Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. After all, anytime hair, food, soap, toothpaste, or other foreign objects flow down the drain, a clog may start to form. Luckily, plumbers have a wide array of tools to unclog a drain in their arsenal. Here’s what a plumber may use to unclog the drain at your next appointment.
Pipe Cameras
The first tool that plumbers use is a pipe camera. This diagnostic tool gives plumbers a look at what’s happening inside your drains. The plumber inserts a flexible cable with a tiny camera on the end into the drain. The camera then sends a live feed to a monitor. This reveals the extent of the clog and how far down the pipe the blockage has lodged itself. Using this information, the plumber can grab the best tool to unclog the drain.
Plungers
If the clog isn’t too deep, your plumber will likely select a plunger for the job. Flange plungers, the type most homeowners are familiar with, are best for unclogging toilets because the flange helps create an airtight seal in the toilet bowl. However, a cup plunger is more appropriate for working on clogged sinks, showers, bathtubs, and other flat-surface drains. Rest assured that your plumber will choose the proper tool for the job.
Manual Drain Snakes and Augers
If the clog is further down, your plumber may reach for a hand auger, also known as a drain snake. This tool has a long cable wound onto a spool with a metal corkscrew on the end designed to grab globs of hair and other blockages. Manual augers have a hand crank that the plumber uses to feed the cable into the drain, maneuver it through the pipe, and break up the debris inside.
Motorized Drain Snakes and Augers
Drain snakes also come in motorized versions. They work on the same principles as manual augers, but they have longer cables and a motor behind them for added reach and power. An automatic feed pushes the cable into the drain until it reaches the clog. Then, with the touch of a button, the plumber can retract the cable and wind it back onto the spool.
Hydro Jetting Equipment
Plumbers choose hydro jetting equipment for the most stubborn, deep-set clogs. This drain clearing tool uses high-pressure water to flush your pipes and remove years of buildup. The water jet is so strong that it can even break up any tree roots that have found their way into your sewer line. When the job is done, your pipes will be as clean as the day they were installed, greatly reducing the likelihood of repeat clogs anytime soon.
Leave Drain Clearing to the Pros
While every homeowner should have a plunger on hand and know how to use it, severe clogs can be impossible to clear without more robust equipment. If you try plunging a clogged drain or using a manual hand auger to no avail, it’s time to call a plumber for help. Never resort to drain cleaning chemicals, which are nothing more than a temporary fix. Plus, the toxic chemicals can wear out your pipes if used repeatedly.