Plumbing Snake

PLUMBING SNAKE

The plumbing snake is one of the more handy and time saving tools in the marketplace. It can be used to unclog sink, bathtub & most often the toilet drain. There are many models and types of the plumbing snake, also varying sizes. There are also other names for the plumbing snake, those being sewer snake, sewer auger, plumbing auger or toilet jack among others.
Some people may tell you that drain cleaner is better to use than a plumbing snake. That may be true if your pipes are not totally clogged; However the problem with using drain cleaner on a clog that has pretty well stopped all flow, is that if there are two different types are used it may cause a reaction creating a poisonous gas. As well any caustic cleaner still stuck in the pipe, when being mechanically cleaned could be very dangerous to the plumber or handyman.
In most household situations a plumbing snake that is approximately 3/8” diameter and between 15 feet & 20 feet will be appropriate. In many situations, a smaller snake or auger will be suffice, as the clog may be just in the “P” trap below the sink, toilet or tub whatever the case may be. Make sure you observe all safety precautions while using a plumbing snake such as wearing the appropriate gloves for handling a snake. You will also want to have all the proper tools and a pail or bucket to drain any leakage from the pipe or connection where your plumbing snake enters the water or sewer line. Also make sure you read the instructions that come with your plumbing snake because there may be variations of use with different makes and / or models.
The most common of the plumbing snake is the hand models available for the smaller and medium sized jobs. There are also power models available for the bigger jobs and those that require longer snakes where the clog may be in the sewer pipe between the building and the main sewer line. Either way, one of the handiest tools in the handyman trade is the plumbing snake.