Benefits of Owning a Sewer Snake and When to Use It

Are You Tired of Standing in a Puddle During Your Shower?

Clogged drains can be pretty gross. Hair, soap scum, food, and other everyday stuff get stuck in your pipes, leading to slow drainage or a complete blockage. Owning a sewer snake can take the stress out of these everyday clogs. You can easily feed the snake down your drain, break up the clog, and get things flowing again without the need to spend time waiting for a plumbing repair service. Unfortunately, a sewer snake isn’t a magic wand that will fix every drain problem you have. It works wonders for smaller blockages, but if you’re dealing with something more severe, like tree roots invading your pipes or serious damage to your sewer line, you will need professional help.

When to Break Out the Sewer Snake

Now that you’ve got your sewer snake, when’s the right time to put it to work? If your sink or tub is draining slowly, it’s often because of soap, grease, or hair buildup, and this is where a sewer snake works best. It’s perfect for those clogs that are just out of reach but not too deep in the pipes. But if multiple drains in your home start backing up, that’s a bigger issue. You might be facing a blocked main sewer line, and a sewer snake won’t be enough. In fact, trying to fix it yourself could make things worse. That’s the point when it’s best to call in a professional for sewer line repair or replacement.

Save More Money and Time

Owning a sewer snake can save you a lot of cash over time. How often have you had to pay for a plumbing service for what turned out to be a simple clog? With a sewer snake, you can tackle these problems yourself and avoid the cost of a house call. The tool itself is pretty affordable, and it’s a one-time purchase. You can fix the problem on your schedule within minutes. But again, keep in mind that this isn’t a fix-all tool. Some plumbing problems are better left to the pros, especially when it comes to a major sewer line replacement or line issues.

Easy to Use

Handling a sewer snake might sound tricky, but it’s actually pretty simple. You don’t need special skills, just a bit of patience and a willingness to get a little messy. Feed the snake into the drain and turn its handle to push it through the clog. The tip is designed to either break up or grab onto the blockage so you can pull it out or clear the drain. Still, there are times when it's better to call for help. If the snake isn’t getting the job done, don’t force it, as you could damage your pipes and make things worse.

When You Might Need to Call in the Experts

While a sewer snake can solve a lot of minor plumbing issues, it’s not the solution for everything. If you’ve used it a few times and the clog keeps coming back, or if you suspect the problem might be more serious, it’s time to get professional help. Tree roots, pipe corrosion, or serious sewer blockages aren’t things a simple drain snake can fix. In those cases, you’re better off calling a plumber to do a more thorough inspection and handle any necessary sewer repair. It could save you from a much bigger, more expensive disaster down the road.

Should You Get a Sewer Snake?

Is a sewer snake worth having around the house? Absolutely. It’s a cheap, effective way to handle small clogs and avoid the hassle of calling a plumber every time your sink backs up. For bigger problems, especially anything involving your sewer line, a sewer repair or sewer line replacement might be necessary. If you’re ready to take control of your drains or need professional help for the tougher jobs, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our team can help schedule a convenient appointment for your next plumbing repair service.