The Tools Professionals Use
Homeowners should have their drains cleaned by a plumber during annual maintenance visits to help prevent clogs from forming. However, sometimes clogs happen, and the professionals have just the tools for the job. They can use various tools to clear clogged drains, such as drain snakes, hydro jets, and video inspection equipment.
While homeowners can purchase these devices, they should only be used by trained professionals. Without proper training, one risks causing expensive damage to their plumbing system. This blog will discuss some commonly used devices that plumbers can use to clear a drain clog.
Clogs May Call for a Drain Snake
Many plumbers use a drain snake to unclog drains, and it’s been around since the 1930s. It’s essentially made of a long, flexible material with coils on the end. Drain snakes can measure 10 to 30 feet––or longer if a plumber uses them to repair a sewer line. As noted previously, only trained professionals should use drain snakes. Using a drain snake without caution can damage the plumbing system’s pipes and cause other issues.
Plumbers locate a clog’s source, insert the snake into the drain, and remove the obstruction by twisting it around the snake’s coils. Many modern-day drain snakes come with tiny cameras that allow plumbers to get an up-close-and-personal look at the block. Drain snakes are good for removing food residue, plant matter, and other biodegradable materials.
Plumbers May Use Hydro Jetting When Clearing Clogged Drains
Depending on a clog, a plumber may use hydro jetting instead of a drain snake. This device uses high-pressure water to remove debris. Imagine a pressure washer. A hydro jet works similarly. A plumber points the hydro jet into the drain, turns it on, then breaks down the clog using the pressurized water. This method can also be used as a preventative measure to prevent clogs.
A plumber may use a hydro jet to break down globs of cooking fat, grease, and oil that sometimes build up inside plumbing systems. Many people find hydro jetting better than chemicals to remove clogs. Over-the-counter clog removal liquids can actually cause irreparable damage to pipes, such as corrosion and rust.
There are different hydro jets for various purposes. For instance, a trained plumber wouldn’t use the same hydro jet for a city’s sewer system that they would use for someone’s home. Like drain snakes, some hydro jets have cameras that allow plumbers to zero in on clogs and provide the most efficient service.
Many Plumbers Use Video Inspection Equipment as a Diagnostic Tool
Before a plumber even thinks about using a drain snake or hydro jet, they must first locate the problem’s source. They may use devices that employ electromagnetic waves to find disturbances in water pressure. This helps them identify a clog’s location and go from there.
However, plumbers may also use video inspection equipment to locate a clog deep in the plumbing system. These devices may include:
- Drain snakes that come with cameras
- Hydro jets that come with cameras
- Motorized cables that have cameras on the end
In the future, plumbers may use tiny drones with cameras. However, these inventions are years away from becoming common appliances in plumbers’ toolkits. Until then, plumbers will stick to the tried-and-true methods of locating clogs.
About Force Plumbing and Heating LLC
Force Plumbing and Heating LLC is a family-owned and operated company serving Holmdel, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They offer on-time arrivals, emergency plumbing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Holmdel, NJ.
