Overhead view of plumbing snake hovering over toilet, illustrating blog post

How Do You Use a Plumber’s Snake? Q&A with the Experts

A plumber's snake, also known as a drain auger, is an essential tool for clearing stubborn blockages deep within your plumbing system. Ideal for situations where plungers or chemical drain cleaners fail, it navigates through pipes, dismantling clogs caused by food debris, hair, and other obstructions.

How Do You Use a Plumber’s Snake?

To use a plumbing snake, you start by slowly feeding the snake down the drain and turning the handle to advance the cable deeper until you feel resistance, indicating you've reached the blockage.

How to Make a Plumbing Snake Turn Corners?

Navigating the snake through the curves of your plumbing requires a bit of finesse. When you encounter a corner, gently apply pressure while rotating the handle. This action helps the head of the snake to flex and bend at the right angles, allowing it to move past bends and continue down the pipe. It's crucial to maintain steady, controlled movements to avoid damaging the pipes or the snake itself.

How Much Is a Plumbing Snake?

The cost of a plumbing snake can vary widely based on its type and functionality. Manual snakes, suitable for minor clogs close to the surface, are relatively inexpensive, often available for $20 to $50. More sophisticated electric models, which offer greater power and reach for deeper, tougher clogs, can cost anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars. These prices reflect the plumbing snake's capabilities and the complexity of the plumbing tasks they can handle.

Where Can I Rent a Plumbing Snake?

For those not interested in purchasing a plumber snake (especially if you need a more expensive model for a one-time job), rental options are available. Many hardware stores and home improvement centers offer plumbing snakes for rent, providing a cost-effective solution for infrequent use. This option allows access to higher-end models that might be too expensive to justify for a single task, making professional-grade plumbing tools accessible for DIY repairs.

How Much Does It Cost for a Plumber to Snake Drain?

Sometimes, a plumbing issue is too complex or stubborn for a DIY approach. In these cases, hiring a professional from Southern Plumbing Works becomes a viable option! The cost for a plumber to snake a drain depends on the severity and location of the clog, so we typically wait for details about the snake plumbing job before quoting costs. Using Southern Plumbing Work's professional help ensures the snake plumbing job is done effectively: we'll minimize the risk of damage and ensure the problem is thoroughly resolved.

If you encounter a challenging plumbing issue or prefer the expertise of a seasoned professional, Southern Plumbing Works is here to help! Contact us today if you need our help or even if you just have more questions about plumber snakes.