A blocked drain, sink, or toilet can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, causing major inconvenience and potential damage. Fortunately, there are numerous useful equipment and tools that can help solve this problem. Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the most effective ones.
1) Plunger: This is the first line of defense against any blocked drain. It’s a famous handheld tool that uses pressure to clear blockages. Available in different types like flange, cup, and toilet plungers, it’s an essential piece of equipment every household should have.
2) Plumber’s Snake: Also known as a “drain snake,” this handheld device allows you to navigate through the inner part of a pipe to break up a clog. It comprises a coiled spiral snake that can go far down the pipe to disentangle the blockage. It’s especially useful for more stubborn clogs that a plunger can’t handle.
3) Hydro Jet: This device uses highly pressurised water to remove blockages in the drain. It’s capable of breaking down the toughest buildups and flushing them out of the pipes. While it can be a bit pricey to buy, you can rent one or hire a professional who already has this equipment.
4) Inspection Camera: Sometimes, it’s difficult to locate the source of a blockage, particularly for hidden plumbing systems. An inspection camera, often attached to a long cable, allows a proper examination of deep-inside pipelines, making it easier to locate and understand the blockage.
5) Drain Rods: These are long flexible rods that are screwed together end-to-end and used to dislodge blockages. Generally made from steel, they are very effective in reaching blockages that are far along in the sewer line.
6) Closet Auger: It’s a specialized equipment designed to unblock toilets. A flexible rod with a crank handle at one end and a corkscrew tip at the other is fitted inside a metal tube. When the handle is turned, drain unblocking the corkscrew tip reaches down into the toilet trap to break up the blockage.
7) Drain Bladder: This inflatable device inflates in the pipe and uses the resulting pressure to break up the clog. It’s a great tool for medium-sized blockages but should not be used on weak or brittle pipes.
8) Chemical Drain Cleaners: These are solutions that are poured into a blocked drain to dissolve hair, grease, soap, or food waste that’s clogging up the drain. They should be used cautiously as some can corrode pipes or are often harmful to the environment.
9) Bio Clean: This is a greener, safer alternative to chemical drain cleaners. It’s a blend of natural enzymes and bacteria that eat away at a blockage in a drain without damaging the pipes or the environment.
While there is a plethora of equipment available, selecting the right tool is quintessential. It largely depends on the type of blockage and the location within your plumbing system. Always remember, if a blockage seems mainstream and more stubborn, contacting a professional plumber would be a safer option to prevent any potential damage to your pipes or property.