I usually use the coil wire style of snake that is in a housing that allows for the attaching of a drill. These are available at most home improvement centers.
You will need to enter the line you want to clean beyond areas that might impede entry of the snake. For instance, it is not uncommon for a tub drain to be secured with a screw. If you remove the drain, you will see that this is not a good entry area, as there is a blockage caused by the bracket for the drain screw. On most tubs I've seen, there is an entry door that will expose the tub plumbing and allow you entry into the tub main drain line. I usually advance the snake slowly, introducing only about 6 inches of line each time, while letting the drills spinning action clean out the new area before advancing further into the line. Most of the time the blockage will be broke up and moved down the line. You will get hair back with the snake, as it gets caught on the end of the snake. I hope this helps. ----- Original Message ----- From: Blaine Deutscher To: [email protected] Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2010 7:06 PM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] drain cleaners so how does this snake work? How do you take off the top of the drain from the sink or tub to put the snake down? How often do you clean it out? I thougth about getting a drain snake or something like it and love the idea that I can attach it to a drill. Might check out Canadian tire this week to see if they sell them and for how much. When you clean it do you have to reatch in and scoop out the crap that is collected in their or just wash it down with hot water? Blaine ----- Original Message ----- From: Rick Hume To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, January 02, 2010 11:30 AM Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] drain cleaners It is my experience that you want to be careful when using chemicals to clean drains. Many of today's chemicals are quite toxic and can actually damage your plumbing. It is best to attempt clearing a drain by using a plunger or plumbing snake. Often, removing and cleaning the trap can fix the problem. A plumbing snake will almost always clear the problem. I use a snake that allows for attaching a drill. It'll clean her out like new! ----- Original Message ----- From: Lee A. Stone To: Blind Handyman Sent: Saturday, January 02, 2010 11:23 AM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] drain cleaners is there a more powerfull drain cleaner that we can buy over the counter besides Mr.Plumber. I am referring I think to hair in one drain and not sure what they put down the kitchen sink. thanks. Lee -- Wanna buy a duck? . [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
