Drain Snake Isn’t Working? (Here’s What To Do!)

When used properly, a plumber snake is an excellent tool for eliminating drain obstructions. If your snake isn’t unclogging your drains, it could be due to a loosened thumbscrew, a major clog, or a dirty auger.

Every homeowner needs a drain snake since it is simple and economical. However, a broken or malfunctioning auger can be quite inconvenient. That’s why it’s critical to get your drain snake up and running again.

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What is a Drain Snake?

A plumbing snake, drain snake, toilet jack, or auger, is a long, thin device that is used to clear obstructions from drains. The cable on the drain snake has an end that resembles a corkscrew. The corkscrew on the end is what removes the clog and pulls back some of it along with it. When you cannot clear a clog using a plunger, utilizing a drain snake is the next best idea.

What Types of Drain Snakes Are There?

Toilet Auger

This has a long rod and a short cable and will not scratch porcelain surfaces, which is why it is so important to only use a toilet auger for your toilet.

Small Drum Auger

You can use a small drum auger for your kitchen or bathroom sink clogs.

Extra Long Drain Auger

You need an extra long drain auger for clogs that are deep down the length of your drain pipe.

Why Isn’t My Drain Snake Working?

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Your plumbing snake may not be working effectively for a variety of reasons. It’s possible that your auger isn’t unclogging the blockage due to:

It’s the Incorrect Drain Snake

The most typical drain snakes are a toilet auger, a small drum auger, and an extra-auger. Each drain snake has a different purpose. You can use a specific auger depending on the appliance you are working on.

The Previous Clog is Still Attached

Are you employing a previously utilized drain snake? Check to see if the old clog is stuck in the corkscrew end. Before you use your drain snake, ensure that it’s clean.

The Clog is Too Extreme

Some clogs are too dense for a hand-drain snake to clear. You’ll need to rent a power auger or hire a professional plumber if this is the case.

The Thumbscrew Has Unfastened

You must ensure that the thumbscrew is properly tightened (the piece that secures the cable inside the drum or handle). When you twist the handle, the cable will not rotate if the thumbscrew is loose. The drain snake pulls up material by rotating the cable, therefore if it can’t do that, your auger won’t function properly.

What Should I Do If My Drain Snake Isn’t Working?

Clean Your Drain Snake

The old blockage may still be embedded on the corkscrew end if you haven’t cleaned it since you last used it. To be effective, you must clean this area and make sure it is always clean before using it again.

Make Use of a Different Auger

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If your auger isn’t affecting it, you might want to consider switching to a different type. Toilet snaking? Invest in a toilet auger. Bathroom sink snaking? You can use a tiny drum auger.

Tighten the Thumbscrew

Tighten the thumbscrew that holds the wire in place to feed it down the drain. Then, with the auger handle turned clockwise, push the wire into the drain. Slide the handle back up the wire by loosening the thumbscrew. To clear the blockage, repeat the process of tightening the thumbscrew, rotating the handle, and pressing.

In addition, if you’ve exhausted all other options and your plumber snake is still not cutting it, it’s time to call a professional plumber. You cannot overlook a clogged drain. In some severe cases, you may need hydro jetting to clear out a clog completely. A professional with handle this. It could also even lead to a leaking or burst pipe. Unfortunately, this could cause your home to flood which would cause tremendous damage.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, if your drain snake isn’t working properly, make sure you are considering the 3 tips that we went over. If you try all other options or just don’t want to take a chance on doing it incorrectly, call out a plumber to handle the issue. Leaving it in the hands of a professional is always a good decision to stand by.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help with any type of drain cleaning. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem.

We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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Categories: Kitchens