If you’re experiencing clogged drains in your home, you’re not alone. It’s a common plumbing issue that can be frustrating to deal with. One effective method to clear drain clogs is by snaking the drain.
What is snaking a drain? It’s a process of using a flexible cable, also known as a plumbing snake, to navigate through the drain pipe and break up or remove clog-causing debris and blockages.
In this article, we’ll talk about the pros, cons, and costs of a plumbing snake. We’re here to provide you with a quick guide on the entire process of drain snaking to clear block drains so keep reading below!
What Is Snaking a Drain?
So, what is snaking a drain? Why is this process helpful to solve your common plumbing problems?
A plumbing snake, also known as a drain snake, is a long, flexible metal cable with a spiral end that is used to clear clogs in a drain trap, sink drains, garbage disposal, shower drains, pipes, and sewers. It is a tool used by professional plumbers and DIYers alike and is typically made of steel, although some snakes may be made of other materials like plastic.
There are four types of plumbing snakes: manual or handheld snakes, toilet closet snakes, flat tape snakes, and power snakes. Handheld snakes are manually operated and are ideal for small clogs or those that are close to the surface. Power snakes, on the other hand, are motorized and are better suited for larger clogs or those that are deeper in the drain.
What Happens When Snaking a Drain?
During the snaking process, the plumber will insert the snake cable into the clogged drain and push it through the pipes. The spiral end or head of the snake will break up stubborn clogs and clear the way for water to flow freely.
As the snake is pushed through the drain, the operator will turn a handle or use a motor to rotate the cable and help it move through the pipe.
Once the clog has been cleared, the snake is removed from the drain and the pipes are flushed with water to ensure that the blockage has been completely cleared.
[Read: Snaking a Tub: 9 Steps To Do It the Right Way]
Pros and Cons of Snaking a Drain
If done correctly, a drain snake is a great tool for clearing out clogs. However, just like other plumbing techniques, using the tool has its own benefits and drawbacks in drain cleaning. Here are a few to consider:
Pros:
- Cost-effective: Snaking a drain is generally less expensive than other methods of clearing a clog, such as hydro jetting or pipe replacement.
- Fast: Snaking a drain is a relatively quick process that can often be done in just a few minutes.
- Effective: When done correctly, snaking a drain can effectively clear most clogs and restore proper drainage.
Cons:
- Limited reach: Snaking a drain can only reach clogs that are within reach of the snake. Deeper clogs may require a more powerful method, like hydro jetting.
- May cause damage: If not used properly, a plumbing snake can cause damage to the pipes or fixtures in your home as it may scratch the interior parts of the pipes.
- Not a long-term solution: Snaking a drain is a temporary fix for a clog. If the underlying cause of the clog is not addressed, it is likely to reoccur.
Costs of Drain Snaking
The cost of snaking a drain depend on several factors, including the severity of the clog, the location of the clog, and the type of snake used. Handheld snakes are generally less expensive than power snakes, and the cost of the service will typically include the cost of labor as well.
On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $800 for professional drain snaking services. DIY drain snakes can be purchased for as little as $10, although the effectiveness of these tools may be limited.
Here’s a detailed list of the cost for a drain snaking procedure:
| Toilet, bathroom sink, bathtub drain, shower drain, laundry drain | $100 to $275 |
| Main line | $150 to $500 |
| Drain snake rental | $30 to $80 per day |
| Severe clog that requires Hydro Jetting | $250 to $800 |
Get Professional Help for Drain Cleaning Today!
Snaking a drain is a common method used to clear clogs and restore proper drainage. If you’re experiencing frequent clogs or other plumbing issues in your Prescott-based property, it’s best to consult a professional plumber from Stellar Plumbing to diagnose and address the problem.
Stellar Plumbing is Prescott’s Top Rated Plumber for residential and commercial establishments, and we are more than happy to help you with your plumbing problems. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.