There are few things more frustrating than a stubbornly blocked drain. Sometimes, it requires professional help.

Blocked drains are more than just a minor inconvenience; they can be a headache causing frustration and potential damage. In many places, where plumbing issues can arise due to various factors like tree roots or grease build-up, seeking professional help becomes imperative. This article unveils the secret weapons of professional plumbers in tackling stubborn blockages, offering insights into innovative tools and techniques that ensure efficient and eco-friendly solutions to keep drains flowing smoothly.

Pressure Jet Machine

Unlike drain cleaning cables, hydrojetting machines shoot high-pressure water streams at up to 3,500 psi into pipes. It’s a powerful tool that can break apart even the toughest clogs like tree roots, gunk, and debris.

Despite its name, a pressure jet machine does not use chemicals and is completely safe for the environment. It’s a great option for residential and commercial plumbing, and it’s also a good choice for removing stubborn grease blockages.

To use a hydro jetting machine, first locate the drain’s access point. This could be a primary drain cleanout outside your home, a basement floor drain opening, or an indoor drain opening above the clog. Plan your route carefully so you can reach the clog without damaging any adjacent pipes or walls. Then, equip yourself with a pair of thick work gloves and eye protection before turning on the equipment.

Typically, a professional plumber Wollert will use a water jet with a special cutting head to get through stubborn clogs such as tree roots. Water jetting can be faster than other traditional tools such as electric eels, which may take hours to do the job. Plus, hydrojetting is a one-time cost rather than an ongoing expense for chemical cleaners. This can save homeowners money in the long run. And it can keep their pipes and sewer system in good condition, avoiding expensive and disruptive repairs.

Pipe Camera

Pipe cameras have revolutionised the plumbing industry and are used by plumbers to inspect underground pipes and drains. This specialised equipment allows plumber Whittlesea to find the source of a problem and determine the best way to repair it.

The plumber will insert the camera into a drain or sewer line and view its interior through a monitor above ground. This allows the plumber to locate the cause of a blockage and see how severe it is. It also helps them decide which method is best suited to the situation and what the cost will be.

Unlike traditional methods, pipe cameras eliminate the guesswork and the need for digging. The plumbing plumber can then pinpoint the exact location of the problem and provide you with an accurate quote before work commences.

It is important to use a high-quality, rugged, and reliable CCTV drain inspection camera for optimal results. Some of the key features to look for in a drain camera include autofocus, high resolution, long cable length, and flexibility. This will ensure the camera can reach all areas of your plumbing system, and allow you to see any problems or obstructions clearly.

Your plumbing pipes are a vital part of your home and are often hidden behind walls or buried underground. They give and take away waste 24/7 to keep your home running smoothly, but they can get blocked by food scraps, oil and fats (known as “fatbergs”), tree roots, or just old age.

Manual Auger

There are few things worse in life than a clogged drain. Besides slowing down the flow of water, which can lead to flooding and a host of other problems, the smell of a clogged drain can be unpleasant and even toxic. The best way to get rid of it is with the help of a professional plumber who can use the proper tools for the job.

One of the main tools that a plumber will bring to your home is a manual auger. These are similar to drain snakes but they work in a different way. They have a corkscrew-shaped hook on the end that is physically fed into a clogged drain or toilet. As the handle is turned, it rotates and breaks up or scrapes through the blockage.

A manual auger can also be used for a range of shallow digging tasks such as taking soil samples, making postholes, drilling holes in ice, environmental construction, and mining. It also allows for careful drilling where there may be underground materials that could halt drilling or damage powered tools.

These augers are available in a variety of sizes. Smaller ones can be used by one person and are ideal for tackling clogged drains, while larger models require two people to operate. There are also versions that are designed for specific purposes, such as earth augers, which drill deeper and faster than a traditional auger.

Drain Snake

Snakes may not be the most popular household pets, but they’re a plumber’s best friend when it comes to unblocking drains. Sometimes, the problem is not close to the surface of your pipe and a drain snake or auger (which are the same thing) is used to break up a solid blockage in the pipes and clear it out.

This is a long, coiled metal rod with a corkscrew-type bit at one end that reaches into your drain to grab and cut away any debris stuck inside the pipe. It is hand-operated and can be pushed down into your pipes by cranking the handle, and then it will move around the clog and break it up into smaller bits that are easily flushed away.

A drain snake or auger can be used on any pipe inside the house, but it’s especially useful for toilet and kitchen sink drains that have been clogged by cooking fats and oils, as well as hair and other debris. It’s usually the second tool used by a plumber after removing the drain trap or using a plunger to dislodge any remaining clog.

It is important to note that a drain snake can damage your pipes, so it should only be used by plumbers who are trained or experienced in using it properly. It’s also not recommended for homeowners to use on their own unless they have the proper equipment.

In the battle against blocked drains, professional plumbers wield an arsenal of specialised tools and techniques to ensure efficient solutions. From the powerful pressure jet machines that obliterate stubborn clogs to the precision of pipe cameras that pinpoint hidden issues, the plumbing industry continues to evolve, providing homeowners with effective and environmentally friendly remedies. By embracing these advancements and relying on expert assistance, homeowners can bid farewell to the frustration of blocked drains, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of waste and maintaining the integrity of their plumbing systems for years to come.