The Drain Snake: Your Secret Weapon Against Clogged Pipes

As residents and property owners in Auckland, clogged pipes can be an annoying and sometimes dangerous problem. At iSpecialise, we know all too well the hassle clogged drains can cause and want to provide you with a cost-effective solution. A couple of weeks ago, we looked at hydro jetters as an effective solution to clogged drains. Today, it’s the drain snake’s turn!

A drain snake is a simple tool that can quickly clear clogs without damaging your pipes or resorting to chemicals. In this article, we’ll explain how to use it properly so you can take care of clogs yourself while saving time and money. We’ll also discuss the benefits of using a drain snake as part of preventative maintenance for your plumbing system. So if you’re looking for an efficient way to deal with clogged drains in Auckland, read on!

What is a Drain Snake?

The drain snake is a very simple but effective tool used to clear clogged pipes. It’s a long, flexible metal cable that can be inserted into the clogged pipe and manipulated to break up clogs and debris. The most common type of drain snake is the auger snake, which has a curved end designed to hook onto clogs and break them up.

Types of Drain Snakes

There are several different types of drain snakes available on the market, each designed for a specific clog-clearing job. The most common type is the auger snake, which breaks up clogs in pipes. But there are also specialised snakes that can be used to unclog toilets, bathtubs, and sinks.

How Does a Drain Snake Work?

At iSpecialise, our approach to unclogging pipes involves using a drain snake. We carefully insert the snake into the clogged pipe and manually rotate it to break up and remove the blockage effectively. The end of the cable is equipped with a cutting mechanism, such as a blade or auger, that we use to grab and dismantle the clog.

Our process begins by inserting the drain snake into the pipe until it reaches the clog. Upon reaching the clog, we rotate the handle to activate the cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism then breaks up the clog, allowing water to flow freely through the pipe once again. In cases where the clog is particularly stubborn, we may need to feed the cable in and out of the pipe multiple times to break it up into smaller, manageable pieces.

By utilising this effective technique, we at iSpecialise offer a cost-efficient and timely solution to clogged pipes without using harmful chemical drain cleaners.

Contact us today to learn more about our clogged pipe services and how we can help with all your plumbing needs.

The Benefits of Using a Drain Snake

When clogged pipes happen, you don’t always need to call a professional plumber. Although we’d love your business, in many cases, you can use a drain snake to take care of clogs yourself while saving time and money. This is one of the biggest benefits of using a drain snake, but there are many more. For example, a drain snake is time and cost-efficient, has preventative maintenance, is environmentally friendly, and allows you to avoid using any harsh chemicals.

Let’s look at these benefits a little closer:

• Time and Cost Efficiency: Using a drain snake to clear clogs is faster and cheaper than using chemical cleaners or calling in a professional plumber. It’s also easy to use, so there’s no need to learn specialised techniques.
• Preventative Maintenance: As mentioned, regularly using a drain snake can help you keep clogged pipes from forming in the first place. This is especially important if you’re dealing with older pipes that are prone to clogging.
• Environmentally Friendly: The drain snake is an effective clog-buster without the need for harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes and pollute the environment.
• Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Chemical cleaners are generally not good for your plumbing system or the environment, so it’s best to avoid them when possible. The drain snake is a much safer option that will get the job done without any of the risks associated with chemical cleaners.

Common Clogged Pipe Issues

At iSpecialise, we know how much of a hassle clogged pipes can be for residents and property owners in Auckland, NZ. That’s why we offer efficient and cost-effective solutions to clogged pipes of all kinds. From grease buildup in kitchen drains to clogs caused by inappropriate flushing, our team of experienced plumbers can quickly and easily clear any clog you may have.

Here are some of the most common clogged pipe issues that we’re able to clear with a drain snake:

• Grease Buildup in Kitchen Drains: Grease buildup is one of the most common causes of clogged pipes in kitchen drains. This usually happens when people pour grease down the drain while cooking. Over time, grease clings to the sides of pipes and builds up, causing clogs.
• Hair Clogs in Bathroom Sinks and Shower Drains: Hair clogs are another common issue that can be cleared quickly with a drain snake. This happens when hair strands get tangled up and clog the pipes, preventing water from flowing freely.
• Toilet Clogs Caused by Inappropriate Flushing: Toilet clogs can be caused by things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and other items that should not be flushed down the toilet. If you have a clogged toilet, a drain snake will most likely solve the problem!
• Tree Roots Invading Sewer Pipes: Tree roots are a major issue for sewer pipes, as they can grow into the pipes and clog them up. If you’re dealing with clogged pipes due to tree roots, don’t worry—our team at iSpecialise can help! If we can’t free it with a drain snake, our hydro jetter certainly will!

How to Use a Drain Snake

If you’re keen to take a crack at using a drain snake yourself, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not complicated, but there are some safety precautions you should take before doing so.

First, wear protective gear such as gloves, boots, and eye protection when using the drain snake. This will help protect you from any potential hazards that may occur while using the tool. Additionally, you should always use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected outlet when plugging in the drain snake.

Once you’ve taken all the necessary safety precautions, it’s time to get to work. The key to using a drain snake is patience and persistence. You will need to slowly feed the cable into the clogged drain until it reaches the clog. Once you’ve reached the clog, you will then need to turn the crank handle on the drain snake to break up and dislodge the clog.

While it may seem easy to use a drain snake, it is important to keep in mind that clogged pipes can sometimes be caused by serious underlying issues. If you’re unable to clear the clog with a drain snake, it’s best to contact a professional plumber for help. Our team at iSpecialise can handle clogs of all kinds, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

DIY vs. Professional Plumbers

If you’re dealing with a clogged pipe, you may be wondering whether it’s better to take on the job yourself or hire professional plumbers like iSpecialise. While there are many DIY solutions available, these can often lead to further damage and costly repairs in the long run.

We have the necessary experience and tools to clear clogs quickly, safely, and effectively. Plus, we’re familiar with the layout of pipes and can help identify underlying issues that may be causing clogs, even if the clog itself has been cleared.

At iSpecialise, we understand clogged pipes and how to deal with them quickly and safely. We have the necessary tools and experience to tackle clogs of all kinds, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you find yourself in need of clog removal services.

Conclusion

Clogged pipes can be annoying and time-consuming, but they don’t have to be a hassle. With the right tools, knowledge, and expertise, clogs can be cleared quickly and with minimal effort.

Using a drain snake is one of the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for clogged pipes in Auckland. It’s a relatively easy tool to use, and it can help you save money by avoiding costly repairs in the future.

Finally, remember to always do your research and educate yourself on the best possible ways to safely and effectively deal with clogged pipes. With a few simple tips and the right knowledge, clog removal doesn’t have to be a hassle!