Drain damage can happen to anyone’s home.
You might not think about it, but when you’re cleaning your drain, you could be destroying your home. When you pour a chemical or abrasive material down the drain, it can damage the pipes that are underneath your sink. This can lead to leaks and water damage in your home. So the question remains, can using a plumbing snake damage your pipes?
What is a Snake and How Does it Work?
A snake also called a drain cleaner or plumbing snake is a long, flexible, coiled wire cable with an auger at one end and a crank handle at the other. The auger is used to clear clogs in drains.
The flexible cable can be inserted into the drain and pushed through to clear clogs. The auger moves within the pipe to break up clogs that are caught in the pipe. As it moves through the pipe, it pushes any material that is stuck in front of it back through the pipe.
How to Use a Snake for the First Time
A snake is a plumbing tool that can be used to unclog a clogged drain. It is the most common tool for this purpose, but there are other tools that can also be used for the same purpose.
The first step is to get the snake out of the packaging and assemble it. You will need to attach the handle and attach the wire to the end of it. Next, you need to lower it into your drain and push it around until you find where the clog is located.
Once you find it, pull back on the handle and twist in order to loosen up whatever is clogging your drain. If that doesn’t work, try rotating in a different direction until something loosens up inside of your drain pipe.
How Often Should You Use a Snake?
You should only use a snake to clear clogs when the drain has been backed up for more than a day. Drain cleaner should be used when the clog is not severe and you can see it, or else you risk damaging pipes and other fixtures.
Drain cleaners are designed to dissolve clogs that are visible, like hair or soap scum. They will not work on any other kind of blockage, so if you cannot see the clog in your drain, it is better to use a snake or call a plumber.
What are the Best Ways to Prevent Clogs in Your Pipes?
A clogged pipe can cause a lot of problems to your plumbing system. It can make it difficult for water to flow through the pipes, and it can lead to leaks or flooding in your home. However, there are many ways you can prevent clogs in your drain pipes.
- Clean out drains periodically with a plunger or plumbers snake
- Flush the toilet every time you use it
- Don’t pour grease down the drain, as this is one of the most common causes of clogs
- Use cold water when possible instead of hot water, which will decrease the chance of a clog
- Use a plunger instead of using your hands to unclog a clogged drain
The Benefits of Hiring a Plumber to Fix Drain Damage
Hiring a plumber is the best way to fix drain damage. They are trained professionals who know how to identify and repair all of the most common plumbing problems, such as leaking pipes, clogs, and cracks in pipes. But there are other benefits that come from hiring a professional like them.
Plumbers are trained to fix any drainage problems quickly and efficiently, which means you won’t have to worry about sewage backup. If the problem is a broken pipe, they can also provide you with an estimate of how much it will cost.
A licensed plumber does not work out of their own home or business. They typically work for plumbing companies or institutions such as hospitals. The work they do is very hands-on, so they need to have a strong understanding of how water flows through the pipes and what makes them age. A plumber is often responsible for repairs to people’s homes or businesses, including gas lines and toilets.
If you need to hire a plumber, contact us today! We can help you out with any plumbing issues you are experiencing in your home.