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Writer's pictureHandsome Hank

How a Plumbing Snake Can Save You From Expensive Service Calls


Don't let a drain clog slither out of control!

Dealing with a pesky clog in your sink, shower, bath, or your toilet? These little clogs can be big trouble for your bank account if you hire a serviceman - when really, the cost effective choice is to take care the blockage yourself by using a plumbing snake. Don’t get us wrong, we’re always happy to help and up to any plumbing job, but we want to save our loyal clients from unnecessary spending wherever and whenever we can.


Before you ask, no. A plumbing snake is not some live reptile you let loose in your home, slithering its way into your piping, unhinging its mandibles then devouring the clog-causing debris. It’s a plumbing tool that can save you time and money!


What Exactly Is a Plumbing Snake?


Also known as a drain snake, a plumbing snake is a flexible device with a drill or auger on its end, usually made of metal, is approximately a quarter-inch thick, and has a handle on its end.


When faced with a clog, you’ll manually push the snake into a clogged drain deep into the clogged area, to both locate and remove the clog. Making a plumbing snake so valuable is that they are long enough to remove clogs that a plunger can’t.



A manual plumbing snake used for smaller, simpler clogs


The Different Species of Plumbing Snakes


Just like their reptile brethren, there is a litany of plumbing snakes in different sizes depending on your needs. It’s a matter of how bad and big your clog is, on top of depth, size, and circumference of your drain. So, unfortunately, they aren’t one size fits all, and even though you may already own a snake it may not be large enough, or potentially too large.

(Pro tip: if you’re dealing with a doozy of a clog, or it is directly related to sewage, you may be best off with an automated drain snake as opposed to a manual one.)



A more heavy duty plumbing snake used for severe clogs


Plumbing Snake Instructions


As to prevent a hassle, always try using your plunger first. Once that fails, it’s time to utilize the snake. Here’s a breakdown of how to use it:


· Directly push snake into drain

· Push the end of the snake into the drain opening and turn the handle and proceed until you feel resistance

· Rotate your snake so that it dislodges the clog

· Remove snake, run tap water, and watch to see if the water drains or keeps collecting

· If the water drains your mission is successful, but if it keeps collecting you need to repeat the process

· If you can’t fix the clog, it’s time to call your plumber


And if you live in Markham, Stouffville, or surrounding York Region communities, what better plumber to call than Megan-Drew! We’re cool as cucumbers in the face of clogs, and will have your drains fully functioning in no time at all. Contact us if you’re dealing with a clog and you need it taken care of by the best in the business!

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