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Pioneer Plumbing is one of the longest-running, full-service plumbing companies in Vancouver. We are proud to have earned an enviable reputation for customer-oriented service throughout greater Vancouver.

We install and service the full spectrum of hot water systems, including radiant in-floor heating, on-demand hot water and hot water baseboard heating, along with all plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, faucets, toilets, standard and luxury shower heads and accessories. We also hook up gas appliances and anything requiring a water connection.

How to Use a Plumber’s Snake

A plumber’s snake, or drain auger, is a tool that reaches down into pipes to remove clog-causing blockage. Snakes make up the middle ground between common household plungers and the really big guns. If you’re dealing with a clog too stubborn for your plunger, then a snake is your best chance to clear it out yourself.

Snakes are much more powerful drain-clearers than plungers, but they’re also slightly riskier to use. If you use your plumber’s snake improperly, then you might tear up your pipes or even create leaks. To avoid doing that, it’s important to know how your snake works and how to use it correctly. Here’s everything you should know about using a plumber’s snake.

How does a plumber’s snake work?

what is a plumber's snake?A plumber’s snake is a long, flexible metal cable with a small auger or uncoiled spring on one end and a handle on the other. The auger on the snake looks like a drill bit or a corkscrew. Home plumber’s snakes are usually around 50 feet long. The cable coils up when you’re not using it. Most home plumber’s snakes are hand-operated, and probably have a rotatable handle or even a crank.

Plumber’s snakes work by entering the drain directly to physically contact and then clear away the obstruction causing the clog. You manually insert the auger end of the snake into the drain and then begin uncoiling by rotating the handle. As the snake uncoils, the auger moves further through the drain pipe, until it breaks through the obstruction.

How do you use a plumber’s snake?

1. Put on some clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and lay some old towels beneath the pipes you’re working on. Depending on the nature of the clog, your snaking procedure could get messy. This is especially important if you end up removing the p-trap.

2. (Optional) Consider removing the p-trap. The p-trap, or p-bend, is the curving piece of pipe beneath the sink. It connects the sink to the greater drain pipe system in your home. The reason it’s curved is to prevent sewer gases from rising through the sink and into the home. P-traps are often made of PVC pipe, though they can also be metal.

You can manually remove the p-trap, either with your hands or with the help of an adjustable wrench. Once you remove the p-trap, you should thoroughly inspect and clean it out. If you find your obstruction, then you won’t have to snake at all! Even if you don’t find anything, removing the trap could make snaking easier.

3. (Optional) Consider removing the trap arm. A trap arm is the part of the pipe between the p-trap and the actual wall pipe. It holds the p-trap in place and may curve again to reach the wall. Look for a plastic or metal nut connecting the trap arm to the wall. If you can find one, loosen it to remove the trap arm. If you can’t, then it’s possible the arm is glued in place; don’t attempt to remove it in that case. Make sure you clean out the trap arm like you did the p-trap once you remove it.

Removing the trap arm gets you as close to the drain pipe as possible. Look inside the drain pipe to look for any obstructions. If you can see the obstruction, try removing it from where you are. If you can’t, you should use your snake.

4. Manually thread the auger head of the snake into the pipe. Insert the head of the snake into either the drain (if you didn’t remove the trap), or the access point on the wall. If you didn’t remove the trap, consider running cold water while you snake.

Don’t force the auger into the drain too hard, or you could damage the drain entrance or pipe. Be patient and make sure the head and cable aren’t too long for the drain you’re trying to snake.

5. Begin uncoiling the snake using the handle. Keep the handle of the snake as close to the entrance of the pipe as possible. The more slack the auger had has, the less force you’re supplying it.

Rotate the handle at a consistent pace. Don’t try to rush it or rotate too slowly. If you feel pressure at any point while the cable moves through the pipe, you may have encountered the obstruction.

6. Upon reaching the obstruction, move the rotate the head back-and-forth and up-and-down. Try to break up the obstruction as thoroughly as possible. Don’t try to jam the auger into the walls of the pipe, however. If you hear scraping noises, then you should stop snaking and re-adjust.

If you think the auger might be stuck in the obstruction, consider pulling the snake out of the pipe. In some cases, the obstruction may come out with it. Continue snaking until you no longer feel resistance and the snake uncoils to its full length.

7. Pull the snake out and re-assemble the sink components. Check the auger head for remains of the obstruction and clean it off. If you removed the trap arm and p-trap, then you should re-install them at this point.

8. Check the sink. The snake should have successfully removed the obstruction and solved the clogging problem. If you still seem to have a clog, then you could try repeating your snaking process again. Just like plunging, however, snaking too much can harm your pipes or drains. If a thorough snaking really didn’t solve your problem, then you should consider calling in the pros.

Snaking is a surprisingly easy and accessible homeowner project. As long as you understand how to use your snake, you should solve your problem without creating new ones.

Sometimes, however, you may not be able to beat that clog, no matter what you try. Don’t despair! After your snake, the next step is to call Mike Diamond. We’ve got the tools and know how to find and break up any clog, no matter how stubborn.

plumbing companies https://mikediamondservices.com/blog/plumbers-snake-use/

The Greatest Plumbing Companies Are Highly Regarded

In 1985, we had a son living at home and we also had just had a newborn baby, and we were desperate to do something with our current living quarters. We needed to extend it, and ultimately we concluded that it would be best to have a home extension. My business was prospering and the price for the build was roughly $54,000. The aim was to track down the best company in the area. I assumed I had got this one nailed down since I used an acquaintance who was a member of the sports club I belonged to. This was a big mistake.

He let me down badly since I didn't get what was expected. However, a fella with only a monkey wrench, a blow torch and a bit of copper piping appeared. In fact he really saved the day and his work was remarkable. Not only that, he was also pleasant and very professional.

If there's anything at all you're able to take away from this poor experience, its to take the time to identify an honest plumber in your area. Fortunately, I will tell you three things you can do to make certain you never come across the problems that I did.

First of all, never manage everything on your own. This is especially important when considering plumbing technicians. If you do not have experience with hiring and firing tradesmen, you should not do this by yourself.

Second, conduct the research. In other words talk to people in your area or the bars you frequent. You should also consult with friends and relatives too. They might inform you where to head to get a decent labor force.

Finally, it is best to get two or three estimates from possible plumbers. Try not to simply go with the lowest quote because this isn't necessarily the wisest action to take. Moreover, it may possibly lead to a dreadful end result. If you do your homework and get quotations, you will be ok.

I'm certainly very focused on drain service and I hope you liked our piece. Are you aware of somebody else who is excited by the topic? Be sure promote it. I praise you for being here. Return soon.