Clogged drains cause tension in many homes. Water accumulates. Sinks drain slowly. Toilets clog. These problems can cause greater issues if not fixed immediately. One solution that most plumbers attempt is drain snaking. It is simple, efficient, and solves most blockages.
In this blog, you will learn what drain snaking service is, how it works, and why it makes your home secure. We will also offer the benefits and when to call a professional.
What Is Drain Snaking?
Drain snaking is the procedure for unclogging pipes. It is a device referred to as a drain snake or plumbing auger that is utilized. The device is long, metallic, and flexible. The plumber puts it into the drain until it strikes the clog. The device breaks down or removes the blockage.
Drain snaking works on sinks, toilets, tubs, and primary sewer lines. It’s better than chemicals and safer for your pipes.
Why Drains Clog
Drains clog because of many reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Hair buildup in bathroom showers and sinks
- Food particles, grease, and soap in kitchen sinks
- Tree roots penetrating outdoor pipes
- Paper products or other items in toilets
Dirt and debris in floor drains
When these blockages are present, water will not be able to pass through. This will cause backups or even flooding. If the problem gets worse, you can be required to have basement flood cleaning service after water damage.
How Drain Snaking Functions
Drain snaking is a method that has some easy steps:
Inspection
The plumber inspects the drain to determine where the clog may be. Sometimes, they put in a small camera to look inside the pipes.
Choosing the Right Tool
Different drains need different drain snakes. For small sinks, a hand auger will suffice. For master lines or big clogs, a motorized snake will be needed.
Feeding the Snake
The plumber feeds the snake into the drain slowly. He goes until he feels resistance. That means the snake has reached the clog.
Breaking Up the Clog
The plumber pushes or twists the snake to break up the clog. In some cases, the snake traps the debris so that it can be eliminated.
Flushing the Drain
The plumber flushes the drain with water once the clog is removed to check if the pipe can pass freely or not.
This process tends to resolve the problem without digging up pipes or causing any damage.
Benefits of Drain Snaking Service
Drain snaking has many benefits compared to other alternatives. Some of the major benefits include the following:
1. Time-Saving and Effective
Drain snaking clears up the majority of clogs on one visit. It works best for tough clogs that plungers and basic cleaners can’t alleviate.
2. Pipe-Friendly
Chemical cleaners harm your pipes in the long term. They will establish corrosion or leaks. Drain snaking is mechanical, therefore does not damage your plumbing system.
3. Affordable
Drain snaking is cheaper than repairs or pipe replacements. Early correction of clogs pays off in the long term.
4. Versatile Solution
You can apply drain snaking to sinks, toilets, showers, and main sewer lines. It is a versatile solution for various types of clogs.
5. Prevents Bigger Problems
Ignoring a clog might cause flooding or sewage backup. If water overflows, you might need basement flood cleaning service to clean the mess. Snaking gives you all these hassles.
When to Call a Professional
Some minor clogs might be cleared using a plunger or basic tools. Nevertheless, you should call a professional in instances of:
The clog keeps recurring
- Water drains slowly despite maintenance
- A number of drains clog at once
- There is a stench of rotten smell coming from the pipes
- You see water damage or flooding
Plumbers have the proper tools and expertise to fix stubborn problems safely.
Do-It-Yourself vs Professional Drain Snaking
Most hardware stores carry small drain snakes for personal use. They’re fine for smaller clogs closer to the surface. They do have their limitations, however.
Professional plumbers have more advanced equipment. Motor-powered snakes get down further into drains. Some even have cameras to examine the clog prior to their arrival. This is time-saving and will clear the clog altogether.
If you are unsure what is clogging it, the call to a professional is best.
Preventing Future Clogs
Drain maintenance keeps drains open and reduces the frequency at which you must snake them. Some tips for preventing clogs include:
- Do not pour grease or oil down into sinks
- Use drain covers to catch hair and debris
- Run warm water after dishwashing to clear soap residue
- Flush toilet paper only, not paper towels or wipes
Have regular plumbing upkeep
If you live in an area with high rainfall, have a sump pump installed. This avoids water back-ups that lead to basement flood cleaning services.
Relationship Between Clogs and Basement Flooding
Blocked pipes can allow water to pour back into your basement. Too much rain or plumbing issues add more water on top, and flooding is rapid. Clogged main sewer lines are one of the biggest dangers.
When water enters the basement, it destroys walls, floors, and belongings. Mold starts growing in 24–48 hours. That is why clogs need to be fixed early.
If you do have a flood, you will need professional basement flood cleaning service to sanitize and dry out the area.
Indications You Need Basement Flood Cleaning Service
On occasion, a plugged drain is merely the beginning. If water already has reached your basement, you may require a cleanup service. Look for:
- Standing water or damp floors
- Wall or carpet odors
- Mold spots on walls or ceilings
- Damaged furniture or storage containers
Professional basement flood cleaning service removes water, dries the area, and eliminates mold.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Waiting until the clog is a problem could cause more trouble. Pipes stay clear with drain maintenance done on a regular basis. Most plumbers offer yearly checkups. They check for small clogs and scrub the drains before issues arise.
Having this on your home upkeep schedule saves cash and worry.
Final Thoughts
Clogged drain snaking is a simple and straightforward technique of unclogging drains. It works for sinks, toilets, and even household sewer lines. The procedure is fast, safe, and prevents costly damage.
If clogs lead to flooding, you may also need basement flood cleaning service to maintain your home free from water damage.
To get the best out of your plumbing system, call a professional plumber if clogs are frequent or affect more than one drain. Regular maintenance and timely action will see your plumbing system run smoothly for decades.