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Plumbing Snake

A clog in the drain is a very common problem in every household. The plumbing snake is the most convenient and cheapest tool for solving this problem. It easily slips into the pipe and can reach the clog through all the bends and twists and release it easily.

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The device is also called a plumber`s snake and the procedure is very simple and does not require any expertise. But before you begin cleaning the drain, you should equip yourself with some basic cleaning material like a rag, warm water, soap and a pair of rubber gloves. The gloves will protect your hands from any infection that may be caused through the mess that comes out of the drain.

There are two versions of the plumbing snake: the old model operated by hand and the deluxe model that can be fixed to an electric drill. The plumbing snake has a cable which is rolled inside a bell-shaped housing with a handle and a knob. At the outside the snake has a stiff wire in the shape of a cone attached to the cable. As you turn the wire into the drain the cable unrolls itself, and hence it is called a plumbing snake. Never buy models which have plastic components, as they are brittle and break easily.
If the clog is in a sink where you can access the drain trap, check the trap first. But if the clog is not reachable, and you have tried other methods of unclogging it in vain, the plumbing snake is the best solution.

The plumbing snake is also called a plumber helper, because it makes your job easy. You just need to insert the snake into the drain and push it in slowly as far as it goes. As soon as the coil cannot go any further, all that you have to do is to tighten down the thumbscrew which holds the cable, and holding on to the handle firmly just crank the snake around so that it can find the right direction. If you crank clockwise the snake manages to go ahead along the bends till it reaches the next bend or the clog.
Every time there is an obstacle, you have to continue to manipulate the snake’s knob clockwise so that it goes ahead. As soon as you feel that you have reached the obstruction, hook on the snake so that you can pull out the clog. Turn the knob which makes the coil of wire grab on to the clog and twist it carefully into the coil. It may not be easy if the clog has become hard, but once the snake starts turning easily, you will know that the clog has been released. Change the rotation of the snake to pull the coil back and you will find the clog at the end of the coil.

Clean the mess thoroughly especially the plumber snake. Your plumber helper can relieve your drains of minor clogs and abstractions that can otherwise impede the plumbing system. For stubborn clogs you will probably need to hire the professional help of the plumber. Simply fill the form on your right to receive multiple plumbing estimates.