How to Remove a Broken Drain Snake
- Step 1. Access the area underneath the plughole you've been forcing the snake into. In most cases, this will be...
- Step 2. Adjust the straight wrench so it is the right width to unscrew the nuts holding the U-bend in place.
- Step 3. Unscrew the nuts on either side of the U-bend and pull it down and out of place. Pull the fragments of the...
- Try Snagging the Snake with a Retrieval Tip. The first option would be to try to snag the broken snake with a larger snake that has a snake retrieval tip (it kind of resembles a corkscrew that has expanded). ...
- Excavate. ...
- Contact the Professionals.
How to make a homemade drain snake?
similarly, How do you snake a shower drain yourself? Mix together 1 cup of vinegar (distilled white vinegar works best) and 1 cup of baking soda . First, pour boiling water down the drain to loosen; then follow with the baking soda-vinegar mixture and wait 15 minutes.
How much does a plumber cost to snake a drain?
On average, fixing a clogged drain with a plumber’s snake ranges from $100 to $300 in general, usually around $214 to be specific. The price will depend on the severity of the clogging and the difficulty in removing it. Also, some plumbers will charge a separate service fee for it.
How to use a drain snake the right way?
Where to Use a Drain Auger?
- Kitchen sinks which can easily become blocked.
- Toilets, as the flexible cable allows it to snake around the U-bend.
- Shower and bath drains which are often blocked with hair.
- Washing machine drains, which often get clogged due to a build-up of detergent.
- Sewer drains which can become blocked by household waste or when incorrect items are flushed. ...
How to snake the main drain?
Tools you’ll need
- Heavy-duty work gloves
- Pipe wrench
- Professional-grade auger (aka plumbing snake) (Note: These can be rented at a home improvement store.)
- Garden hose
How do you get a snake out of a drain trap?
How to Get Past Corners With Drain AugersPlace the cable of the drain auger at the beginning of the drain opening.Turn the handle for the drain auger clockwise to start the cable through the drain.Pull the cable back a little when you reach a corner by turning the handle counterclockwise.More items...
How do you get a snake out of the corner of a drain?
If you suspect the snake is getting stuck in a corner, try operating the crank in reverse. This makes the head wobble back and forth, but because you're cranking counterclockwise, it can't collect any debris. If the bend in the pipe is really at fault, the wobbling of the head should help the snake clear the corner.
Why can't I get the snake down the drain?
Too much force – When you're trying to dislodge a blockage, it can be tempting to try and force a snake cable through the drain too fast. If you force it, sometimes the cable can bend back on itself or kink. Instead of forcing the cable, extend the snake cable a few inches at a time until you reach the clog.
Can a drain snake break a pipe?
Drain Snakes Can Damage Pipes While billed as devices that are easy to use by anyone and everyone, drain snakes can be hard to manage, and if used improperly, can damage pipes. Old pipes in many homes are galvanized, or coated in zinc, which was done to prevent the pipe from rusting or corroding.
How do you get a snake out of the shower drain?
A clogged shower drain, on the other hand, is usually even easier to fix....InstructionsRemove the Shower Grate. The metal or plastic grate that covers the drain opening in the shower is usually secured with simple screws. ... Insert the Drain Snake. ... Auger With the Drain Snake. ... Extract the Drain Snake. ... Flush the Drain.
What is the difference between a drain snake and an auger?
Drain snakes work for smaller drains like your kitchen or bathroom sink. Drain augers tackle larger pipes like your toilet or shower drain. The snake covers lines from 1-1/4″ – 2″ range, and you'll use an auger for lines in the 1-1/2″ – 3″ range.
Step 1
Access the area underneath the plughole you've been forcing the snake into. In most cases, this will be underneath the basin or sink. If the snake is stuck under your bathtub, the pipes may have to be accessed through your basement.
Step 2
Adjust the straight wrench so it is the right width to unscrew the nuts holding the U-bend in place. Place a basin under the U-bend to catch excess water trapped in the pipe.
Step 3
Unscrew the nuts on either side of the U-bend and pull it down and out of place. Pull the fragments of the broken snake out of each end of the pipe, and shake any fragments out of the U-bend.
