Welcome, my apprentice, to the sacred art of drain snaking, where patience meets precision, and where you, the plumber, become the hero of the household. Today, we delve into the world of the drain snake, your best friend in the plumbing universe and your quick job profit maker.

The Philosophy of the Snake

“The snake is your friend” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a lifestyle. In the words of the great philosopher, Douglas Adams, “Don’t Panic!” should be your mantra when facing a clogged drain. Panic leads to the dark path of chemical drain cleaners, which, as we know, can be as destructive and environmentally, unsafe. Instead, embrace the snake, for it offers a gentle, yet firm, solution to your clogged drain problems.

The Profit in Snaking:

A good friend of mine is a plumber, but only does one thing: Snaking Drains. Because its usually an easy job and its quick profit. For the enterprising plumber starting out, armed with nothing but a trusty snake and a willingness to dive into the murky depths of household plumbing, the profit potential is surprisingly robust.

Imagine this: each unclogging job, a battle against the unseen forces of hair, grease, and who-knows-what, can fetch you anywhere from $150 to $400, depending on the severity of the clog and your locale’s pricing norms.

Forbes Magazine wrote an article on Roto-Rooter and said “Their services cost upwards of $100 for smaller projects to over $3,500 for larger projects. On average, however, expect to pay between $160 and $575.”

Now, if you’re the kind who can charm a snake (the plumber’s kind, not the garden variety) through pipes with the finesse of a maestro, you might find yourself averaging 15 jobs a day, like our friend from the X posts. That’s potentially $6,000 a day, though let’s not get too carried away with our abacus; even half that, and you’re looking at a lucrative venture. Remember, though, this isn’t just about the snake; it’s about your reputation, your speed, and your ability to not gag at the sight of what comes out of those pipes. So, with a bit of marketing savvy (perhaps avoiding the term ‘snake’ in your ads), you could snake your way to a profitable business, one drain at a time.

Understanding Your Snake Tool (no joke intended)

A drain snake, or plumber’s snake, is not just a piece of metal; it’s an extension of your will. As the famous plumber, Mario, once said, albeit in a different context, “Let’s-a go!” – this should be your battle cry when you pick up your snake. It comes in various forms, from the basic hand-cranked model to the mighty electric snake, each designed to tackle different beasts lurking in your pipes.

The Plumbers Snake Technique

1. Preparation: Before you dive in, remember, “Measure twice, cut once” applies here too. Assess the situation. Know your enemy and more specifically how far down the pipe it might be. Is it a slow drain or a complete blockage? This will dictate your approach.
2. Insertion: Gently insert the snake into the drain. Think of it like threading a needle, but instead of fabric, you’re dealing with the fabric of the household’s sanity, there is nothing worse than doing more damage than good. My father used to say, be forceful, but not bullish.
3. Manipulation: Here’s where the magic happens. As you feed the snake, feel for resistance. This isn’t just about brute force; it’s about finesse. You’re not just pushing; you’re probing, feeling, and sometimes, gently persuading.
4. Retrieval: Once you’ve broken through the clog, slowly retract the snake. This part is like pulling Excalibur from the stone – dramatic, satisfying, and often, a bit messy.

The Wisdom of the Plumbers Snake

“Water flows downhill, but clogs can make it stubborn,” as the saying goes in plumbing circles. The snake teaches us that sometimes, the solution isn’t about adding more force but finding the right path. As Sun Tzu (Art of War) might have said if he were a plumber, “Know your pipes, know your clogs, and a thousand battles will be won without a fight.”

Real-Life Application

Remember, every drain has a story. Each clog is a chapter in the saga of household plumbing. Your snake isn’t just clearing a drain; it’s solving a mystery. Like Sherlock Holmes with his magnifying glass, you, with your snake, are uncovering the truth one turn at a time.

Conclusion

So, my apprentice, embrace the snake. Let it be your guide through the dark, damp underbelly of homes. With it, you’ll not only unclog drains but also learn patience, precision, and perhaps, a bit of plumbing philosophy. Remember, “The snake is your friend” – treat it well, and it will serve you loyally.

For more tales of the snake and its adventures, or for further enlightenment on the path of plumbing, stay tuned to our blog. Until next time, keep your snakes sharp and your drains flowing!

Suggested Plumbers Snake:

• VEVOR Drain Cleaner Machine 100FT
• WORKPRO 20V Electric Drain Auger

Here are some pieces of advice or wisdom that experienced plumbers might pass on to their apprentices

These nuggets of wisdom not only help in mastering the trade, but also in navigating the professional world of plumbing. They combine practical advice with a bit of life philosophy, tailored to the unique challenges faced by plumbers.

