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>

What are the different basement waterproofing methods?

• <div><p>Many prevention methods can be used individually or in combination to waterproof your basement. Some of the most common waterproofing methods include:</p><ul><li><p>Using dehumidifiers </p></li><li><p>Silicate concrete sealers</p></li><li><p>Vapor barriers </p></li><li><p>Baseboard channels </p></li><li><p>Drain tile systems</p></li><li><p>Waterproofing paint</p></li><li><p>Drainage systems</p></li><li><p>Epoxy injection</p></li><li><p>Interior French drains</p></li><li><p>Exterior excavation and waterproofing</p></li><li><p>Cement waterproofing</p></li><li><p>Weep tiles</p></li><li><p>Liquid membrane</p></li><li><p>Sheet membrane </p></li><li><p>Yard grading</p></li><li><p>Gutters and downspouts</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top basement leak repair pros in Gallup, NM

Q: What's the difference between a channel drain and a French drain?

• <div><p>While both a channel drain and a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-is-a-french-drain.htm">French drain</a> serve a similar purpose, a French drain is designed to prevent groundwater from causing flooding issues. This type of drain system goes underneath the soil and is completely surrounded by soil and rock. A channel drain, also called a trench drain, removes surface water before it ever enters the ground&mdash;hence the concrete and above-ground installation method.</p></div>

Q: Can water seep through cracks in the basement floor?

• <div><p>Yes, water and water vapor can seep through cracks in your basement floor, which means you should address all basement floor cracks, even if they don&rsquo;t indicate structural issues. Sealing settling cracks and shrinkage cracks is a good idea to keep water and moisture outside where it belongs. Doing so can improve your indoor air quality, reduce the risk of mold growth, make your home more comfortable, and help prevent pest infestation.</p></div>

Q: Should water in the basement go away on its own?

• <div><p>Pooling or standing water in your basement should be cause for alarm and action. This indicates that there is a leak or a drainage issue, and until you repair the root of the problem, the situation will only happen again or grow in severity. It&rsquo;s important to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-fast-can-water-damage-ruin-home.htm">deal with water damage</a> as soon as it occurs.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Basement Leak Repair pros in Gallup, NM

*The Angi rating for Basement Leak Repair companies in Gallup, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Basement Leak Repair needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Basement Leak Repair companies in Gallup, NM is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Basement Leak Repair needs.

Last update on April 23, 2024

Reviewed in April 2024
Paul was great. He came out to service our door. My first words were â Iâ m not replacing the doorâ . After looking at the damage and being honest with the compatibility of parts with our door we quoted a new door and I ended up replacing it. He was easy to work with and pushed to get it...
Don's Garage Doors
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Reviewed in June 2023
It was absolutely wonderful from beginning to the end!! Chris and Shelly are so great to work with Always on time, stayed in contact with text and phone throughout the entire project!! I highly recommend Lot Pro Service!! Thank you for a job well done!!
Lot Pro Services
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Reviewed in September 2022
Property Has Never Looked better. Can't say enough good things about this company they were professional on time and exceeded our expectations, Living in New Mexico you have to be prepared for fire at a moment's notice we now feel much safer in our home.
Absolute Tree Felling and Services
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Reviewed in March 2018
This winter 2018 I had a pipe burst outside of my house. It was an emergency situation and I had to act fast. I called Horizon. The arrived right away, stopped my leak, and got the job done professionally. I was treated fairly and with respect. I recommend these guys to anyone! This is a...
Horizon Enterprises Plumbing & Heating Inc.
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Reviewed in May 2015
The quality of work was good. I had two AC units repaired for leaks, and both are working well now. I found a discrepancy in the quoted price in which I felt I overpaid. Abel addressed this issue promptly and professionally. <br />
Abel Plumbing and Heating
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Reviewed in August 2014
I had another local company look at our unit and after actually opening the unit and doing a thorough examination, it was determined that our unit was leaking because our drain pan had gotten plugged by a piece of insulation. The employee removed the blockage and the unit is functioning...
Williams Plumbing
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Reviewed in October 2013
He had to replace some of the tiles in the kitchen because our refrigerator leaked while we were away. He replaced the floor underneath the tiles and felt sure it wasn't just the refrigerator because of the marks on the wood. Sure enough, he found that the tube for the ice maker which we don't...
Cerro Alto Construction, LLC.
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Reviewed in November 2011
I called Ron on Wednesday morning and told him what I needed. He said that he was on is way to another job that would take about an hour. He would call me when he was heading back. Within about 40 mins. he said he would meet me at the trailer. When he got there he performed the work. Made sure...
Ron Molina Gas Services
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Reviewed in November 2009
The property was four plex under foreclousre . Jody came on time to inspect. He found out the hotwater is not turned on. He said that he could not start till the hot water is turned on. He pointed out many problems with the property and stayed there more than an hour. He did not charge any...
Sterling Property Inspection
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Find Basement leak repair pros in Gallup

