18 Aug

What Is A Plumber Snake And How Is It Used?

plumber-snakeAre you having trouble with clogged drains? Did you know that snaking your drain is among the most effective ways to get rid of a clog? We all know that minor blockages can be eradicated by baking soda and vinegar. You can also use a plunger, too. But as we said, the most effective of all, is the use of a plumbing snake. Read on and learn more about this valuable plumbing tool!

What Is A Plumber Snake?

 

A plumbing snake is an efficient tool that’s used to eradicate clogs. It is also referred to as the electric eel or toilet jack. It has a long, flexible wire with a hook at its end and maneuvered with a crank (for handy snakes) or a motor (for professional-grade snakes). However, note that the snake is only good for clogs that are caused by shreddable obstacles like glass wool, tree roots, grease and other waste substances. Smaller obstructions may also be hooked out by the auger. Lastly, this tool also scrapes off greasy substances that get stuck to the walls of the drain pipes.

Are there types of augers?

Yes, there are. Here’s a short list with their descriptions!

1. Hand Spinner or Hand Auger

 

This type of auger is best for clearing bathtub and sink drains. However, it is not recommended for toilets because it may actually damage the smooth surface of the toilet bowl. Another reason why it should not be used for toilets is that toilet drains are quite large and the snake could get tangled inside them. Yes, you read that right. There are size restrictions when using plumbing snakes. For example, a snake with a quarter of an inch cable size should not be used to clear drains with a diameter of two inches.

2. Toilet Auger

 

The toilet auger is also referred to as a closet auger. It has a relatively shorter auger that’s hooked to a metal tube, shaped like a hook. This figure makes the toilet auger find its way easily through the toilet drain. To prevent damages on the fixture, the end of the auger is protected with a plastic boot.

3. Drum Auger

 

A drum auger is used by professional plumbers for more complex jobs. It features modular blades that suit several pipe gauges. The drum auger is powerful in cutting through tree roots that when used improperly, they can damage plastic and copper pipelines and tubing.

We hope that you learned about the use of a plumber snake through our blog today. If you need help with your drains, just call the most reliable Deale plumbers for drain cleaning services. Plumbers 911 Washington DC provides local plumbing emergency services in Deale MD including drain cleaning service in Deale MD, Deale MD faucet repair, toilet repair services in Washington DC, frozen pipe repair services in Washington DC, Washington DC HVAC services and many more! Call us now at (877) 932-5325 to schedule a service!

Keep your drains clean to prevent clogs! Watch this video to get valuable tips!

To all our friends and customers regarding COVID-19

We will get through this together To say we are living in “unprecedented” challenging times would be an understatement. We hope this finds you and your family safe and healthy. We would like to list a few pieces of information and websites that we think will be helpful for you during this time.

  • To get the most current information on the COVID-19 virus, please check the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) website at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html
  • icon showing hand under faucet with large water droplets falling on hand Please wash your hands frequently. Washing with soap and water for twenty seconds is the preferred method, however when water is not available, please use an alcohol based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • icon of person covering mouth while coughing and a border separating from displeased person close by Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from another person.
  • For those of you with children that are looking for something fun to do, there are virtual field trips you can take with your kids that are fun and educational. Here is a link: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner

Plumbers are considered essential workers during this time and we will continue to work as our number one priority is to “protect the health of the nation.” Stay well, stay safe and we will get through this together.

Your Friends at Plumbers 911

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