1- “Measure Twice, Cut Once”

is the sacred scripture in the holy book of plumbing, where ‘twice’ is just the starting bid, and ‘once’ means you’ve probably already messed up. Here in the realm of pipes, fittings, and the ever-present threat of an impromptu indoor water feature, this phrase isn’t just friendly advice; it’s your lifeline. Forget it, and you’re not just looking at a redo, but potentially auditioning for a role in “Waterworld: The Home Edition.” So, grab your measuring tape like it’s the Excalibur of plumbing, because in this game, precision isn’t just a virtue; it’s your only defense against turning a client’s basement into an accidental aquarium. For more tales from the trenches of tape measures and pipe cutters, swim over to the Measure Twice page, where we measure our success by how dry the floors Visit the Measure Twice blog post

2- “Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey”

isn’t just a catchy rhyme to keep you from looking like a fool with a wrench; it’s the alpha and omega of screw-based wisdom, the bread and butter of bolt behavior. Imagine it as the secret handshake of the hardware world. Turn it to the right, or as we say in the biz, clockwise, and you’re in for a snug relationship between nut and bolt – it’s like they’re holding hands tighter than teenagers at a horror movie. But, should you desire freedom, a release from this mechanical embrace, you go left, counterclockwise, where things loosen up faster than a belt after Thanksgiving dinner. This isn’t just advice; it’s a universal law, like gravity, but for anyone who’s ever faced the existential crisis of a stuck jar lid or a stubborn screw. Remember, in the dance of the threads, getting the direction right means you lead; get it wrong, and you’re stepping on toes, or worse, stripping screws.. Visit the Righty Tighty Blog Post

3- Always Have Spare Parts

Keeping extra fittings, washers, and common repair parts on hand can turn a two-trip job into a one-trip success. In the plumbing world, time is as precious as water, and nothing eats into your schedule like an unexpected second trip for parts. A Plumber’s Best Friend: The Spare Part Stash isn’t just advice; it’s a mantra for efficiency. By stocking your van with extra fittings, an assortment of washers, and those frequently needed repair components, you’re not just prepared; you’re setting the stage for a one-trip success story. This proactive approach not only saves you the hassle and time of additional store runs but also elevates your service quality, ensuring you can fix issues on the spot. This readiness transforms potential setbacks into seamless, swift resolutions, enhancing customer satisfaction and your reputation as a reliable plumber. Visit the Always Have Spare Parts blog post

4- The Customer Is Not Always Right

But They Are Always the Customer – Teaching how to handle disputes or misunderstandings with professionalism. In customer service, the adage “the customer is always right” often leads to unrealistic expectations. Instead, acknowledge the customer’s perspective with humor and empathy, even when correcting them. Offer solutions professionally, maintaining the balance between satisfaction and policy integrity. Remember, they’re always the customer, deserving respect, not always agreement. Read The Ultimate Plumbing Pro’s Guide to Problem Customers blog post

5- Water flows downhill, the Importance of Gravity

Gravity, the unsung maestro of the plumbing world, dictates that water flows downhill, shaping the very essence of how we design, install, and troubleshoot plumbing systems. This fundamental force ensures that wastewater leaves our homes, that drainage systems function without pumps, and that the integrity of our structures is maintained through proper water flow management. Beyond the pipes, this principle serves as a metaphor for life and business; just as water seeks the lowest point, problems often originate from overlooked or higher-up issues, cascading effects throughout any system. Understanding and respecting gravity’s role is not just about preventing floods or backups; it’s about recognizing the flow of consequences in every action taken upstream. Read the full blog post on Water flows downhill, the Importance of Gravity

6- “The Snake is Your Friend”

The drain snake isn’t just a tool; it’s your trusty sidekick in the battle against clogs and earning easy money (or at least 50% of the time). Think of it as the lightsaber of your plumbing toolkit, cutting through the dark side of hairballs, grease, and who-knows-what-else. Master the art of the snake, and you’ll unclog drains with the finesse of a Jedi, avoiding the dark path of chemical drain cleaners which promise quick fixes but often lead to bigger woes. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility – use your snake wisely, young padawan. Visit the The Most Profitable Tool For Plumbers, The Drain Snake blog post.

7- “Know Your Plumbing Codes”

Plumbing isn’t just about making things work; it’s about making them work legally. Building codes are the commandments you didn’t know you needed in your life. They dictate everything from pipe sizes to venting requirements, ensuring that your work not only functions, but does so safely. Ignoring these can turn your masterpiece into a code violation faster than you can say “back to the drawing board.” So, study them like they’re the latest blockbuster movie plot – because in plumbing, knowing the codes is knowing the future. Check out the “The Plumbing Code: Secrets to Legally Awesome Plumbing” blog post.

8- “The Art of the Estimate”

Pricing your work is an art form, not just a number game. You’re not just selling your time; you’re selling peace of mind, expertise, and the promise of a leak-free future. Always factor in the unseen – those sneaky issues that love to hide until you’re elbow-deep in a project. Your estimate should be like a good story: compelling, believable, and with a bit of buffer for the unexpected plot twists. Learn to quote like a pro with “Estimating Excellence: The Plumber’s Guide.”

