Molly Ayala
Electric drain snakes, also known as augers, are used to unclog pipes. They are made of metal wire or cable and are pushed into a drain pipe to dislodge, break up or remove a clog. Drain snakes can be handheld or freestanding, and are often powered by a large electric motor. Before using a drain snake, it is important to check if there is a drain cleaning solution in the pipe, as using an auger with chemical cleaners can be dangerous. When using a drain snake, it is important to wear gloves, and to avoid wearing loose clothing around rotating power equipment.
Using an Electric Drain Snake
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To unclog a drain |
| Mechanism | A metal wire or cable is pushed into a drain pipe to dislodge, break up or remove a clog |
| Types | Handheld augers, drum augers |
| Power | Battery-powered, electric motor |
| Length | Up to 100 feet |
| Safety | Avoid wearing gloves with rotating power equipment, use tight-fitting gloves if necessary, avoid chemical drain cleaners |
| Technique | Bend the tip of the cable downward, hand-feed it to the drop, rotate until it catches the clog, pull out to determine the cause of the clog, reinstall the trap and pour water to check success |
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What You'll Learn
Wear gloves
When using an electric drain snake, it is important to wear gloves for protection. While rubber gloves are often recommended for sanitary precautions against sewage, they are not ideal for use with a drain snake as they can get caught in the rotating coils of the machine, causing harm to the operator. Instead, opt for heavy-duty two-ply leather gloves or similar alternatives. Thick leather gloves will provide protection against unexpected kinks or loops in the drain snake and reduce the risk of entanglement.
Some people choose to wear rubber gloves under their leather gloves for added protection against sewage. This combination offers two levels of protection. Latex or nitrile gloves, such as "Ugly Gloves", can also be worn under the leather gloves for added grip and waterproofing.
It is important to select gloves that fit snugly and provide adequate protection against potential hazards. Additionally, it is recommended to wear other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles, coveralls, and steel-toed boots, depending on the specific work environment and potential risks.
Always prioritize your safety and follow recommended safety guidelines when working with electric drain snakes or similar equipment.
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Avoid chemical drain cleaners
Using chemical drain cleaners can cause more harm than good. They can negatively impact your pipes, fixtures, health, and the environment. Chemical drain cleaners can damage your plumbing system over time. They contain chemicals with hydrochloric acid or sulphuric acid, which can corrode cast iron and damage pipes. The heat generated by chemical reactions can soften or melt the plastic in PVC pipes, leading to leaks or total pipe failure. If you have older metal pipes, the chemical reaction can corrode the inside, making them brittle and prone to bursting.
Additionally, chemical drain cleaners pose a danger to children and pets. The brightly coloured bottles and harsh chemicals can attract them, leading to accidental poisoning. The fumes from these cleaners can also irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, triggering asthma or respiratory issues. Skin and eye contact with these chemicals can cause burns, severe irritation, or even blindness.
Chemical drain cleaners can also negatively impact the environment. When poured down the drain, they eventually make their way into local waterways, posing a danger to the water supply and the surrounding ecosystem.
Instead of using chemical drain cleaners, consider calling a professional plumber who can assess the issue and use safe, effective tools to unclog your drains without causing damage or risking your health and safety.
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Choose the right snake
Choosing the right electric drain snake is crucial to effectively unclogging your drain without damaging your pipes. Drain snakes come in various sizes and formats, so it's important to select one suitable for the specific clog and pipe size.
For smaller clogs in tubs, showers, and bathroom sinks, opt for a top snake, the smallest type of drain snake. Top snakes typically have around 25 feet of cable and are available in manual and automatic formats. They are perfect for minor clogs without significant buildup.
If you're dealing with a stubborn clog in your toilet, a toilet auger is the right tool. Toilet augers are specifically designed to clear toilet clogs and should be used instead of a plunger. Ensure only the head of the cable is inserted into the drain, leaving the housing visible. Crank the auger to push the cable deeper, then reverse the direction and repeat until it can't go any further.
