What is the difference between a drain snake and an auger?

Drain snakes work for smaller drains like your kitchen or bathroom sink. Drain augers tackle larger pipes like your toilet or shower drain. The snake covers lines from 1-1/4″ – 2″ range, and you’ll use an auger for lines in the 1-1/2″ – 3″ range.

Can a drain auger damage pipes?

If you have a clogged pipe, a drain snake is a simple and cheap tool you can use to fix it. These are advertised as devices that anyone can use to unclog a drain. But if used improperly, drain augers could make the clog worse. You could jam the obstruction in there tighter, or worse, do damage to your pipes.

Do drain augers work?

Drain augers are a long tool that looks like a snake. They can be fed down a drain or toilet to remove a blockage. Drain snakes have a rubber shield to protect drains and toilets from scratches, unlike most other snakes. This tool is excellent for bathroom drains including showers, bathtubs, and toilets.

Can a snake make a clog worse?

While drain snakes can be very effective in clearing certain clogs, sometimes they can actually exacerbate a problem. For example, if your pipes are old and corroded, sticking a drain snake down there can scrape off chunks of metal, making the clog much worse and damaging your pipe.

What are sewer augers and giant snakes used for?

Sewer augers and giant snakes are generally used only for mainline pipe clogs that stop up access to an entire building’s sewer access. These models can free clogs made from nearly any material, but also carry the highest risk for infrastructure damage. Specialized toilet snakes also exist and should be used whenever they are available.

Can a plumber use a giant snake on a sewer line?

Professional plumbers use these drain snakes regularly, so they should be used only with practice and with attention to the stability of the afflicted pipes. Sewer augers and giant snakes are generally used only for mainline pipe clogs that stop up access to an entire building’s sewer access.

Where can I rent a plumbing snake?

Depending on where you live, you may be able to rent a plumbing snake from a local rental dealership. Also, some national tool retailers, such as the Home Depot, offer tool rentals at their brick-and-mortar stores. Precise tool offerings may vary by location. Where is the best place to buy a plumbing snake?

What are plumbing snakes used for?

Like a woodworking drill, some plumbing snakes include detachable ends and specialized attachments that can accomplish jobs that ordinary heads alone cannot complete. These specialized ends and attachments are generally used to accommodate unique piping architecture or unique clog construction.