A blocked sewer or drainage pipe is the last thing you want on an otherwise perfect day. Whether it’s in your home, apartment complex, commercial building or another public or private property, when a sewer or water pipe becomes clogged, it can be a messy, costly and inconvenient problem to remedy. Thankfully, though, unblocking a clogged pipe is usually fairly simple, provided you know which tools to use and how to use them effectively. For example, for a sewer line clogged with tree roots or leaves, a plumbing company may use a rooter cutter to clear the blockage and reinstall the pipe again. For a clogged storm water pipe, on the other hand, your plumber might use a hydro auger, which is basically a big metal pipe with teeth on the end that burrows through the pipe and unclogs it by flushing it out with water pressure from the other end.
In order to unclog a clogged sewer or drainage pipe, you’ll need a few basic tools. If you’re dealing with a kitchen or bathroom clog, you’ll also want to bring along some towels, a bucket and a pail (or trash bag, if you have one available).
A hydrocleaner is a tool that’s used for clearing tree roots from sewer and water lines. It works by sending water pressure through the clogged pipe, which forces the roots out. Hydrocleaners are often used in rural areas where trees are prevalent. Keep in mind that hydrocleaners should only be used on clean, unclogged pipes. They are not meant for cleaning out sewer lines that have been clogged for many years.
A rotary scraper is a hand-operated device that can be used to clear a clogged pipe. Rotary scrapers work by sending water pressure through the pipe while a person walks alongside the clogged line with the scraper attached to the end of a long metal handle. Rotary scrapers are commonly used for cleaning out drains in basements, crawl spaces, under buildings and in other locations that are hard to access. A broom can be used in a similar way to clear out a clogged sewer line. Rotary scrapers and brooms can be used for both sewer and water lines.
A drain snake is basically a long, flexible tube, usually made of PVC. It’s often used for cleaning out drains that have been plugged by tree roots or other debris. A plumber may use a drain snake to clear a clogged sewer or storm water line, or they may use it in a bathroom or kitchen sink to un-plug a plug or broken drain plug. A drain snake is generally less invasive than other tools used to unclog drains. Although it’s important to use caution when using a drain snake, it’s an excellent method for cleaning out clogs and unplugging drains.
A standard plumbing snake is a long, flexible tube that is commonly used to unclog drains. It’s similar to a drain snake, but it’s designed for use in toilets and sinks. A plumbing snake is usually made of either PVC or metal, and it’s often more durable than a drain snake.A plumbing snake is designed to be used in conjunction with a toilet auger, which is another plumbing tool often used for unclogging clogged drains. A toilet auger is a long metal tube with a corkscrew-like end that is used to clear out toilet bowls.A plumbing and toilet auger can be used to unclog a clogged kitchen or bathroom sink or tub, as well as a bathroom shower or other plumbing fixtures that have been clogged by debris.
A plumbing cable tool is a type of cable that has been used by plumbers to unclog drains for decades. It’s a long metal cable, often with a handle attached on one end. A plumbing cable tool can be used for clearing out clogged drains, broken drains and other inconvenient plumbing problems. A plumbing cable tool can be used for unclogging a clogged kitchen or bathroom sink or tub, or it can be used in a clogged bathroom or shower.A plumbing cable tool works by sending water pressure through the clog to force the blockage out. If you’re using a cable tool for unclogging a clogged kitchen or bathroom sink, you can simply wrap the cable around the faucet and turn on the water to send water pressure through the clog. If you’re trying to unclog a clogged shower or tub, you’ll probably need to shut off the water supply to the unit and wrap the cable around the showerhead before turning the water back on.
If you find yourself dealing with a clogged water or sewer pipe, it’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid a bigger problem down the line. A clogged pipe not only makes it harder for you and your family to use the rest of the plumbing, but it can also cause other pipes to back up and overflow, leading to a messy and costly mess for you to clean up.