Is It Better to Use a Drain Snake or Call a Plumber?
A drain snake, also called a drain auger, is a flexible tool used to break up or remove clogs in pipes. It works well for localized blockages caused by hair, soap scum, and food debris in sinks, bathtubs, and showers. However, if water is backing up, multiple drains are affected, or snaking doesn’t fix the problem, it could indicate a blockage deeper in the drainage system. In these cases, a professional plumber is needed to inspect the pipes and use advanced techniques like hydro jetting or a CCTV drain inspection to clear stubborn obstructions.
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Can You Unclog a Drain Yourself?
DIY drain cleaning is possible if the clog is minor and near the surface. A plunger, a manual drain auger, or a drain cleaner can help with slow drainage caused by surface-level debris. If the clog is deeper in the drain pipe or keeps returning, a plumber’s expertise may be required to prevent further damage.
What Is a Drain Snake and How Does It Work?
A drain snake is a long, flexible metal cable with a coiled end that is inserted into a drain to break up clogs or pull them out.
Types of Drain Snakes
Manual Drain Auger
A hand-operated tool used for small blockages in bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers.
Motorized Drain Auger
Powered by a drill or motor, this type is stronger and can clear stubborn obstructions but should be used carefully to avoid damaging the pipe walls.
When Should You Use a Drain Snake?
A drain snake is an effective solution when:
- The blockage is caused by hair, soap scum, or small food particles.
- The water is slow to drain but not fully blocked.
- The clog is in a single fixture, such as a sink, bathtub, or shower.
- You need a quick, cost-effective fix before calling a plumber.
Using a drain auger typically takes 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the blockage.
When Should You Call a Plumber Instead?
Some clogs go beyond what a drain snake can handle. A plumber should be called if:
- Multiple drains in the house are slow or clogged at the same time.
- Water backs up into sinks, tubs, or toilets.
- Gurgling sounds come from pipes when water drains.
- There’s a sewer odor from the drain, suggesting a blocked sewer line.
- The clog persists even after using a drain auger.
These signs indicate that the problem is deeper in the plumbing system and might require professional tools to remove grease buildup, tree roots, or solid obstructions.
What Happens if a Drain Snake Doesn’t Work?
If a drain snake doesn’t clear the blockage, forcing it further can scratch, puncture, or crack pipes, especially in older homes with fragile plumbing. A plumber can safely diagnose and fix the problem using more advanced equipment.
How Do Plumbers Clear Stubborn Clogs?
Hydro Jetting
A hydro jetting machine uses high-pressure water to break down grease, sludge, and mineral buildup inside pipes. This method is highly effective for main sewer line clogs and deep obstructions.
CCTV Drain Inspection
A plumbing camera inspection allows the plumber to identify root intrusion, collapsed pipes, or hard-to-reach blockages without guessing.
Motorized Drain Augers
Professional plumbers use heavy duty drain snakes that can clear dense debris, solid obstructions, and hardened scale deposits in larger pipes.
Trenchless Sewer Repair
If pipes are damaged or collapsed, a plumber may recommend pipe relining or trenchless sewer repair, which restores pipes without major excavation.
Is It Worth Calling a Plumber for a Clogged Drain?
A drain snake is useful for minor, one-time clogs, but professional drain cleaning services are better for recurring or severe blockages. A plumber can remove deep clogs, clear main sewer lines, and prevent future plumbing problems.
DIY vs. Professional Drain Cleaning
If you’re dealing with a clogged drain, you might be wondering whether to handle it yourself or call a plumber. Here’s how both options compare:
Cost – A drain snake is a budget-friendly option, usually costing between $10 and $50. Hiring a professional plumber will cost more, typically $100 to $300, but it ensures the job is done thoroughly.
Effectiveness – A drain auger works well for small clogs caused by hair, soap scum, or food debris. However, for stubborn or recurring blockages, a plumber has the right equipment, such as hydro jetting and motorized drain augers, to clear the pipes completely.
Pipe Safety – Using a drain snake incorrectly can scratch, crack, or puncture pipes, especially in older homes. Plumbers use safe, advanced tools that clear clogs without damaging the plumbing system.
Time Required – Snaking a drain yourself can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the blockage. A professional plumber may take one to three hours, but they can address deeper issues that DIY methods might miss.
Long-Term Fix? – A DIY drain snake provides a temporary solution for minor clogs. A plumber, on the other hand, not only clears the blockage but also prevents future drainage issues with thorough cleaning and inspection.
If you’re dealing with a simple, one-time clog, using a drain auger is a quick and affordable fix. However, if the blockage is persistent, deep in the plumbing system, or affecting multiple drains, calling a professional plumber is the best way to prevent bigger issues.
Drain Cleaning Services in Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA
If you live in Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA, you know how common drain issues can be due to older plumbing systems, heavy rainfall, and tree root intrusion. Professional drain cleaning services in these areas use hydro jetting, drain augers, and camera inspections to keep your plumbing system in top shape.
Common Drain Issues in Portland and Vancouver
- Tree root intrusion – Many homes in the Pacific Northwest have older sewer lines that tree roots can easily invade.
- Grease buildup – Homes and restaurants in the area experience frequent grease-related clogs in kitchen drains.
- Heavy rain impact – The wet climate can cause sewer backups and slow drainage.
Choosing a Local Plumber
Hiring a licensed plumber in Portland or Vancouver ensures that local building codes and environmental factors are considered when fixing your drains. Look for professionals who offer CCTV drain inspections, hydro jetting, and trenchless sewer repair.
How to Prevent Clogs in Drains
- Install a drain strainer to catch hair and food debris.
- Avoid pouring grease, oil, or coffee grounds down the sink.
- Flush pipes with hot water and vinegar every few weeks.
- Schedule routine drain maintenance to prevent buildup and blockages.
FAQs
Can a drain snake damage pipes?
Yes, using a drain auger too aggressively can scratch, crack, or puncture pipes, especially in older plumbing systems.
Why does my drain keep clogging even after snaking?
If snaking doesn’t work, the clog could be due to grease buildup, tree roots, or a sewer line obstruction. A CCTV drain inspection can find the cause.
How much does a plumber charge for drain cleaning?
Most drain cleaning services range from $100 to $300, depending on the severity of the clog.
Is hydro jetting better than snaking?
For small clogs, snaking works. But hydro jetting is better for grease, mineral buildup, and deep obstructions.
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