MD Excavating

5.0(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - Install

Serving Gallup, NM and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Miguel performed the work and did a great job. He was extremely helpful in answering any questions and was a pleasure to have on site. I would defiantly use MD excavation in the future and would definitely use and refer Miguel to other clients. Thank you, Miguel!!"

+50

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationBasement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - Repair

Serving Gallup, NM and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We are still in the budgeting phase and have not contacted yet however Scott Hughes of Groundwork’s was a great resource. He provided detailed information on the issues and how they would resolve them for us."

+16

91 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairFoundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / Encapsulation

Serving Gallup, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were good. They were pretty fast and came on time. My overall experience with them has been good."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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Basement Leak Repair questions, answered by experts

While both a channel drain and a French drain serve a similar purpose, a French drain is designed to prevent groundwater from causing flooding issues. This type of drain system goes underneath the soil and is completely surrounded by soil and rock. A channel drain, also called a trench drain, removes surface water before it ever enters the ground—hence the concrete and above-ground installation method.

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.

Yes, water and water vapor can seep through cracks in your basement floor, which means you should address all basement floor cracks, even if they don’t indicate structural issues. Sealing settling cracks and shrinkage cracks is a good idea to keep water and moisture outside where it belongs. Doing so can improve your indoor air quality, reduce the risk of mold growth, make your home more comfortable, and help prevent pest infestation.

Pooling or standing water in your basement should be cause for alarm and action. This indicates that there is a leak or a drainage issue, and until you repair the root of the problem, the situation will only happen again or grow in severity. It’s important to deal with water damage as soon as it occurs.

Many prevention methods can be used individually or in combination to waterproof your basement. Some of the most common waterproofing methods include:

Using dehumidifiers
Silicate concrete sealers
Vapor barriers
Baseboard channels
Drain tile systems
Waterproofing paint
Drainage systems
Epoxy injection
Interior French drains
Exterior excavation and waterproofing
Cement waterproofing
Weep tiles
Liquid membrane
Sheet membrane
Yard grading
Gutters and downspouts

The Gallup, NM homeowners’ guide to basement leak repair services

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

See all articles

Kate Fann
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
How Much Does Slab Leak Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Plumbing leaks are never fun, but they’re worse when they happen inside your foundation. Use this guide to slab leak repair costs to learn what to expect.
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•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost? [2026 Data]
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
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•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
How Much Do Pipe Leak Repairs Cost? [2026 Data]
Pipe leak repair costs depend on the location and severity of the leak, as well as the type of pipe being replaced. Use our guide to price out repair work.
Catherine Hiles
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
How to Fix a Leaky Basement
A basement offers additional living or storage space, but if it leaks, it can become a significant headache. Learn how to fix a leaky basement and prevent water damage.
C.E. Larusso
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
7 Reasons Water Is Seeping Through Your Basement Floor
Unearth the root causes of water seepage in your basement floor. Explore effective solutions to keep your basement dry and your home protected.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
How to Keep Your Basement Dry and Get Rid of Moisture
Can’t seem to get rid of the moisture and mold in your basement? Learn why basements tend to hold moisture and how to get rid of moisture in the basement.