Can you damage a drain with a snake?

• <div><p>In some cases, operating a snake can damage your drain and pipes. This depends on the overall condition of your pipes and how gently you operate the auger. For instance, older galvanized pipes covered in zinc are susceptible to scratches when using a drain snake. Additionally, it’s common for newbies to apply too much force when extending the snake, leading to scratches and related damage. You can also crack the porcelain with an electric auger if you’re snaking a toilet drain. If you’re using a manual snake or auger, the risk is minimal.</p></div>

When should you call a plumber for a clogged drain?

• <div><p>If you try a drain snake and various DIY methods for unclogging drains to no avail, bring in a professional plumber to assess the situation. Also, if multiple drains in your home are backing up or you smell sewage, a visit from a plumber is best. You can expect your <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-drain-cleaning-cost.htm">drain cleaning costs</a> to fall around <b>$250</b>, and this can include an assessment of what’s caught in your plumbing and if there’s a larger, underlying problem. You should also consider calling a pro if you need to snake a toilet, as DIYing this could lead to a cracked fixture.</p></div>

Get matched with top drain cleaners in Jena, LA

Q: Can you spray bug spray down the drain?

• <div><p>No, it is not advisable to spray pesticides down the drain in your home. Most drinking water and wastewater treatment systems are not properly equipped to remove pesticides. Should pesticides infiltrate waterways, they can cause harm to plants, fish, or other living things. In most areas, pouring pesticides down the drain is illegal due to the potential harm it causes. </p></div>

Q: Does flushing a clogged toilet make it worse?

• <div><p>Yes, continuing to flush a clogged toilet is not likely to break up the clog. Instead, it will continue to put pressure on the clog while filling the bowl with more water, which can potentially cause the toilet to overflow&mdash;leading to an even bigger mess. Rather than repeatedly flushing, use a toilet plunger or plumber&rsquo;s snake to dislodge the clog. </p></div>

Q: Can snakes come up through shower drains?

• <div><p>Snakes can occasionally enter homes through shower drains, although it&rsquo;s quite rare. This can happen when they follow sewer pipes or accidentally find their way into plumbing systems. To minimize the risk, consider installing drain covers or stoppers on your shower drains. Always keep drains closed when they&rsquo;re not in use, especially in areas where snakes are known to be active.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in Jena, LA

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Jena, LA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Drain Cleaning needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Jena, LA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Drain Cleaning needs.

Last update on December 01, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Carissa & Staff are the best in the business!! Started with a deep clean, and now biweekly!! My home looks amazing!! Thank you so much!!
Carissa's Cleaning
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Reviewed in February 2025
Repaired my leaking main Second floor bathroom drain piping. Whoever did the original repair/ install obviously wasn’t a pro. Probably a child it was so bad. Mitch did a great repair and not one leak.
Smith's Home Improvement
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Reviewed in January 2024
They were responsive, punctual, thorough and informative. Left a clean work area and gave us good value .
Professional Chimney Sweeps
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Reviewed in January 2024
Darrel was very knowledgeable about the tasks that he performed. He unblocked my washing machine drain, and repaired/replaced drains and pipes on my bathroom sinks, and repaired my toilet.
Darrel's Plumbing
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Reviewed in January 2024
David Brown has helped me with sewer lines, inside plumbing in kitchen, new toilet seating clogged drains as well. Very satisfied!
David's Repairs
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Reviewed in June 2023
Jeremy came out to inspect our ductwork and A/C because we were having allergy issues that we thought could be a result of our system being unclean. Needless to say, after 25 years, our ducts looked horrendous when he showed us. After cleaning and sanitizing our entire system our issues were...
Allied Air Care LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
It went really well. They were clean and the work looks good and they were very friendly.
Forever Home Products
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Reviewed in November 2022
Mark and Charlie did a great job cleaning and sanitizing my heating and AC ductwork. The price was very good and they cleaned up after the job was completed. My wife and I are very happy to recommend this company. Bill D.
Patriot Environmental
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Reviewed in September 2017
It started out as a simple blocked drain line from the drain pan. Using compressed air, they blew out the pan drain line. That fixed the problem for a day. Water began pouring through the ceiling again. Scott came back quickly and blew out the main overflow drain because the pan should have been...
Scott's A/C & Heating, LLC.
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Reviewed in May 2017
Very well. Arrived on time, did a very good job. Very polite and when I pointed out a missed spot, no problem fixing it. When done, the cleaner and I checked very window in every room together.
Fish Window Cleaning
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Find Drain cleaners in Jena

