A clogged drain is a menace and an alarming sign of an imminent disaster. Whenever homeowners face a clogged drain, they usually resort to either home-based cleaners or a drain snake before having a local drain cleaning service inspect the drain.

What Is A Drain Snake?

A drain snake, also known as a drain auger, is made of either plastic or metal wires which are coiled at the end just like a snake coil itself. The snake also has a hook-like structure at the end which is used to pull the clog or break it down so it can easily flow down the drain. The function of a drain snake is that it goes down the drain and stops at the obstruction or clog and pulls it out. You will need to twist and insert it down the drain. This way you get a clear clog. Simple and efficient right? Not if you get it wrong, in which case it could make matters worse.

Problems Associated With A Drain Snake

It is true that many times a drain snake manages to pull out the clog and clear your drains but, in some instances, if the clog is stubborn, it cannot pull out but instead to pushes it further down the drain which leads to serious blockage and then you will need to get your drain fixed by a professional service.

Types Of Drain Augers

For the drain auger to work perfectly and perform its task, you will need the right type of drain auger for the specific drain.

• Toilet snakes
• Top snakes
• Mini-rooters
• Drain snakes

All of them are used for specific areas and have different sizes and designs. If you use a different snake for a different drain or purpose, then you not only fail to remove the clog and worsen it but also cause damage to your sanitary and sinks leading to scratches. Also, they could lead to scratches and cause leaks in your internal drainage pipes which means you will have to change and repair your entire drainage system and pipelines.

Experience

If you are inexperienced in handling a drain snake or never had any experience if using one before then this might be trouble for your drains. If you do not know the proper way of inserting the drain snake then you will damage the pipelines and the drains internally and also push the clog further down.

Type Of Clogs

Snaking down the drain is a quick and easy process but it only works on soft clogs such as hair clogs, soap scum, tissues, and grease or oils. Tough and hard clogs cannot be unclogged by a drain snake. Also, it is not completely efficient as it does not remove or break down the clog. The water moves downwards and you think the problems are solved but after some time you again face a clog.

When Should You Not Use A Drain Snake?

It is not advisable to use a drain snake every single time you face a clog. In some cases, you should completely avoid using the drain snake.

• If the clog is very stubborn or hard or tough then a drain snake is not a good option because then it will further aggravate the situation and push it further down.
• If you have very old pipelines, your pipelines are corroded and there is already a leak or fault in our drainage pipes then do not use a drain snake because a drain snake tends to scratch and crack through the pipes which will worsen the leaks and holes.
• If you are facing clogs in more than one drainage pipe of your house then it means that it is a serious problem and drain snakes will not solve the problem.
• If you get a bad smell from your drains then it is time you should call in an expert plumber rather than relying on the drain snake.

Conclusion

After knowing about the drain snake and its working, you now know that a drain snake can actually worsen the clogs inside your drain and also the whole drainage system. It not only tends to push the clog downwards but also can lead to leaks and cracks in your drainage pipes. If the clog is severe, leave it to drain contractors to avoid damage.