What Do Plumbers Use To Clean Drains?

Key Takeaways

Professional plumbers use a variety of tools to clear clogged drains safely and effectively. For minor or moderate clogs, they may start with simple mechanical tools such as plungers, manual drain snakes, or motorized drain snakes that can break up debris close to the drain opening. These tools are often effective for common blockages caused by food waste, soap buildup, or hair.

For tougher or deeper clogs, plumbers may rely on more advanced solutions such as hydrojetting or pipe inspection cameras. Hydrojetting uses high-pressure water to remove stubborn debris and even tree roots, while specialized cameras help plumbers locate the exact position and cause of a blockage. Reputable plumbers avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners because they can corrode pipes and cause long-term plumbing damage.

Do you have stubborn drain clogs but wonder, “What do plumbers use to clean drains?” At Covenant Plumbing, we offer a wide variety of solutions to unclog drains. To avoid complications, you should always rely on a professional plumber to clear your clogged drain.

Recurring drain backups are incredibly frustrating, but you don’t have to tackle them alone. Covenant Plumbing is currently running a local special for $50 OFF Drain Cleaning or Hydro Jetting services to completely clear your lines!  Schedule Service today to secure your priority booking.

Mechanical Drain Cleaning Solutions

Mechanical or hand-powered solutions provide the first line of defense to clear your bathroom or kitchen sink drain. The most common options include:

• Motorized drain snakes: A motorized drain snake works well for moderate clogs located closer to the drain opening (within 25 feet).
• Manual drain snakes: Professional plumbers may use a manual drain snake for minor clogs located just within the opening of the drain, like the P-trap.

Cup and Flanged Plungers for Clogged Drains

When you think of a plunger, you probably imagine the classic red, bell-shaped model. However, did you know you should only use this cup plunger on your sink, shower, or tub drains?

Use a flange plunger for toilet clogs. You’ll recognize it because it looks more like a cylinder and has ridges.

Whether you’re dealing with food waste or a toilet drain clog, you may see a plumber use a plunger before they try other solutions.

Hydrojetting Tools for Drain Clogs

What do plumbers use to clean drains? For hard-to-reach or tough drain clogs, your plumber may opt for hydrojetting, a modern technique that uses pressurized water to break apart, dislodge, and flush stubborn clogs in your sewer lines or drain line.

Hydrojetting offers several benefits over traditional methods of fixing slow drains, such as:

• The technique requires little or no excavation to remove clogs located in the pipes under your foundation.
• The technique doesn’t cause further damage to pipe walls.
• It can remove even the most difficult blockages, like tree roots.

Severe drain blockages can sometimes be linked to broader home water and appliance issues. To give you total peace of mind, we are also offering FREE Water Testing with any plumbing service appointment. You can learn exactly what mineral levels are hitting your plumbing system by scheduling and setting up a visit today!

Cameras Can Locate the Clogged Drain Problem

If your plumber doesn’t easily know where to find the clog, they’ll use a camera on a long cord to locate it. They can navigate it through your pipes and look at the monitor to detect the clog and determine the substances it contains and how severe it seems.

A camera can also detect areas that look like they may develop future clogs. A plumber uses a camera most often on the sewer line, but as a versatile tool, they can use it anywhere.

Methods Plumbers Don’t Use

You should never hire a plumber who suggests using chemical drain cleaners on drains. Unlike hot water or vinegar and baking soda, these cleaners you find at a hardware store can destroy your pipes.

While you may find them effective in the short term, they corrode your pipes, leaving them weak and vulnerable to bursting. Good plumbers should know this and suggest different drain cleaner options if you ask about solutions for clearing drains yourself.

Covenant Plumbing Can Clear Your Drains

What do plumbers use to clean drains? Covenant Plumbing uses a variety of tools to keep your garbage disposal, showers, and sewer lines free of clogs. Call (309) 340-1403 to book an appointment.

If you are dealing with a stressful backup in the Bloomington-Normal area, don’t wait for your pipes to suffer permanent damage. Schedule online or call our local team directly at (309) 340-1403 to secure your $50 drain cleaning discount and get your lines flowing perfectly again!