9- “Respect the Tools”

Let’s talk about the indispensable tools that every plumber relies on to tackle everything from leaky faucets to complex pipe systems. Discover how these tools not only enhance efficiency and precision, but are crucial for maintaining the integrity of our daily water systems. We’ll cover the must-have gadgets, their uses, and why investing in quality tools is as vital as the skills of the plumber themselves. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional, understanding these tools will give you a deeper appreciation for the art and science of plumbing.. The Tools of The Trade, a New Plumbers Guide

10- “The Leak is Never Where You Think It Is”

This isn’t just a tip; it’s a plumbing proverb. The source of a leak is often as elusive as a good pun in a serious conversation. When water appears, remember, it’s just the symptom. The cause could be lurking anywhere, from behind walls to under floors. Your detective skills are as crucial as your wrench-turning abilities. Follow the trail of moisture, listen for the whispers of drips, and you’ll uncover the truth. For more on this, check out “The Leak Detective’s Handbook.”

Here are a few 💁 bonus T.I.P.S for good measure

Never Bite Off More Than You Can Chew – Know your limits. It’s better to ask for help or refer a job you can’t handle than to make costly mistakes.

Cleanliness is Next to Godliness – Keeping a work site clean not only prevents accidents but also shows professionalism. Also, clean joints make for better solders.

Learn to Use Your Tools Properly – Knowing how to use tools efficiently and safely can make a huge difference in job quality and time management.

Always Turn Off the Water – Before starting any work, ensure the water supply is off to avoid unexpected floods.

Plumbing Isn’t Just About Pipes; It’s About People – Understanding customer service, explaining issues in layman’s terms, and ensuring the client feels heard and respected is as important as the technical work.

These nuggets of wisdom not only help in mastering the trade but also in navigating the professional world of plumbing. They combine practical advice with a bit of life philosophy, tailored to the unique challenges faced by plumbers. There you have it, the complete set of plumbing commandments for the modern apprentice. Follow these, and you’ll not only keep the water where it belongs but also keep your sanity intact in the face of plumbing’s unpredictable nature. Remember, in plumbing, as in life, always be prepared for the unexpected – because that’s where the real adventure begins!

“A plumber’s job is to argue with water about where it should go. Gravity is the silent partner in this debate.”

– Leonardo da Vinci, (or at least what I’d imagine he’d say about plumbers)

When you’re elbow-deep in a clogged drain or puzzling over a mysterious leak, remember one fundamental principle: water flows downhill. This isn’t just a basic rule of physics; it’s the heartbeat of plumbing. But let’s dive deeper, beyond the pipes and into the philosophy of problem-solving in our trade. This is part of the 10 Essential Plumbing Tips Every Apprentice Must Know

The Literal Flow

First, let’s talk gravity. It’s the unsung hero of plumbing. Every pipe we lay, every drain we install, relies on this simple force. Water seeks the path of least resistance, flowing from high to low. This principle guides us in:

• Designing Systems: We ensure pipes are sloped correctly to facilitate natural drainage. A miscalculation here can lead to standing water, clogs, or even backflow.
• Diagnosis: When there’s a backup or a slow drain, we start at the lowest point and work our way up. Often, the issue isn’t where the symptom appears but somewhere upstream.
• Installation: Gravity affects how we install appliances like water heaters or sump pumps. Positioning matters to ensure efficiency and longevity of the system.

The Metaphorical Flow

Now, let’s wade into the metaphorical waters. Just like water, problems in any system tend to flow downhill from their source. Here’s how this applies to our work:

• Customer Relations: A customer’s initial complaint might not be the root issue. Perhaps their frustration with a recurring leak stems from an upstream problem like improper pipe sizing or an overlooked pressure issue.
• Business Management: If there’s a consistent issue with job scheduling or customer satisfaction, the problem might not be with the frontline staff but with the management or communication systems higher up.
• Team Dynamics: If your team’s performance is underwhelming, look upstream. Is there adequate training? Are tools and materials readily available? The blockage might be in training or resource allocation.

Flowing Towards Solutions

So, how do we, as plumbers, apply this wisdom both literally and metaphorically?

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Always start with a full system check. Don’t just fix the leak; understand why it happened. Is it wear and tear, or is it symptomatic of a larger issue?
2. Educate Your Clients: Use the ‘water flows downhill’ principle to explain why you’re fixing something that might not seem directly related to their issue. This not only educates but builds trust.
3. Reflect on Your Business: Regularly review your business practices. If issues keep popping up, trace them back to their source. Maybe it’s time to revamp your inventory system or invest in better staff training.
4. Continuous Learning: Just as water adapts to the landscape, be ready to adapt to new technologies, materials, and methods in plumbing. The source of tomorrow’s problems might be today’s new installations.

In conclusion, remembering that “water flows downhill” keeps us grounded in both the physical and philosophical aspects of our work. It reminds us to look beyond the immediate problem, to understand the flow of issues within any system. So next time you’re tackling a stubborn job, think of gravity, not just as a force to contend with, but as a guide to navigate through the complexities of plumbing and life. Keep flowing, keep solving, and always check upstream.

Isaac Newton who might be the patron saint of plumbing, because of his explaination of gravity might have said, if he were around today, "Gravity isn't just a good idea; it's the plumbers law, and yet, it's not why my apple fell but why it couldn't help but meet the ground." However, his more serious and famous reflection on gravity is, "Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who sets the planets in motion." - Isaac Newton