What is Drain Snaking?
A plumber's drain (A.K.A., a plumbing jack) snake is a slender, metal
flexible auger that we use to dislodge soap scum, hair, objects, or other everyday items that clog pipes. If we
can’t solve the problem using different methods, we pull out the drain snake, because it is highly efficient and
will work on the toughest jobs.
A drain snake design is simple. It contains a coiled metal wire with gaps between the coils at the tip. We turn
the snake as we insert it into the drain. Once the snake reaches the blockage, we crank it until it breaks
through. As the snake rotates, it also thrashes against the interior walls of the pipe, scraping off minerals
and other leftover debris. The snake is sturdy enough to blast through the debris and clear out 90% to 100% of
it. Drain snakes are also tough enough to break up small tree roots and other rugged stubborn material that
refuses to go away.