Quck answer
To make a plumbing snake turn corners, follow these steps:
1. Use a flexible plumbing snake that can navigate bends and corners easily.
2. Insert the snake into the drain opening and feed it slowly while rotating the handle clockwise.
3. If you encounter a corner, apply gentle pressure and continue rotating the handle to help the snake navigate the turn.
4. If the snake gets stuck at a corner, try pulling it back slightly and then pushing it forward again while rotating.
5. Repeat the process until the snake reaches the clog or clears the drain.
6. Once the clog is cleared, slowly withdraw the snake while continuing to rotate the handle to remove any debris.
Remember to wear protective gloves and eyewear when using a plumbing snake and always follow safety precautions.
If your drain snake is having trouble making a turn, there could be several reasons for it. One possibility is that the snake you are using is too large for the task at hand. Another possibility is that it is getting caught on a snag caused by pipe corrosion. A third scenario could be that it is encountering the clog right at the point where you expect it to turn a corner. If your snake is too big, try using a smaller one. If it has hit a clog, it’s time to start cranking.
Choosing the Right Snake
Similar to plumbing pipes, drain augers come in different lengths and diameters to match them. The largest one is a sewer auger, which can have a diameter of 1/2 inch or larger and a length of 50 feet or more. If you try using this on your toilet, the snake will not go down, nor will it pass the first bend in a sink P-trap, and it may cause damage.
Toilet augers, as described on the Home Gear Kit website, are typically 3/8 inches in diameter and 3 to 6 feet in length. They are designed to maneuver through the internal trap of the toilet, reaching the waste opening and possibly a little further.
Sink augers are designed for sink pipes with diameters of 1 1/4 inches and 1 1/2 inches. They usually have a diameter of 1/4 inch and are longer than toilet augers. Sometimes they are coiled up in a plastic drum with a handle.
Troubleshooting a Drain Snake that Won’t Turn
The correct way to use a snake is to insert the head into the drain and push slowly without cranking. Forcing it can cause it to bend back and even come out of the drain. Gently and slowly push the snake, and if it is the right one for the job, it should smoothly slide through the pipe.
When you can’t push the snake any further, it usually means it has encountered an obstruction and it’s time to start cranking slowly to work the head through the blockage. As you do this, debris will collect on the head, so you need to periodically pull the snake out to clean it. If you pull it out and there is nothing on the head, it could be because the clog is made of material that the head cannot penetrate.
If you suspect the snake is getting stuck at a corner, try operating the crank in reverse. This will cause the head to wobble back and forth, but since you are cranking counterclockwise, it will not collect any debris. If the bend in the pipe is truly causing the issue, the wobbling of the head should help the snake clear the corner. However, if there is an obstruction, the snake will still get stuck.
Dealing with a Clogged Kitchen Sink that the Snake Can’t Unclog
Using a snake does not always guarantee that a sink clog will be cleared. Some clogs are caused by materials that have hardened in the drain, making it difficult for the snake to penetrate. If a snake does not work, plunging probably won’t help either, so the best approach is to disconnect the P-trap and clean it.
While the trap is removed, it is advisable to insert the auger directly into the waste pipe, in the event that the blockages are located there. The snake may not have been able to reach the obstruction from the sink opening, but now it may have the ability to do so.
