For the modern household, few things are more annoying and stressful than a clogged drain. Yet somewhat ironically, even though clogged drains are common, few people know how to clean and unclog them. But this is hardly surprising as cleaning and unclogging drain pipes is not what most people consider a pleasant job.

Typically, cleaning a drain pipe will mean handling waste, and you may even find it physically challenging. That’s the bad news, but the good news is cleaning drains can be comparatively easy, especially if you have the right drain cleaner tool.

This post highlights the various drain cleaning tools you should have at home. With the right equipment, drain cleaning becomes a comparatively easy task, and you may find yourself doing basic plumbing repairs in no time.

Basic Drain Cleaning Tools for You

A set of basic cleaning tools for unclogging drains is essential for any homeowner. Here are some essential drain cleaning tools that can help you tackle small cleaning tasks and prevent more significant issues from arising.

1. Plungers

The most commonly used drain unclogger tool is the good old-fashioned plunger. Indeed, a few deep plunges will often do the trick when clearing a slightly clogged drain. However, using a plunger effectively may be more complicated than it appears. For example, professionals will use various differently shaped and sized plungers to clean different drain parts.

A plunger is one of the most productive and readily available plumbing tools for home use, and when used correctly, it can help you produce excellent results. Another handy tip worth remembering is to turn off the water supply and cover the overflow outlet, which creates more pressure, enabling the plunger to work more effectively.

2. Enzymatic & Chemical Drain Cleaners

There are two types of cleaners commonly used to clean and unclog drains. These are enzyme-based cleaners and chemical-based cleaners. The enzyme-based cleaners, also known as enzymatic cleaners, are generally favored over chemical-based acidic and alkaline cleaners.

While chemical and enzymatic cleaners are a commonly used drain cleaner tool they can pose safety risks if not properly used. Always be cautious when using drain cleaners, and wear protective equipment like gloves and eye-wear.

Chemical cleaners can be limited in their effectiveness, especially when it comes to severe blockages, and they have the potential to damage the pipes further and cause harm to the environment.

3. Hot Water Cleansing

When cleaning drain pipes, it’s nothing short of amazing what you can do with just a few simple tools! For example, you can use a small wire brush to remove minor blockages or flush soapy hot water down the drain, which will dissolve and remove most minor clogs.

Soap and hot water are straightforward and effective ways to break apart debris clogs such as hair, soap, and food particles. Then if soap and hot water fail to get the job done, you can always try using soda products.

4. Plumbing Hardware

There’s an old saying that a handyman is only as good as his tools, which is undoubtedly true regarding plumbers. Handymen will usually have a set of specific tools which they will use for plumbing jobs, and these include:

• Cleaning tools

• A complete set of wrenches

• Adjustable spanners

• Tongue and groove pliers

• Standard pliers

• Pipe and tubing cutters

• Hacksaw

• Thread seal tape

You can purchase these at the nearest hardware store or find these and more specialized tools, such as a drain unclogger tool, at Home Depot.

5. Drain Snakes

Drain snakes or augers are among the most commonly used plumbing tools. The drain snake is an extended, flexible, tube-like mechanism that plumbers and handymen use to break up and push away the material clogging a drain. This drain clog remover tool usually has a grip handle you can grasp while carefully moving the remaining wire down the drain.

What Do Plumbers Use To Unclog Drains

If you find yourself dealing with a persistently clogged drain, it might be time to call in the professionals. A licensed drain plumber can will quickly and efficiently engage in a variety of services to solve your plumbing problems. Professional plumbers have the training, the experience and the right equipment to clean your drains thoroughly and fix any plumbing problems.

Motorized Drain Augers

Another drain cleaning tool often used by professionals to clear extensively blocked drains is the motorized auger. The motorized augers, also known as motorized drain snakes, reach deep into your pipes and easily break down any blockage.

These drain snakes are different from manual drain snakes because they have a motor that spins the snake like a corkscrew to clear away the waste. And the best part about it? You don’t have to do anything except sit back and relax while your motorized drain snake does the job.

Hydro-Jetters

Another pipe cleaning tool often used by a professional drain plumber is the Hydro Jet Cleaner. The Hydro Jet emits a pressurized stream of water which cleans away grease stuck to the sides of the pipe and breaks up the larger sized particles clogging your drain.

Hydro Jet Cleaners are only used by professional plumbers with the necessary training, experience and protective gear. The most popular brand and model of hydro-jetter is the RIDGIDKJ-3100 portable Water Jetter which delivers 3000 psi.

Air-Burst Cleaners

Gas-powered drain cleaners utilize pressurized gas, such as carbon dioxide, to forcefully break apart and remove clogs from your drain pipes. By directing the gas through the standing water in the clog, these powerful tools disintegrate and dislodge blockages quickly, making them the go-to option for clearing clogs from water-filled drain lines.

Key Takeaway

Having the right tools at home can save you time and money when dealing with drain clogs. From basic wire brushes and plungers to more advanced motorized drain snakes and hydro jetters, the proper drain cleaner tool should be part of your home toolkit. With these tools, you can easily clear minor blockages and even tackle more severe clogs.

Need professional plumbing help? Contact us now for expert drain cleaning services.

At A Better Plumbing, we use the best field equipment and state-of-the-art drain cleaning tools highly regarded by the most professional and knowledgeable team of Arvada, CO, plumbers. We are happy to answer your inquiries about our service and advanced drain cleaning tools. We will provide you with quick answers to your questions. Call us now to find out how we can help you with your plumbing problems!