Tubbs By Grubbs

4.15(

)

•Approved Pro

Tubbs By Grubbs

4.15(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

362 local quotes requested

15 years of experience

Inspiration to Installation: Remodels in as Little as One Day FREE Estimates. We Provide Quality Bathroom Remodeling to Enhance Style and Functionality Tubbs by Grubbs has been providing comprehensive bathroom remodeling services for residential customers for over 10 years. Get the style, functionality, and quality you deserve out of your bathroom with our expert bathroom remodeling services, including replacement bathtubs, replacement showers, tub/shower conversions, and walk-in tubs. We also carry a full line of bathroom accessories. We offer military and senior discounts and free estimates

"I called in requested a recaulk on my shower they installed back in 2016. Office was very friendly and quick to get me a service ticket out to the repair man! They had him out two days later!! He did a great job and was very friendly! I’ve had no issues with my shower and i love it! And incredibly Thankyou they offer upkeep service like the recaulking to keep it looking beautiful!!!"

Charm B on May 2025

"I called in requested a recaulk on my shower they installed back in 2016. Office was very friendly and quick to get me a service ticket out to the repair man! They had him out two days later!! He did a great job and was very friendly! I’ve had no issues with my shower and i love it! And incredibly Thankyou they offer upkeep service like the recaulking to keep it looking beautiful!!!"

Charm B on May 2025

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Customers say: Super punctual

28264 local quotes requested

9 years of experience

NEW! Appliance Consultation – Just $35 Get expert advice before you spend on repairs or replacements. A Neli technician will evaluate your issue and help you decide if your appliance can be fixed—or if it’s time for a new one. Virtual Appliance Diagnosis and Repair - Just $45 Service Description: Diagnose or repair your appliance virtually—no need for anyone to enter your home. Neli’s certified technicians guide you step-by-step via secure video chat. How It Works: Book online at nelihome.com or call 833-876-0900 Connect with a tech through our video platform Diagnose or fix the issue in real time Get expert advice and confidence in your next steps What’s Included: Real-time video guidance from a certified technician Diagnosis of the issue OR full repair (when possible) Step-by-step guidance using your smartphone or tablet Safe, contact-free service - no one in your home Flexible scheduling—appointments available daily Perfect For: Appliance fixes HVAC troubleshooting DIY-savvy homeowners Saving time and money on service calls

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

Denmons Plumbing

No reviews yet

Denmons Plumbing

No reviews yet

I have been a plumber for 10 yrs. I'm licensed in to state Louisiana and Alabama.I unstop sewer drains,repair water and sewer pipe,set fixtures from kitchen faucets to seting toilets . If it's from new construction to remodeling it can be done.

Southern Sewer And Drain

No reviews yet

Southern Sewer And Drain

No reviews yet

10 years of experience

Locally owned and operated, family plumbing services dedicated to providing all customers with Quality and Dependable customer service. We do it all, The complete plumbing service.

Delta Van Lines Inc

4.33(

)

Delta Van Lines Inc

4.33(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

26 years of experience

Delta Van Lines one of the most trusted Nationwide movers provides the first-class treatment that your belongings deserve. Our moving company offers a variety of moving services that can be customized based on your specific requirements. Are you looking for a local or state-to-state moving solution? Choose Delta Van Lines to ensure your moving experience is absolutely smooth and free from any kind of stress or confusion. If you are looking for someone to facilitate a residential or corporate relocation or a local or long distance move, Delta Van Lines is the name you can count on for impeccable quality of moving services Here at Delta Van Lines, customer satisfaction is our number one priority. We look forward to assisting you with all your moving needs! Call us today for a free quote at 800-544-1380

"very smoothly"

Sukran A on August 2018

"very smoothly"

Sukran A on August 2018

Hill's Remodeling & Handyman Service

5.00(

)

Hill's Remodeling & Handyman Service

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We do all remodeling & new construction. Will work Saturday but not Sunday in order to attend Church with my family. Will provide 24 hour emergency services on Sundays.

