Own a plumbing snake?

Question

Fernando D. · Answer

I have a $25 handheld one that you would use for a smaller drain, but not an auger that could clear roots and clogs from a main line. When I get more properties (only 3 doors now) I'm planning to get a powered auger simply because it'll be cheaper over time and I have people that I could share it with (or rent it to).

David Niles · Answer

They sell a handheld for pretty cheap that has the ability to be attached to a drill, makes cleaning smaller pipes from sinks etc a real breeze.

As far as using the larger powered units for main lines, you want to be very careful as they can damage older lines and or get tangled in them causing you some serious expenses.

Don Meinke · Answer

All I have had for 45 years was a 3/4 inch wide tape with a roller ball on the end.  You punch it thru a clog,,,then with as much water as possible running twist the tape round and round and it will 'snap' inside the pipe,,,every time it snaps it is razor cleaning the pipe with its sharp edge the whole length.  Pull it out rolling in holder with water running and it is pretty clean,,hose it off and wash your hands,,,all done.  Has only failed me one time and rented a big machine and cut the root(big) out,  Hasnt reoccurred yet.

If you have stuff to get out you can wrap the end with some barb wire,

Jim Brewer · Answer

Maybe a hand held one, they will help with most minor issues.

The bigger ones are fairly cheap to rent for a few hours if need be. They can be pretty hard to use depending on your plumbing, but are fairly simple overall. In my opinion, unless there is an issue there is no reason to do it as a preventative measure.

Greg Behan · Answer

They are simple to run if you know where the sewer lines go and you pay attention to the snake line...

They make small hand held ones that will get the first 4 foot or so of your interior piping.  You made it sound like a full size to get out into the main.   Like a previous poster has said you really want to know what is causing that backup before you go shoving a snake down there.  It will let you know which tip to use and also how you can prevent your next backup.

If you do decide to do it yourself be sure you use some patience.   If it's really hard getting it to move forward it could get really hard to get out.   You DO NOT want to lose a tip or snap a snake inside the pipe...

Frank S. · Answer

Steven,

If you are talking about the handheld one, I rather rent at homedepot  than store it.   I would never consider buying the 1/2" or 3/4" machines.

Sewers are design to carry waste through scoriating action. If you have regular backups you may want to address that directly.

E.g., are your galvanized lines corroded?  is the pipe properly pitched?  Is your tenant disposing feminine hygiene products down the toilet?   Do you have a garbage disposal on an old building?

Yearly rodding of sewers may not be needed. It all depends on your plumbing system integrity.

Best of luck,

Frank

Kathleen Leary · Answer

I have one - old-school arm-powered. My in-town property is rather "elderly" - personally, I'd like to see more slope from the main waste tie-in to the sewer, but that's not my jurisdiction. Anyway, I've snaked all the waste lines from the fixtures to the main tie-in multiple times. IT IS A GROSS JOB! Probably doesn't help that I have to access the cleanouts from a crawl space, lying on my back in the dirt . . . ugh.

You might consider starting with a closet auger, since toilets are a sure clog-up, regardless. Then you might decide to get a general-purpose, bigger one. It's not difficult to actually do, just annoying & GROSS.

Nathan Patterson · Answer

I've owned one before, it was a small hand powered one but I've also rented gas powered ones.  it is fairly easy to do, nothing that requires too much know how.  You can watch youtube videos on how to do it if need be.  Never thought about doing it in between tenants, guess it wouldn't hurt to do.