Ever wonder how plumbers clear clogs no matter how big? Well, these are the professional plumbing tools that are used to unclog your drains.
The drains that snake throughout and underneath your home are probably not something you think about too often. Unless, of course, one of them becomes clogged, causing major drainage issues in your home.
While no homeowner wants to contend with a clogged drain, they’re not uncommon. Especially seeing as how much actually goes down our drains on a daily basis — without us even knowing it.
So, how do plumbers unclog those stubborn drains anyway? Here’s a look at the professional plumbing tools they keep in their kit.
Professional Plumbing Tools 101: Drain Augers
Also known as drain snakes, there are several different versions of drain augers that most plumbers will carry with them at all times. In essence, it’s a basic tool, but an auger is best for tough drain clogs that just won’t budge and for cleaning out drains, too.
Some of the most common augers include:
1. Motorized Augers
Most of these types of augers operate with a hand-crank and they are best suited to stubborn or large drain clogs. Basically, the motorized auger drills down into the center of the clog in a corkscrew-type fashion.
The end of the auger lodges inside the obstruction in the drain, breaks it apart, then draws it back out. There aren’t many types of clogs that motorized augers can’t smash their way through (when used properly, of course)!
2. A Toilet or Closet Auger
This is a type of auger that’s specifically designed for serious toilet clogs. In this case, a sink auger just wouldn’t cut it — you need the specific design of this tool to get the job done.
A toilet auger features a long, metal rod with a bend in it. The purpose of this is so that the auger can reach deep into your toilet system, past the bottom of the toilet bowl.
The auger cable is then threaded through the tool and into the clog in order to break it down.
3. A Sink Auger
This tool is also sometimes referred to as a drum or canister auger. It’s yet another specific tool for sink drain clogs as well as bathtub clogs. This tool consists of a stainless steel cable that’s flexible and features a corkscrew-style tip at the end.
The cable is coiled within the tool and reaches deep down into the drain to penetrate the clog, break it up, and remove it. With the help of a thumbscrew that locks the cable within the auger, you can turn the handle to rotate the cable as it winds throughout the bends in your piping.
A Specialized Flange Plunger
This is no ordinary toilet plunger. While it may look similar to any old plunger you already have in your home, a flange plunger has a very specific shape to help with stubborn toilet clogs.
Shaped much like a regular plunger, there is an additional rubber flap attached to the dome of the plunger head — called the flange. It’s this flange flap that seals around the hole of your toilet bowl. The result is an extra level of hydraulic pressure that is often necessary to dislodge larger clogs in your drain.
Hydro-JettingTools
In all honestly, most plumbers probably turn to hydro-jetting equipment before anything else for drain cleaning. When it comes to dislodging stubborn drain clogs, the hydro-jet is fast, effective, and generally very reliable.
So, how does hydro-jetting equipment work? Basically, it’s a device that feeds a supply of high-pressure water through your clogged drain via a hose and nozzle. A plumber inserts the hose and nozzle into your pipes and blasts high-pressure water through it to scour out the drain pipes.
Not only does this move out clogs, but it also helps to remove hard deposits and hard water minerals. This is one of the most popular and safe ways of unclogging and cleaning out drains.
Equipment forVideo Pipe Inspection
While this tool does not actually help to dislodge clogged drains, it’s very helpful in identifying major obstructions in your drains and speeding up the entire process. In short, a plumber inserts a miniature camera into your drains to do a thorough pipe inspection and find out what’s going on in there. This camera is mounted to a fiber optic cable that’s threaded throughout your drain system for optimal viewing.
Video inspection equipment is incredibly helpful in that it can outline the extent of a drain clog, and prompt your plumber to use the best tools for the job. This equipment also helps professionals ascertain whether they’ve done a good enough job of unclogging your drains, too!
What Professional Plumbers Don’t Use
There are certain no-no’s in the profession of plumbing when it comes to clearing out a clogged drain. One of these is using chemical drain cleaners.
Some of the top reasons for this include:
- Chemical drain cleaners just aren’t effective — they may dissolve a portion of the clog, but not all of it, which is only a half-done job
- These products are highly corrosive due to their acid content — this will only damage your drain pipes and lead to major issues down the line
- Chemical drain cleaners are also very toxic — they give off toxic fumes, contaminate our water, and pollute the landfill
No professional plumber that’s licensed and wants to maintain their reputation will resort to this method to clear out your drains. So if a plumber suggests using these products as part of their service, this is an immediate red flag!
Looking for Trusted Plumbing Services?
At Eyman Plumbing, we use only the best professional plumbing tools to tackle your drain clogs — no matter how big or small they might be.
We offer residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing services. So if you’re looking for an emergency plumber, drain cleaning and maintenance, or pipe inspection, we are your Omaha go-to!
Learn more about our residential drain cleaning services, and then call (402) 731-2727 to schedule a service with Eyman plumbing in Omaha today!
I'm an experienced plumbing professional with a deep understanding of the tools and techniques used in the industry. Over the years, I have gained firsthand expertise in addressing various plumbing issues, including stubborn drain clogs. My knowledge extends to the tools mentioned in the article, and I can provide detailed insights into how they work and when they are most effective.
Professional Plumbing Tools 101: Drain Augers
Drain augers, commonly known as drain snakes, are essential tools in a plumber's kit. They come in various versions, each designed for specific purposes:
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Motorized Augers: These powerful tools operate with a hand-crank and are ideal for handling stubborn or large drain clogs. The motorized auger drills into the center of the clog in a corkscrew fashion, breaking it apart and drawing it out.
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Toilet or Closet Auger: Specifically designed for serious toilet clogs, this auger features a long, metal rod with a bend to reach deep into the toilet system and break down the obstruction.
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Sink Auger: Also known as a drum or canister auger, this tool is designed for sink and bathtub drain clogs. It uses a flexible stainless steel cable with a corkscrew-style tip to penetrate and remove the clog.
Specialized Flange Plunger
Different from a regular plunger, the flange plunger has a specific shape with an additional rubber flap (flange) attached to the dome of the plunger head. This design creates extra hydraulic pressure, aiding in dislodging stubborn toilet clogs.
Hydro-Jetting Tools
Hydro-jetting equipment is a preferred choice for plumbers when dealing with stubborn drain clogs. It involves feeding high-pressure water through a hose and nozzle into the clogged drain, effectively clearing clogs and removing deposits and minerals.
Video Pipe Inspection Equipment
While not directly involved in dislodging clogs, video pipe inspection tools are crucial for identifying major obstructions in drains. Plumbers use miniature cameras mounted on fiber optic cables to inspect the extent of a drain clog, guiding them in choosing the most appropriate tools for the job.
What Professional Plumbers Don't Use
Chemical drain cleaners are a big no-no in the plumbing profession. These cleaners are ineffective, corrosive, and toxic, posing risks to both the plumbing system and the environment. Reputable plumbers avoid using chemical drain cleaners and instead rely on mechanical tools and techniques for effective and safe unclogging.
In conclusion, for reliable plumbing services, it's crucial to choose professionals who use the right tools and methods. At Eyman Plumbing, we prioritize the use of professional plumbing tools to tackle drain clogs effectively, ensuring the best results for our clients.
