A Visual Guide To The Tools We Use To For Clearing A Blocked Drain

Dealing with a blocked drain can be a frustrating experience for any householder. Whether it's in the kitchen, bathroom, or outdoors, knowing the tools at your disposal can make a significant difference. This guide outlines the essential equipment used to clear blocked drains.

Understanding Blocked Drains

A blocked drain happens when debris, grease, hair, or foreign objects obstruct the flow of water in your plumbing. According to statistics, around 75% of homeowners experience a blocked drain at some point. If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems like leaks and backups. Identifying the source quickly and using the right tools is crucial for effectively clearing the blockage without damaging your drains.

Essential Equipment for Professional Clearing Of A Blocked Drain

1. High-Pressure Water Jetting System

For tougher blockages or significant build ups, a high-pressure water jetting system is an ideal solution. This powerful tool uses high-pressure water jets to clear blockages caused by grease, sludge, or tree roots.

High angle view of a high-pressure water jetting system in action — High Pressure Water Jetting Unit For Clearing A Blocked Drain

Hiring a professional who uses this equipment can ensure the blockage is cleared without damaging your pipes. In fact, using water jetting has been shown to improve drain flow by as much as 90% after a single treatment

2. CCTV Drain Inspection

CCTV drain inspections are widely used to diagnose the exact cause of a blockage. They are able to find tree root ingress, a common cause of blockages, and displaced joints which affect flow and can leak into the surrounding area, causing the drain to sink or, in the worst case, collapse. They can also be used for drain inspections prior to a property purchase or used with sonar equipment to locate a hidden manhole or the run of the drain.

A photo of a CCTV Camera set up by an open manhole — CCTV Drain equipment set up by an open manhole

3. Tree Root Removal

We use specialised nozzles along with a high-pressure water jetting unit to effectively clear roots from a blocked drain. After removing the roots, we conduct a further inspection using a CCTV camera to determine if the roots have caused any damage to the drain line. If damage is found, it can be repaired through either drain relining or excavation work.

A drainage engineer holding a long section of compacted roots removed from a drain — Compact Roots Removed From A Drain

4. Non-invasive Drain Relining

Drain relining involves the use of specialised equipment handled by trained engineers to either install a full length of drain lining or carry out patch repairs on a particular section. A flexible liner, saturated with resin and made from materials such as fiberglass, is inserted into the damaged pipe. This liner is typically infused with epoxy resin, which hardens to form a new, robust inner layer within the existing pipe.

An artist impression of how drain lining works showing the section of old drain and new lining material — An Example Of How Drain Relining Works

This are just a brief guide to some the equipment our engineer use on a daily basis. to clear a blocked drain. Our vans are fully equipped for normal day to day drain clearance, but when needed our specialist engineers are called in to continue the works.

Tips for Preventing Blocked Drains

While knowing how to clear a blocked drain is vital, prevention is key. Here are easy tips to keep your drains flowing smoothly:

Avoid pouring grease down the sink: Grease solidifies in pipes, leading to severe clogs.
Use drain guards: These devices can catch hair, food particles, and debris, preventing them from entering your plumbing.
Schedule regular maintenance: Routine drain cleaning can keep your pipes clear and free from build-up.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the tools available for clearing a blocked drain empowers you to address plumbing issues with confidence. A combination of plungers, drain snakes, and high-pressure jetting systems equips you to tackle blockages effectively.

Focusing on prevention and basic DIY methods will minimize the chances of dealing with blocked drains. Don't hesitate to reach out for professional help when necessary—it's often the best way to ensure a smoothly running plumbing system in your home.

Keep your drains clear and your home happy!