Blocked drains are never convenient. If water is draining slowly and a plunger hasn’t solved the problem, a drain snake could be worth considering. It’s a simple tool that many homeowners use to tackle minor blockages without calling a plumber straight away.
What Is a Drain Snake?
A drain snake is a flexible cable designed to travel through pipework and reach obstructions. Once it finds the blockage, the end of the cable can help break it apart or pull some of the debris back towards you. They’re commonly used in sinks, baths and showers where hair, soap residue and everyday waste tend to build up. Checkatrade looks at what causes blocked drains.
How Does a Drain Snake Work?
Using one is fairly straightforward. You feed the cable into the drain until it reaches resistance, then slowly rotate and move it. This helps the end of the tool work through the blockage.
When Should You Use One?
A drain snake is best suited to smaller household blockages. If your shower is draining slowly or your bathroom sink keeps backing up, it could be a useful first step.
Things to Keep in Mind
Always choose a drain snake that’s suitable for the pipe size you’re working with. If blockages keep returning, a specialist like https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/coventry/ that offers a CCTV drain survey Coventry may be able to identify a hidden issue.
A drain snake can be a handy tool for dealing with everyday blockages, but it’s important to know when a larger drainage problem needs further investigation.