10 Drain Cleaning Tools Plumbers Use to Unclog Pipes

Drain cleaning services are essential for keeping plumbing systems functioning properly. From a clogged kitchen sink to a main drain line clean-out, professional plumbers rely on specialized tools to unclog drains and ensure that all of a home’s plumbing is running smoothly. In this article, we’ll look at 10 tools plumbers use to unclog drains, from traditional plungers to modern trenchless repair equipment.

Below are some tips for unclogging a drain:

1. Start by using a plunger to try and dislodge the clog. Fill the sink or tub with enough water to cover the plunger cup and create a seal. Pump the plunger up and down several times to create suction and pressure.
2. Try using a drain snake if the plunger doesn't work. Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle clockwise to push the snake further into the gutter. When you feel resistance, turn the handle counterclockwise to loosen the clog.
3. Use a chemical drain cleaner if the snake doesn't work. Follow the instructions on the package, and wear protective gloves and eyewear.
4. If the chemical drain cleaner doesn't work, you may need to remove the drain trap and manually remove the clog.
5. Tips: Avoid using chemical drain cleaners too often, as they can damage your pipes. If the clog continues, please contact a professional plumber.

1. Plunger
2. Drain Snake
3. Toilet Auger
4. Hydro Jetting Machines
5. Drain Cleaning Machines
6. Camera Inspection Tools
7. Chemical Drain Cleaners
8. Pipe Cutters and Wrenches
9. Drain Strainers
10. Trenchless Repair Equipment

The plunger is one of the oldest and most well-known tools used by plumbers to unclog drains. It’s an incredibly simple device with a cup-shaped head that fits over the drain opening. By creating a seal and pushing down on the handle, the plunger creates suction that can help loosen or dislodge a clog in the pipe. Plungers are ideal for minor clogs caused by hair, food, and other debris, but they may not be powerful enough to tackle more serious blockages.

A drain snake is a flexible metal cable that can be inserted into a pipe to remove obstructions. The end of the snake is usually equipped with a cutting head that can cut through tree roots and other tough blockages. Drain snakes come in a variety of sizes and lengths, making them a versatile tool for navigating through pipes of different shapes and sizes.

A toilet auger is a specialized tool designed specifically for unclogging toilets. It consists of a flexible metal cable with a crank handle and an auger head that can penetrate the bowl’s trapway to remove blockages. Toilet augers are effective at removing clogs caused by foreign objects such as toys or jewelry that have been flushed down the toilet.

Hydro jetting machines use high-pressure water to blast through stubborn clogs in pipes. The pressure of the water can be adjusted to suit the severity of the blockage, allowing plumbers to remove even the toughest clogs with ease. Hydro jetting machines are also effective at removing grease buildup in drains, which can be difficult to remove with other methods.

Drain cleaning machines are motorized tools that use power to rotate an auger head and cut through tough blockages in pipes. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, making them suitable for both residential and commercial drain cleaning applications. Some models are even equipped with video cameras, allowing plumbers to inspect the inside of the pipe while they’re cleaning it.

Plumbers use camera inspection tools to uncover hidden problems within drains. These tools consist of a small camera attached to a flexible cable that can be inserted into pipes. The camera transmits images back to a monitor, allowing plumbers to identify the cause of a clog and determine the best action to remove it.

Chemical drain cleaners are liquid solutions that contain caustic chemicals that can dissolve organic material such as grease and hair. These products should be used with caution, as they can corrode pipes and cause other damage if not used correctly. Professional plumbers typically avoid using chemical drain cleaners, opting instead for mechanical methods such as plungers, drain snakes, and hydro jetting machines.

Pipe cutters and wrenches allow plumbers to access clogs deep within pipes. Pipe cutters are designed to slice through plastic or metal pipes, while wrenches are used to loosen fittings and joints. These tools are essential for accessing hard-to-reach blockages and repairing damaged pipes.

Drain strainers are devices that fit over the opening of a drain and filter out debris before it enters the pipe. They’re an effective way of preventing clogs from forming in the first place, saving time and money on expensive repairs. Drain strainers should be cleaned regularly to ensure they remain effective.

Trenchless repair equipment is used by plumbers to repair broken or damaged pipes without having to dig up large sections of the ground. This type of equipment includes pipe bursting machines, which use high-pressure bursts of air or water to break apart old pipes, as well as pipe lining machines, which insert a new liner into an existing pipe. Trenchless repair equipment is becoming increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness and minimal disruption.

When it comes to unclogging drains, plumbers have access to an array of specialized tools designed to tackle any problem. From traditional plungers to modern trenchless repair equipment, these tools allow plumbers to quickly and effectively diagnose and resolve any issue with plumbing systems.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions. Portions of this article were generated in part by ChatGPT, and edited by a member of the Zoro team.