Why won't my sink drain after snake?

If your snake isn't unclogging your drains it could be because the thumbscrew is loose, the clog is too severe, or the auger is dirty, for example. A drain snake (also known as an auger) is a simple, inexpensive necessity for every homeowner. But a broken or faulty auger can be extremely frustrating.

What to do if snaking drain doesn t work?

Failure to tighten the thumbscrew is a common reason behind drain snakes that are not working. You must make sure that the thumbscrew that secures the cable inside the drum or handle is securely tightened. If it is not, the cable will not rotate at all when you twist the handle.

Why is my drain still slow after snaking?

If your snaking session yields plenty of hair and soap scum, but still leaves you with a slow drain, there's a good chance that the P-trap is still obstructed. To clear it, plug the overflow hole with a rag and fill the tub drain with hot water, which will help to soften and loosen soap scum.

Can a drain snake make a clog worse?

While drain snakes can be very effective in clearing certain clogs, sometimes they can actually exacerbate a problem. For example, if your pipes are old and corroded, sticking a drain snake down there can scrape off chunks of metal, making the clog much worse and damaging your pipe.

How do you get a snake past the P-trap?

Crank the Handle of the Drain Snake

When pushing the cable through the P-trap, the U-shaped pipe section under the sink, you may encounter some friction and resistance. If this happens, push on the cable while cranking the drain snake slowly. A couple of turns will help the cable maneuver through the bends in the pipe.

THAT'S IT, I QUIT!

Should I use a drain snake before Drano?

First the drain snake loosens the clog—then the powerful Drano^® gel clears it away! The 23-inch flexible tool bends safely through your pipes, and the Drano® Pro Concentrate Gel powers through the clog.

How do I know if my drain snake is working?

Slowly crank the handle to unfurl the snake. Guide the snake into the pipe. Continue to turn the handle until you feel it catch. If it won't go any further, you've likely reached the clog.

How many times should you snake a drain?

Annually. Even if you don't notice any specific signs that your drains are having trouble with clogs, you should do your best to have them cleaned at least once every year.

Why is my sink draining slow but not clogged?

If you've determined it's not a clogged sink but still have a slow-draining sink when you run water, it is most likely a plumbing vent issue. Plumbing vents are located on the top of people's homes.

Will Drano fix a slow drain?

You can use Drano^® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets. For clogged or slow-running drains, apply the product and let it work 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. For tough problems, allow 30 minutes before flushing.

What is the safest way to unclog a slow drain?

Bring water to a boil and then pour it down the slow clearing drain (recommended to use a whole kettle) Put half a cup of baking soda into that drain and let it sit for a few minutes. Add 1 cup of vinegar for every 1 cup of hot water you pour down the drain. Cover the drain with a plug and let it sit for 10 minutes.

What's the strongest thing to unclog a drain?

Experts agree: Drano Max Gel is the best overall drain cleaner because it works quickly to get rid of tough clogs. This reliable and effective cleaner is a thick gel that goes deep in sinks, pipes, and drains to reach the source of the clog and completely dissolve it.

Can hydrogen peroxide unclog a drain?

Hydrogen Peroxide – Mix 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide and 1 quart of water. Pour this mixture down your clogged drain and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. Be especially careful as this chemical can cause burns.

Why won t my drain snake go around the corner?

The reason is probably a loose thumbscrew. The thumbscrew being too loose is a common cause of the plumbing snake malfunctioning. The thumbscrew that holds the cable within the drum or handle needs to be properly tightened. If it isn't, the cable won't revolve at all as you turn it.

When should you call a plumber for a clogged drain?

If you have more than one drain in your home that is backing up or there is a scent of sewage in the air, it's time to call the plumber out to snake your drain line as soon as possible. If you have tried the plunger and it isn't clearing the drain with vigorous plunging, you will need a plumber.

Should I buy a drain snake or call a plumber?

For more minor clogs, you can snake your own drain. However, for heavy-duty clogs or to reach a clog far into your home's plumbing system, you'll need a power auger. A trained plumber best uses this type of tool as untrained individuals can cause pipe damage.

Should I call a plumber for a slow drain?

Your Drains Aren't Draining

But if the plunger is failing you or you are constantly dealing with the same problem drain, it's time to call in a plumber. You could be looking at a deep clog that you simply can't reach or bigger backup in your main sewer line.

Do you run water while snaking a drain?

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 push the auger into the drain with a lot of force, or you could damage the drain entrance or pipe.

Why is my kitchen sink not draining but pipes clear?

If the water is still not draining correctly, there might be a blockage in the P-trap, aka the elbow-shaped pipe under your sink. Food, grease and other debris may be stuck in the pipe, causing your sink to drain slowly or not at all because the water hits a snag on its way down.

What will dissolve hair in a drain?

If your drain is clogged with hair, baking soda can dissolve hair in a drain. To try this safe and easy method at home - first, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour a cup of vinegar (white vinegar) down. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes.

Can I pour boiling water down the drain?

Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.

Why do plumbers say not to use Drano?

Because of its corrosive nature, Drano can cause toilet bowls to crack, PVC pipes to melt or break and the glue that holds pipes together can be eaten away. If any of these things happen, you're going to be left with an inoperable plumbing system and costly repairs.