In order to work properly, the drains in your home have to connect to unobstructed drain lines that flow unobstructed to the sewer or greywater tank. Unfortunately, all too often, blockages occur in the lines that grind your drainage system to a halt. Whether it is a simple matter of trying to flush too much toilet paper, or something more severe like a tree root blocking a pipe, having the right tool for the job makes performing repairs easier and less frustrating.
Liquid Drain Cleaners – Typically, a liquid drain cleaner will work only on slight clogs. In order to prevent damage to your pipes, manufacturers of these products have to limit the amount of active ingredients they contain. They are worth a try in some instances, but don’t get your hopes up since they are rarely effective for drain cleaning on severe blockages.
Auger – These tools look like oilrig drills. You spin a head containing teeth by cranking a handle as you feed it through the pipe. Augers are sometimes effective when you suspect a small object has been dropped down the drain. The teeth can typically grab the object and either pull it up the line or force it out the other end.
Snake – A drain snake is a simple tool that you use to attempt to push matter blocking your drainpipe through the system. It consists of a long coiled flexible metal rod with a head on the end. You perform the drain cleaning by forcing the snake through the drain. The head catches matter and moves it down the pipe. These tools are excellent for unstopping clogs due to hair clumps.
Water Jets – Sometimes, tough clogs require a powerful stream of high-pressure water to move them down the drain. Water jets can clear soft clogs such as grease, hair or toilet paper. The water stream is strong enough to unclog the drain without exposing your pipes to a high risk of damage.
Drum – The toughest clogs usually require a tool known as a drum. Powerful electric motors drive the drum by spinning a drain cleaning head containing sharp teeth. The teeth can catch and remove most blockages including tree roots, dirt and severe grease clogs.
Life can quickly take a downhill turn when a clog occurs in one of your home’s drain lines. Trying to tackle the job with inadequate tools can make the problem worse. If you approach the clogged line with the right tool for the job, you will likely get things flowing smoothly again without a lot of unnecessary frustration.