Trinity Allied Services LLC

No reviews yet

Trinity Allied Services LLC

No reviews yet

14 years of experience

We offer complete Facility and home maintenance services to our customers. All work guaranteed in writing

DW Renovations/Painting/Handyman Services

No reviews yet

DW Renovations/Painting/Handyman Services

No reviews yet

19 years of experience

No Job Too Small! Over 20+ years experience in ALL PHASES of building trades/maintenance and restoration!! Full service Home Repair/Handyman/Painting and Renovation Services! Everything from Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry to Painting, One Wall or the WHOLE House! :) Serving CENLA, Rapides, Grant, LaSalle and Avoyelles but can accommodate bigger jobs anywhere in the state! Dave: 318-528-0407 (OK to Text)

PCH Plumbing Inc

No reviews yet

PCH Plumbing Inc

No reviews yet

21 years of experience

We are a full service plumbing repair,install,re-model company,able to handle the smallest job to a new build.Master,Journeyman,and Apprentice Plumbers working for you to provide Honest Affordiable Dependable Curtious Service.

half price sewer & plumbing

No reviews yet

half price sewer & plumbing

No reviews yet

38 years of experience

open 24/7

Showing 1-10 of 18

Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

No, it is not advisable to spray pesticides down the drain in your home. Most drinking water and wastewater treatment systems are not properly equipped to remove pesticides. Should pesticides infiltrate waterways, they can cause harm to plants, fish, or other living things. In most areas, pouring pesticides down the drain is illegal due to the potential harm it causes.

In some cases, operating a snake can damage your drain and pipes. This depends on the overall condition of your pipes and how gently you operate the auger. For instance, older galvanized pipes covered in zinc are susceptible to scratches when using a drain snake. Additionally, it’s common for newbies to apply too much force when extending the snake, leading to scratches and related damage. You can also crack the porcelain with an electric auger if you’re snaking a toilet drain. If you’re using a manual snake or auger, the risk is minimal.

If you try a drain snake and various DIY methods for unclogging drains to no avail, bring in a professional plumber to assess the situation. Also, if multiple drains in your home are backing up or you smell sewage, a visit from a plumber is best. You can expect your drain cleaning costs to fall around $250, and this can include an assessment of what’s caught in your plumbing and if there’s a larger, underlying problem. You should also consider calling a pro if you need to snake a toilet, as DIYing this could lead to a cracked fixture.

Yes, continuing to flush a clogged toilet is not likely to break up the clog. Instead, it will continue to put pressure on the clog while filling the bowl with more water, which can potentially cause the toilet to overflow—leading to an even bigger mess. Rather than repeatedly flushing, use a toilet plunger or plumber’s snake to dislodge the clog.

Snakes can occasionally enter homes through shower drains, although it’s quite rare. This can happen when they follow sewer pipes or accidentally find their way into plumbing systems. To minimize the risk, consider installing drain covers or stoppers on your shower drains. Always keep drains closed when they’re not in use, especially in areas where snakes are known to be active.

The Jena, LA homeowners’ guide to drain cleaning services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
•
Nov 4, 2025Nov 4, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Drain Pipes in a House? [2025 Data]
Discover the cost to replace drain pipes in a house, including average prices, key factors, and tips to save on your plumbing project.
Mariel Loveland
•
Mar 23, 2025Mar 23, 2025
How Do I Drain the Water Lines in My House? A Guide to Draining Your Plumbing System
How do I drain the water lines in my house? This guide will walk you through it in five simple steps, along with tips to prevent damage to your plumbing.
Stephanie Mickelson
•
Apr 4, 2025Apr 4, 2025
Drain Bladder vs. Snake: What’s the Difference?
You can tackle a drain blockage with a drain bladder or snake, but the type of clog will determine which one is better.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Nov 26, 2025Nov 26, 2025
How to Unclog a Shower Drain With Standing Water
If you've been dealing with standing water in your shower, don't fret. Read this guide to find out how to unclog a shower drain with standing water.
Samantha Hawrylack
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
What Is Hydro Jetting and When Do You Need It?
Hydro jetting can help clear deep plumbing clogs and debris buildup. Use this guide to learn all about hydro jetting and whether it’s the appropriate fix for your problem.
Mariel Loveland
•
May 1, 2025May 1, 2025
How to Get Something That Fell Down the Sink Drain
Getting something that fell down the sink drain can be frustrating, especially if it holds sentimental value. This step-by-step guide shows how to get something out of the sink without taking it apart.