For more extensive clogs in kitchen or bathroom sinks, a medium drain snake is recommended. These snakes use a 3/8 inch cable with 50 to 75 feet of cable length. They are ideal for cleaning out longer lines, such as those connected to a washing machine or a kitchen clog that has wound deep into the drain. Remember to remove the trap before using a medium drain snake on kitchen or bathroom sinks.
For the toughest clogs, heavy-duty drain snakes with a cable size of at least 5/8 inch and a length of 75 to 100 feet are required. These snakes are designed to clear drains that are 3 inches or larger and can handle clogs caused by landscaping roots. Always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you have any doubts about using a drain snake or need advice on the best tool for your specific situation.
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Feed the cable
To feed the cable of an electric drain snake, begin by putting on a pair of rubber gloves and pouring a small cupful of drain cleaner into the water of the blocked drain. Allow the drain cleaner to work for a few minutes before using the electric snake. Loosen the drain as much as possible before inserting the snake. Place the end of the drain snake into the drain hole.
If you are using an automatic feed system, place some of the cable down into the drain before turning on the feed, otherwise, the cable will simply spin in place. If you are forcing the cable down manually, you may feel some resistance, but this is normal. Keep working at the drain.
Keep the auger close to the plumbing opening and go slowly while feeding the cable out. Listen for the cable in the wall. You can also try going up the vent stack instead of down the drain. If you hear a sound that doesn't go away, this is usually a sign that you're in the vent. It depends on how the plumbing is in the wall.
Hand-feed the cable to the drop and then position it so that it will go down. Once it's down, let it fly and keep it as close to the pipe coming out of the wall as possible. You will most likely hit the obstruction 10-15 feet out, if not sooner.
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Reinstall the trap
Reinstalling the trap is an important step after using an electric drain snake to clear blockages in your plumbing. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Before beginning the process of reinstalling the trap, ensure that you have cleared the blockage and dislodged any debris. The trap, also known as the P-trap, is a U-shaped pipe section usually located under the sink. It is designed to trap water and create a seal, preventing sewer gases from entering your home.
First, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a pipe wrench or pliers to tighten the connections. Place a bucket under the trap to catch any residual water or debris that may fall during the reinstallation process. This will help keep your work area clean and dry.
Next, carefully align the trap back into its original position. The trap should fit snugly into the drain assembly. Use your pipe wrench or pliers to securely tighten the slip nuts at each end of the trap. Make sure that the connections are firm but be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the threads or the pipe itself.
After the trap is securely in place, it's important to test the drain to ensure that the trap is functioning properly. Slowly pour buckets of water into the basin or sink. Observe the drainage and ensure that the water flows smoothly without any signs of blockage or leakage. This step is crucial to verify that your efforts were successful and that the trap is installed correctly.
Finally, dispose of any residual water or debris that was collected in the bucket during the process. Clean up your work area, ensuring that all tools and materials are stored safely. By following these steps, you can confidently reinstall the trap and maintain the proper functioning of your plumbing system.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric drain snake is a tool used to unclog drains. It is made up of a metal wire or cable that is pushed into a drain pipe to dislodge, break up or remove a clog.
First, check if there is a drain-cleaning solution in the pipe. If there is, use the electric drain snake with caution. Then, hand-feed the cable to the drop and position it so that it will go down. Once it's down, let it fly, keeping it as close to the pipe coming out of the wall as possible. When you hit an obstruction, bend the tip of the cable so that it angles downward.
If the cable starts to twist, knot, or kink, stop rotation and slowly reverse the direction. Work the cable back into its correct shape before proceeding.
It is generally advised against wearing gloves when operating any rotating power equipment. However, with a drain auger, gloves are preferred. The gloves should be tight-fitting. You can wear thin rubber gloves under more durable gloves to protect your hands.
Clean-up after working in a drain is important as bacteria thrive in plumbing drain pipes. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners for complete clogs, as it is dangerous to use a drain snake after chemicals have been used without washing them away.
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