One of the worst things about plumbing emergencies is that they don’t exactly announce their arrival. One moment, everything runs smoothly, and the next you’re standing in ankle-deep water, wondering what went wrong all of a sudden. This is where having competent and agile plumbing services in Imperial Beach at your beck and call can be the difference between a mini swimming pool in the kitchen and a swift professional reaction that saves the day.
In today’s post, we peek into the warchest of plumbing professionals to shed light on the tools of trade, specifically the ever-present drain snake. We’ll break down what a drain snake is, how it works, and when it’s time to call specialists to put it to good use.
What is a drain snake?
Also called a plumber’s snake or drain auger, this trusty piece of plumbing equipment is found in every self-respecting professional’s tool kit. While its name sounds intimidating, it’s basically a flexible, coiled metal cable. It’s nimble but robust and designed to reach deep into your pipes. On one end, it has a crank or handle, and on the other, a corkscrew-like tip that twists and turns its way through stubborn clogs. It’s fed directly into the drain and rotated with the handle to break up blockages or hook onto them so a plumber can pull them out.
It’s a more powerful and dexterous cousin of the classic toilet plunger. But unlike the plunger, which is good for surface-level clogs, the drain snake can eat up stubborn clogs caused by grease, hair, wet wipes, food scraps, and other gunk that seeps deep into your pipes.
Types of drain snakes
As a reliable and efficient tool with a long track record, the drain snake comes in a variety of shapes and styles. Depending on the type of clog and its location, you’ll need one of the following:
- Manual hand snake: Basic option for minor clogs in sinks, tubs, and showers. It’s a budget-friendly option that is found in many homes across the country.
- Toilet auger: As the name suggests, it’s specifically designed for toilet blockages. Its curved, rubber-coated tip prevents damage to porcelain while going hard on stubborn clogs.
- Drum auger: A slightly more heavy-duty option with a longer cable that can reach deep underground and usually comes with a drill adapter for extra muscle when needed.
- Power auger: These are motorized snakes used for tougher jobs. They are used by professionals to chew through tougher buildups and heavy-duty clogs.
How does a drain snake work?
One of the main reasons why a plumber’s snake is still used today, with all the high-tech gadgets available, is its ease of use. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable and efficient. Here’s what you need to do if you ever have to react quickly and professional help is not on the way:
- Insert it slowly. Don’t force it down, or you may damage the pipe or the snake itself.
- Crank while feeding. Just rotate the handle to help the tip power through clogs.
- Feel for resistance. Keep twisting until you latch onto the debris and manage to push through the clog.
- Pull it back out. In some cases, you’ll retrieve the blockage, and in others, you’ll just clear a path for water to seep through.
- Flush with water. Pour as much hot water as you can to wash away the loosened residue.
Pro tip: Always remember to wear gloves because drain snakes get messy, and you don’t want to handle the debris barehanded.
When should you call a pro with a drain snake?
While the drain snake is a powerful tool that can help you push through most blockages, there are times when you should definitely call a professional, even if you’ve become a master at snaking. For example, when:
- Clogs keep recurring in the same drain
- Multiple drains are backing up at once
- You notice strange gurgling sounds or foul odors
- Water pooling in your backyard
- Brownwater starts coming out of your system
How can I reach the best plumbing services in Imperial Beach, CA?
If you need a team that can react in an instant and do a thorough job, San Diego Emergency Plumbing should be your first call when an emergency strikes. We have all the most effective tools to deliver prompt service, time-tried tools like a drain snake to modern solutions like high-tech sewer cameras. Our team is made up of experienced and licensed professionals with an eye for detail and the ability to deal with most emergencies without disrupting your home peace.
Whether you’re dealing with coastal flooding caused by a storm surge or you need an instant response to save your belongings during an emergency, we’re always ready to act rapidly in your time of need.
Get in touch with us without delay, and you’re free to get away from the mess and relax at the Tijuana Estuary while we get to the bottom of your plumbing emergency. Call us ASAP!
