which allows it to break down particles and grit that are causing the clog.

Most simple plumber's snakes are operated by hand (cranking), but the most powerful snakes are motor-operated. Some of the more high-tech plumber's snakes come with a small camera, which helps the plumbing professional analyze the problem causing the blockage. Plumber's snakes come in all lengths and thicknesses and are all designed with the goal of breaking apart excess substance that might slow down water flow in your sink, tub, or toilet drain.

Bottom line, if a conventional plunger can't clear the clog, try working with a plumber's snake. If you're unsuccessful at clearing the clog with a plumber's snake, than ask the plumber to come out and try breaking it up with a advanced auger tool, which is larger, and quicker than the augers most amateurs can purchase at the hardware store.