A drain snake or auger is a common and useful tool that plumbers and experienced homeowners in Concord have in their arsenal for fixing plumbing problems. A snake is usually very effective at unclogging drains, whether in sinks, toilets, or bathtubs because they can dislodge the blockages deep in the drainpipe.
Unfortunately, there are some cases where the drain snake doesn’t work the way it should. If you can see that the auger isn’t going down the drain, there are several reasons for it. Here are some examples.
The snake is the wrong size.
There’s a chance you’re using the wrong snake for the job. In general, a small drum auger is all you need, and the cables in one would typically be around 15 to 25 feet long. If you’re not sure that the one you have will do for most of the drain clogs you may have to deal with, check with a plumber to find out if you need to get a different one. If it turns out you have a drain snake that’s the right size, then something else may be behind it not going down the drain.
The blockage is a big one.
When it comes to clogged drains, size does matter. It’s not just the size of the drain snake, but also the size of the blockage. If the clog is too big for your snake to handle, using a bigger snake may help. Otherwise, it may be time to call in a professional.
You’re using too much force.
We understand that it’s tempting to try and use brute strength to get a snake cable into the drain in order to get rid of the blockage. However, if you force it too much, the cable could end up bending back on itself, making it harder for you to reach the blockage and dislodge it. Getting rid of a clog calls for patience, so instead of forcing it into the drain, just extend the cable a few inches at a time until you reach the clog.
The snake is malfunctioning.
If you’ve had the drain snake for some time, there’s a high chance that it was damaged the last time you used it, or there are remnants of old clogs still attached. In either case, the snake isn’t in good working condition, affecting how well you can move it and direct it. If this is the reason, then it’s best you get a new drain snake.
Takeaway
It’s understandable that you, as a homeowner, would want to be able to handle certain home fixes on your own, and there’s no harm in learning how to take care of such problems. However, if you’re trying to unclog a drain and the snake isn’t going where you want it to, don’t stress and don’t force it. Just call a professional plumber, instead of risking making the situation worse. Find the most trusted blocked drain expert in Concord by visiting this website.