Plumbing drain snake

Types of plumbing drain snakes

The plumbing drain snake tools are used to unclog the drains. The different kinds of plumbing drain snakes are as follows:

• Hand-cranked plumbing snake

  The hand-cranked plumbing snake is a cable drum machine. It consists of a spiral metal cable attached to a hand crank. The cable is inserted into the drain to remove the clogs. The drain snake's size is suitable for small drains like sinks. Its metal coil grips the clogging materials, and the plumber pulls it out. This type of snake is cost-effective and doesn't need electricity to work. However, it can be tiring to use for a long time and isn't suitable for big clogs.

• Electric plumbing snake

  An electric plumbing snake comes with a motorized crank. It is a good choice for large drains like sewer lines. Its motorized crank can quickly wind the cable, and the cable reaches deep into the drain. This snake has a powerful motor and multiple cutting tools. They can quickly clear stubborn clogs in industrial settings. This drain snake is more expensive and needs more storage space.

• Plumbing auger

  A plumbing auger is also called a toilet auger or closet auger. It is designed to clear clogs in toilets. It has a bent rod that can go through curves in the toilet's drain. Its rubber sleeve protects the toilet from damage. The metal snake can reach past the toilet's bend and remove clogs. This type of snake is good for toilets only. It can't reach other plumbing systems, and it's more costly than other kinds.

• Drain snake snake

  The drum snake is a big, heavy-duty plumbing snake. It is suitable for large pipes and main drain lines. Its spiral blade can cut through tough clogs in the sewer. It has a strong motor and durable cable. This drain snake can work continuously without damage.

• Propagation plumbing snake

  A plumbing snake is a portable, battery-powered tool. It has a flexible metal cable that can bend in narrow spaces. This plumbing tool is easy to carry and use in places without electricity. This plumbing snake is suitable for small pipes like sink drains. It is good for places with no electricity and small clogs, such as in hospitals or labs.

Design of plumbing drain snakes

• Auger Drain Snake

  The design of an auger drain snake consists of a coiled metal wire fitted onto a spiral. The coiled metal wire spins when the user operates the handle. As the coiled wire rotates, it loosens the clogs and entangles them. Eventually, the coils pull out the debris as the snake moves along the drain. The snake's body has a solid metal wire wrapped in a helical pattern. This enables the snake to flex in and out of drains. The snake's handle usually has a crank mechanism to make the coils spin.

• Toilet Auger Drain Snake

  The toilet auger has a long metal rod covered in a coiled spring. One end of the auger is a curved metal hook that can be inserted into the toilet drain. The other end has a sturdy handle that can be cranked. The design includes a bell-shaped section that prevents the snake from slipping into the drain. The snake's body is a solid metal rod bent to form curves. This allows it to reach deep clogs in the toilet bowl. The snake's head has a sharp tip that can puncture tough clogs.

• Flexi Drain Snake

  The flexi tool has a long flexible line made of metal or plastic. The line is covered in a spiral coil that can twist and bend. One end has a spiral head with several blades. The other end is a sturdy handle that can be cranked or turned. The design provides a slim, flexible tool that can reach deep into the drain. It can be bent and twisted to fit into small spaces. The spiral blades on the head break up clogs and clean the pipe walls.

Scenarios of plumbing drain snakes

Different situations compel people to use plumbing snakes to clear clogged drains.

• Household clogs

  People use plumbing snakes to clear clogged household drains like sinks, showers, and toilets. Hair strands, soap scum, food particles, and other household waste can accumulate over time and cause slow drainage or complete blockage. A plumbing snake can easily remove such clogs and restore normal flow in the pipes.

• Kitchen sink clogs

  Kitchen sink drains often become blocked by grease, coffee grounds, and food waste. When ordinary methods of unclogging fail, a plumbing snake is used to eliminate the stubborn clog and improve the sink's drainage.

• Toilet clogs

  A toilet drain may be blocked with toilet papers or foreign objects like toys. This situation necessitates the use of a plumbing snake to dislodge the blockage for proper toilet function.

• Floor drain clogs

  The floor drain in basements or laundry rooms can clog with lint, hair, and dirt. During heavy rain, a plumbing snake can also clear floor drains blocked with mud and debris to prevent water from flooding the floor.

• Outdoor drain clogs

  Outdoor drains like gutters and stormwater drains can clog with leaves, soil, and grass. Such clags can be removed using a plumbing snake to ensure proper drainage of rainwater and prevent waterlogging in the yard.

• Emergency unclogging

  At times, drains may clog unexpectedly, causing inconvenience or potential water damage. A plumbing snake provides a quick and effective solution to such emergencies, restoring normal drainage and giving peace of mind.

How to choose a plumbing drain snake

To choose the right plumbing drain snake, several factors must be considered to ensure it meets the needs and requirements. First and foremost, assessing the type of clogs that occur frequently is essential. For minor obstructions caused by hair and soap scum in sinks or showers, a plumbing snake for drains can be used. However, if the drains are often blocked by more significant issues, consider a larger drain snake machine.

Next, the size and accessibility of the pipes should be considered. Smaller pipes and tighter spaces require a flexible and compact drain snake. Conversely, a more extensive and rigid plumbing snake would suit the larger pipes. The comfort level with using manual versus automatic tools is another crucial point to consider. Manual drain snakes require more physical effort but give better control, whereas, for the motorized ones, less physical effort is needed.

Lastly, it's essential to think about the budget. Manual plumbing snakes are generally cheaper upfront but may need to be replaced more frequently. On the other hand, motorized snakes cost higher initially but save money over time by working faster and needing fewer repairs.

Q&A

Q1: What is a plumbing drain snake?

A1: A plumbing drain snake is a tool used to unclog drains. It consists of a long, flexible metal cable with a coiled tip that can break up and remove clogs in pipes.

Q2: How does one use a plumbing drain snake?

A2: To use the drain plumbing snake, insert its tip into the clogged drain, turn the handle to make it grip the blockage, and then keep turning to clear the obstruction.

Q3: What types of plumbing drain snakes are there?

A3: The main types of plumbing drain snakes are handheld snakes for small clogs, electric snakes for bigger blockages, and toilet augers specifically designed for toilets.

Q4: How can one maintain a plumbing drain snake?

A4: Clean the plumbing drain snake after every use by rinsing it with water and wiping it off with a cloth. Also, oil gently helps keep its coils and blades flexible.

Q5: Which plumbing drain snake should one buy?

A5: When choosing a plumbing drain snake, consider the size of the clogs it will tackle. Small handheld ones are good for sinks, while bigger electric ones work better for larger drains.