What Are The Different Drain Snake Types?

If you go to a hardware shop, you’ll probably notice a variety of drain snakes, sometimes known as drain augers, on the shelf. Which one should you get? Each drain snake is made to serve a particular function. You could come across the following types:

Manual Cable Snake

A manual snake, often known as a top drain snake or drum snake, is the essential choice. This snake is usually available in 25- and 50-foot lengths. A simple manual snake consists of a cable with a hook at the end. Insert it into the drainpipe and twist it to dislodge the blockage before removing it. Some types retain the coiled-up line in a canister, allowing you to draw out the amount of cable you need merely. This snake is one of the cheapest since it is operated by hand.

Flat Tape Snake

A flat tape snake is an option to explore if you have a blockage in a thin pipe (less than 2 inches in diameter). This drain snake resembles a manual cable snake but is flatter. Another distinction is that many flat tape snakes are designed to push the clog forward instead of hooking onto it and pulling it up.

Power Snake

Snakes that are powered, or motorized, are another option to explore. Because these snakes attach to motors, they don’t require any elbow grease to work. Many types are designed to be attached to the head of a power instrument, such as a drill. As a result, these snakes can clear more difficult obstructions than human methods.

Toilet Auger

When your toilet is clogged, a toilet auger, also known as a water closet auger, is the snake to use. Both manual and motorized toilet augers are available. Because they are composed of an extra-flexible cable, they are ideal for bathrooms. They’re also made with plastic and rubber coverings to prevent scratches on the bowl’s interior.

The cost of a drain snake may also play a role in your selection. In most circumstances, it’s best to spend a little extra money on a more dependable snake. Instead of purchasing a drain snake, you might be able to rent one.

Can I Unclog a Drain with A Wire Hanger?

If you can’t get to the hardware store or don’t want to invest in a drain snake, you can make your own out of a wire coat hanger. Pull the hanger apart using needle-nose pliers and stretch it into one long piece of wire. To form a hook, pull the wire end back. To use your DIY snake, first, use a flashlight to peek down the drain to see if you can see the blockage. Then, insert the wire into the drain and try to latch onto the clog before drawing it up. You may be able to pull a portion of the clog up, but you may need to repeat the operation several times to remove the entire obstruction.

While a wire hanger may be helpful in some situations, it is not always an adequate alternative for an actual auger. Using a wire hanger also necessitates more physical labor than a store-bought snake.

How Do You Snake a Bathtub or Shower Drain?

Showers and bathtubs may quickly become blocked due to hair and soap being washed down the drain. If your shower or tub isn’t draining properly and you suspect a clog, try removing it on your own:

Remove the drain cover or overflow plate: 

To access the drain in a shower, remove the drain cover. Shower drain covers come in a variety of styles. Each one needs a distinct way of eradication. In many situations, removing the screws that hold the lid down is as simple as using a screwdriver. Remove the overflow plate beneath the faucet for a bathtub rather than the drain stopper.

Insert the snake: 

Drop the snake cable into the drain after removing the drain cover or overflow plate. The P-trap, which is positioned immediately below the drain hole, is where most blockages in a shower drain occur, so you may only need to insert the cable two or three feet. When the snake appears to have run into the clog, spin it to latch onto the clog.

Pull the snake back up: 

To ensure that you’ve removed the obstruction, put some water through it and watch if it trickles through the snake or backs up into the shower or tub. If the clog looks to have been removed, reverse the rotating direction of the cable and draw the snake back up.

Flush the drain: 

After clearing a blockage, run the shower or tub faucet for a few minutes to ensure that the water is draining correctly. The obstruction might be worse than you thought. However, in some circumstances, flowing water is sufficient to rinse away any leftover material that the auger could not collect.

Replace the shower drain cover and overflow plate after you’re sure that the blockage has been cleared and the shower or bathtub is draining correctly.

Read More: Want to buy a shower for your new home?