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Clogged drains are a common problem that many homeowners face. Yet they’re especially problematic in the bathroom when you factor in hair, soap scum, and toothpaste.
If you’ve ever experienced a clogged drain in your bathroom, you’ll understand how frustrating it can be, especially when it becomes a common occurrence. Yet, there’s a simple but effective tool, called a drain snake, that can help you tackle this issue.
Here, The Bathroom Showroom takes a quick look at drain snakes, helping you understand exactly what they’re for and just how they could help you in the bathroom when dealing with drain blockages.

What Is the Purpose of a Bathroom Drain Snake?

A bathroom drain snake is a long, flexible tool used to remove clogs in drains. Also referred to as a plumbing auger or drain auger, it consists of a coiled metal wire with a handle at one end and a small auger or hook at the other. 
The purpose of a drain snake is to reach deep into the pipes and dislodge or retrieve any debris causing the drain clog.

How Does a Bathroom Drain Snake Work?

Using a drain snake is fairly simple. First, you insert the auger end of the snake into the drain opening. Slowly pushing it down into the pipe, you then rotate it as you go. 
As you encounter resistance, you simply continue to gently push and rotate the snake to break through the clog.
Once you feel the snake has reached the blockage, you can either pull it out, hopefully bringing the debris with it, or use the hook to latch onto the clog and pull it out manually.

The Benefits of Using a Bathroom Drain Snake

Plumbers and DIY enthusiasts rely on drain snakes for several reasons. Here are some of the benefits of using this versatile tool:
  1. Cost-Effective: Hiring a professional plumber to unclog your drains can be expensive. With a drain snake, you can save money by solving the problem yourself.
  2. Time-Saving: Waiting for a plumber to arrive can be frustrating. By having a drain snake on hand, you can quickly resolve minor blockages and get your drains flowing again in no time.
  3. Versatility: Bathroom drain snakes aren’t limited to unclogging showers, but work effectively on toilets, basins, and other drain fixtures throughout the home.
  4. Avoids Harsh Chemicals: Many drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes and harm the environment. Using a drain snake eliminates the need for these chemicals, providing a more eco-friendly solution.

The Importance of Preventing Bathroom Drain Blockages

While a bathroom drain snake is an excellent tool for unclogging drains, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent stubborn blockages in the bathroom:
  1. Regular Maintenance: Keep your drains flowing smoothly by regularly pouring hot water down them to flush out any debris.
  2. Use Drain Strainers: Install drain strainers in basins and showers to catch hair, soap scum, and other particles before they have a chance to cause a blockage.
  3. Avoid Pouring Grease: Dispose of cooking grease in a separate container instead of pouring it down the drain. Grease can solidify and create difficult-to-remove clogs.
  4. Educate Members of the Home: Teach other people in the home not to flush foreign objects, such as cotton balls, wipes, or dental floss, down the toilet or drain.

Keep Your Bathroom in Good Health 

Ultimately, a bathroom drain snake is a valuable tool for unclogging drains in your home. Plumbers and DIY enthusiasts alike rely on this simple yet effective device to tackle blockages in showers, toilets, and basins. By understanding how a drain snake works and following some preventive measures, you can keep your drains flowing smoothly and avoid the frustration of clogged pipes.
For more help and advice in and around the bathroom, take a look at both our Blog and Rest & Relaxation section.
If you’re looking to create a healthy space, book an appointment with The Bathroom Showroom. Experts in all things bathrooms, we can help turn your dream bathroom into a reality.