How to Snake Your Own Lines: A Homeowner’s Guide | Mammoth Plumbing

Clogged drains can be a real nightmare, but did you know there are ways to unclog your drain yourself? In this post, we’ll look at the best way to clear a clogged drain. We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions so you can do it yourself and get your drains running smoothly again! So, if you’ve been dealing with a clogged drain and want to save yourself some time and money, keep reading!

What Causes Clogged Drains?

One of the most common causes for clogged drains is buildup from soaps and detergents. Hair, grease, oils, and other debris that mix with soap can cause a nasty blockage in the pipes. To avoid this type of buildup, be sure to flush your drain regularly with hot water. Additionally, use detergents sparingly as too much can cause residue to build up over time.

Another potential culprit behind a stubborn clog is an object stuck in the drain. This could include anything from a toy or jewelry to a wad of hair or even food scraps. If you suspect an object is stuck in your drain, try using a plumber’s snake or auger to remove it if possible.

In some cases, tree roots may infiltrate your sewer line and cause a blockage deep within the pipe system. Tree roots are attracted to moisture and nutrients that often accumulate inside sewer lines and pipes over time, causing them to become blocked by roots growing around them as they search for more food sources. To prevent this type of infiltration from occurring or if you suspect a tree root may be the cause of your damage, call Mammoth Plumbing.

Preparing to Snake the Drain

Before attempting to use a snake, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. This includes gloves and protective eyewear, as well as your snake tool. The right type of snake will depend on the size of your pipes, so double-check before settling on one tool over another. You may also want to prepare some rags or towels in case there is any overflow during the process.

Once you have gathered your supplies, it’s time to start prepping the sink trap. Remove the trap from underneath the sink and clean out any debris or buildup that has accumulated over time. Make sure there are no blockages that could prevent water from flowing through easily after using your snake tool. If there are any blockages, remove them before proceeding further.

Before using your snake, it’s important to check that your entire plumbing system is in working order. Check under the sink and around any pipes for leaks or cracks that could be causing issues with draining water properly. If you notice any leaks or cracks, repair them before continuing with unclogging your drain with a snake.

Choosing the Right Drain Snake

When selecting your drain snake, there are several factors to consider – size, length, and material being some of them. Longer snakes offer better reach but may not fit into certain areas depending on their diameter, so make sure you measure both your pipe diameter and access points before making a purchase! As far as materials go, most snakes are made of either plastic or metal; however, metal snakes tend to be more durable and last longer than plastic ones over time. Lastly, consider whether you need an electric or manual model. Electric models are usually more powerful but cost more upfront. Check out the video below for helpful tips to consider when picking your drain snake and taking on this task yourself.

Don’t Use Too Much Force

When snaking your drain, be sure not to apply too much force as this can damage both the pipes and the snake itself. The amount of force necessary will vary depending on what material is causing the blockage and how far down it is in the pipe. Start off by applying gentle pressure and increase it gradually until you feel resistance from whatever is causing the blockage.  If you still aren’t able to make any progress after several attempts, then it might be time to call a professional plumber for help.

Clean It When You’re Done

When you’re finished snaking the drain, it’s important that you clean both yourself and your tools properly before storing them away. Be sure to wear gloves while cleaning up any debris that has been flushed out of the pipe by your snake and discard it into an appropriate trash receptacle. Once everything has been cleaned up, give your tools a good rinse with warm water before stowing them away in their proper storage location.

Don’t Overlook Maintenance

After successfully unclogging your drains with a snake, be sure not to overlook maintenance, as this can help prevent future blockages in your kitchen and bathroom sinks and toilets and showers/tub drains. A few simple tips include running hot water down all drains regularly (especially after using harsh chemicals) and keeping hairspray lids securely fastened when not in use (to prevent hair from entering drains). Additionally, pour baking soda followed by white vinegar down all drains at least once per month—the bubbling action created helps dislodge any buildup caused by soap scum or other materials!

Conclusion

Snaking a clogged drain isn’t always easy but with these tips in mind, you can tackle even stubborn blockages with confidence! Remember—always use caution when working around plumbing fixtures; use protective gear such as gloves or eye protection where necessary; and never apply too much force when inserting or pulling out your drain auger/snake as this can cause permanent damage to both pipes and tools alike! With regular maintenance practices implemented over time, hopefully blocked drains won’t become too much of an issue in the future!