plumber's snake
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A plumber's snake is a long, flexible, coiled metal tool used by plumbers to clear blockages from inside pipes, particularly those with bends or curves. It is designed to be inserted into a drain or pipe to break up or retrieve obstructions.
Usage
The term plumber's snake refers specifically to the tool itself. It is a compound noun where "plumber's" indicates the primary user or context, and "snake" describes the tool's long, flexible, coiled nature. * Use it as a countable noun (e.g., a plumber's snake, two plumber's snakes). * It is often used in the context of home maintenance, plumbing repairs, and clearing clogged drains.
Examples
- "The drain was completely blocked, so I had to use a plumber's snake to clear it."
- "A basic plumber's snake is an essential tool for any homeowner to handle minor clogs."
- "The plumber fed the plumber's snake into the pipe until it reached the obstruction."
Advanced Usage
- The tool is also commonly known as a drain snake or an auger. "Plumber's snake" emphasizes its professional use, while "drain snake" is a more general term.
- In professional contexts, specific types may be referred to by their mechanism, such as a hand-crank snake or a motorized drain auger, but these are still categories of plumber's snakes.
Variants and Related Words
- Drain snake (n): A general term for the same tool.
- (Drain) auger (n): A more technical term, often used for heavier-duty or motorized versions. A "closet auger" is a specific type designed for toilets.
- Pipe cleaner (n): This can be a more general term but often refers to chemical solutions or smaller, simpler tools, not typically the long, flexible coil.
Synonyms
- Drain auger
- Pipe snake
- Plumbing auger
Antonyms & Contrasts
- Chemical drain cleaner: A liquid or gel solution used to dissolve a clog, as opposed to a mechanical tool.
- Plunger: A suction-based tool used for clearing blockages, typically in toilets or sink drains, which works on a different principle.
Related Phrases & Context
- To snake a drain: The verb form derived from the tool's name, meaning to use a plumber's snake to clear a pipe.
- Example: "I tried plunging first, but I finally had to snake the drain to get the hair out."
Noun
- a long flexible steel coil for dislodging stoppages in curved pipes