10 Tools Plumbers Use
Plumbing professionals deal with drain clogs every day and there are many ways that they unclog these problems. Some of these methods are simple while others require more tools that can only be found in a professional plumber’s arsenal of equipment. The most rudimentary tool in the plumber’s toolkit is a manual drain snake. This simple rod is inserted into the drain pipe and turned in a clockwise direction to break up clogs. Once the clog is broken up, the plumber can flush it away.
If the clog is very stubborn or is located far from where the manual snake can reach, a plumber may need to bring out a motorized snake. A motorized snake offers a much better reach than its manual counterpart. This allows the plumber to force it into a clog and drill into it with ease.
For larger jobs or clogged pipes, plumbers use cable cleaners to clear out clogs and remove debris. These machines have spinning blades that can cut through clogs and scrape off any residue that may be stuck on the pipes. The most common way that plumbers clear out a clogged drain is to pour hydrochloric acid (also known as muriatic acid) down the line. This chemical is very effective in unclogging the drain, but it can be harmful if used incorrectly or mixed with other chemicals.
10 Tools Plumbers Use to Unclog Drains
A plunger is a common plumbing tool that can be used to unclog a sink, bathtub or toilet. They are usually made with rubber bells that deliver a strong thrust. For some clogs, plumbers might use caustic soda to break up the blockage. This fizzy mixture can work to dissolve a lot of hair or other substances in a clogged drain.
One of the more interesting tools that plumbers may use to unclog a drain is a wet & dry shop vacuum. With a vacuum turned on its highest setting, it can draw the clog up into the pipe. The most difficult drain clogs, especially in a shower, are caused by accumulated hair. Hair build-up can be difficult to remove using a plunger or snake because it can get caught on the sides of the drain and block the flow.
Similar to a drain snake, drain augers are also designed for smaller drains. They come in manual or motorized designs and can be used for a variety of clogs.
When the clog is very deep or has accumulated a lot of build-up, the plumber might use a hydro jet to dislodge it from the pipe and flush it out. These machines can be rented from many different local plumbers and are an affordable option for those that are experiencing a clog in their shower, tub or toilet.
A clogged drain can cause serious problems in your home, including a backed-up toilet, slow drainage and even damage to the pipe. When this happens, you need the help of a professional plumber to fix the problem as quickly and efficiently as possible.