Dealing with a blocked drain is an inevitable part of home ownership, whether you're living in an apartment, condo, or house in a busy city or rural area. When a drain gets clogged, most people reach for a plunger as their first line of defense. If that doesn't work, some may attempt to snake the drain themselves. However, this approach often leads to more harm than good. Here’s why snaking your own drains can be risky and why calling a professional is your best option.

What Is Drain Snaking?

A drain snake, also known as a plumber’s snake, is a long, flexible cable with a tip that can be bladed, corkscrew-shaped, or hooked. This tool is designed to push through and remove clogs in pipes. While homeowners can buy basic drain snakes at hardware stores, professional plumbers use more advanced equipment for serious clogs. Residential drain snakes typically range from 25 to 50 feet, while motorized versions can go as deep as 100 feet to tackle tough obstructions. For commercial projects, a plumber may use a heavy-duty, motorized sewage auger to reach clogs far into the pipe system.

Why You Shouldn’t Snake Your Own Drains

Though it may seem like a simple DIY solution, drain snaking can cause more problems than it solves if done incorrectly. Here are a few reasons why it’s best to leave this job to the professionals:

1. Risk of Damaging Your Pipes

Older homes, which are common in many areas, may have outdated plumbing systems that are more prone to damage. A drain snake can easily scratch, puncture, or weaken aging pipes, especially if they are made from materials like cast iron or galvanized steel, which can corrode over time. This damage can lead to leaks, bursts, or costly repairs down the line.

2. Exposure to Contaminated Water

Clearing a drain can expose you to dirty, potentially contaminated water. As you work to break up a clog, the backed-up water may come out, bringing with it bacteria, germs, and even sewage. This creates a health hazard, especially if you accidentally come into direct contact with the water while handling the snake. Professional plumbers are trained to deal with these situations safely, using protective gear and specialized tools.

3. You Could Injure Yourself

While it might not seem like a dangerous task, using a drain snake improperly can lead to injuries. The snake’s tip is sharp enough to cause cuts, and if you aren’t careful, you could get hurt while handling it. Even worse, if you sustain an injury and then come into contact with dirty water, you risk infection. Plus, snaking a drain can be physically taxing, leading to back or knee pain from bending and kneeling for extended periods.

4. You Could Make the Clog Worse

Sometimes, even the best intentions can backfire. Using a drain snake without understanding the nature of the clog can lead to bigger problems. For example, if the clog is caused by mineral buildup from hard water, the snake may scrape off pieces of the buildup, only to push them deeper into the pipe. This could result in a larger blockage that’s even harder to remove.

5. Risk of Damaging Fixtures

No matter how careful you are, there’s always the chance that the snake’s tip could scratch or chip your sink or bathtub. Over time, these small damages can lead to rust, corrosion, and the need for even more repairs. A professional plumber knows how to avoid causing damage to your fixtures while effectively clearing the drain.

6. Wrong Tool for the Job

Not all clogs are created equal, and using the wrong type of drain snake can make the situation worse. For example, a small top snake might not be powerful enough to break up a stubborn clog, while a larger snake could damage smaller pipes. Professional plumbers have the knowledge and experience to choose the right tool for each specific job. Here are some common types of drain snakes:

• Top Snake: Ideal for clearing minor clogs in sinks, showers, or washing machine drains.
• Mini-Rooter: An electric drain snake used for tougher clogs in residential pipes.
• Toilet Auger: Specifically designed to clear blockages in toilets.
• Large Drainage Machine: Used for clearing large-scale clogs, such as those in sewer lines or outdoor plumbing, and can reach lengths of up to 200 feet.

When Snaking Isn’t Enough

In some cases, a drain snake isn’t enough to clear a clog. If the blockage is particularly tough or caused by grease, mineral buildup, or tree roots, a professional plumber may recommend more advanced methods, like hydro jetting. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear stubborn blockages and clean the insides of your pipes more thoroughly than a snake can.

Call in the Pros

When you're dealing with a clogged drain, it's tempting to try to fix it yourself. But DIY solutions can lead to damaged pipes, personal injury, and even bigger plumbing issues. Save yourself the time, hassle, and potential risk by calling our licensed plumbers.

Contact Order a Plumber Inc. for more details about drain cleaning.