Using A Plumber Snake

A plumber's snake can be a very useful tool to have kicking around your home. It can save you a bundle eliminating the need to call a plumber when you have a clog. Here's how to use a plumber snake.

So what is a plumber's snake? Basically it is a long cable that you feed down the pipe. It can get really slippery to hold onto and it certainly can get really dirty depending on your clog.

The next time you get a clogged pipe why not take care of it yourself? Just follow these simple steps.

1. Start by putting non grip gloves on. Leather works best. 2. Start with the smallest snake you've got. It's best to start small and go large if you need to. The large snakes can be a real handful so always nice to try the easy root first. 3. Grab the handle hold on and then insert the other end into whatever is plugged - sink drain, toilet, or tub. Be careful not to damage anything. 4. Rotate the snake handle clockwise while gently pushing. Don't force it. It will feel it's own way along. You'll like have to turn the handle a fair bit. 5. It's helpful to fill the toilet or sink about half full of water to help lubricate and dislodge the clog. 6. When the snake handle becomes difficult to turn stop turning remove it, clean it, reinsert it, and repeat. 7. Repeat the process until the clog is broken away.

You can buy a motorized snake if you like. The only thing you need to be aware of with the motorized version is that you must be careful not to spin it too quick and use caution when removing. They have a tendency to whip around and hurt someone.

Of course it's always smart to give the simple plunger a try first. If that works great but if the clog is deep it won't and you'll need your snake. There are a variety of lengths sold but for home use 25 feet should be adequate.

Just as it's a fact spring brings showers it's a fact that all plumbing systems will eventually land up with a clog. If you have your own snake and you learn the technique of using it you can save yourself a bundle by doing it yourself.