Drain Cleaning Tools for Clogged Drains

Inside the Drain Cleaning Process

Clogged drains occur when a blockage prevents water from flowing through the pipes. The problem is a common one that most homeowners experience but one of the easiest for plumbers to resolve with the right plumbing tools. Homeowners can help prevent clogged drains with routine drain cleaning. 

Signs drain cleaning is needed include:

• Slow drains
• Bad smell
• Frequent overflows
• Backed-up water

Clogged and slow drains not only cause homeowners inconvenience, but they can also cause serious health problems and the need for professional plumbing repairs. Clearing and cleaning the drains now can help prevent the potential issues that clogs may create. However, when clogs do happen, here are the tools that a plumber will likely use.

The Flexible Drain Snake

The drain snake is the tool plumbers most commonly used to clear drains. The drain snake works wonders on minor clogs near the surface of the septic system but may not be as effective for deep clogs.

Generally, plumbers feed the long ‘snake’ cable into the drain and push it through the line while turning the handle. This cable spins inside the pipe, which dislodges the clog.  Plumbing drain snakes usually are about 50 feet long. Any clogs deeper than 50 feet typically require another solution.

Drain snakes can be used in toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and other spaces with draining systems. Thanks to the ribber shields attached to the end of the drain auger, fixtures won’t get scratched.

Heavy-Duty Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is another popular solution plumbers use when clearing clogged drains. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to cut through tough clogs and flushes it down the drain. No clog stands a chance against this effective plumbing solution.

Plumbers place the hose (with a special nozzle on the end) into the sewer pipe where they find the blockage.  Water pumps up to 4,000 pounds per square inch through the hose to break up stubborn clogs. 

Hydro jetting is one of the latest plumbing technologies available for homeowners, providing them with an affordable solution for many types of clogs, including grease, hair, sludge, and paper. Hydro jetting can also be used as a preventative measure in cleaning pipes to prevent clogs. 

Detailed Video Inspection Equipment

Video inspection equipment provides plumbers with an in-depth view of clogs, arming them with the knowledge needed to better clear clogged drains. Video inspection equipment aids plumbers during the unclogging process. Without video inspection equipment, plumbers must use other methods to find and clear clogs.

Video inspection equipment is an important part of any plumber’s toolbox. It’s one of the most effective solutions for locating clogs so they can be removed. Drain inspection cameras are built especially for plumbing systems. Plumbers move it through the pipes so they can see clogs and their exact locations. The camera can record the inspection and assist plumbers as they clean the clogged drain.

The benefits of video inspection equipment include:

• Cleaner than other inspection methods
• Better insight/knowledge of the clogged drain
• Fewer potential plumbing problems

About Heil Plumbing

Heil Plumbing is a locally owned and family-owned company with an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. They provide straightforward pricing, top-of-the-line service, and trustworthy technicians. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Baltimore, MD, and the surrounding areas.