The sink won’t drain, the toilet overflowed, and your shower has become a bath. A clog is probably responsible, and it may be too much for home remedies to handle, especially if it keeps growing back. So, how do plumbers do it?
Drain Snakes
There are two types of drain snakes, manual and motorized, and a plumber may use both on the same job. Both types feature a corkscrew hook at the tip that rotates as it moves through the drain to break up and snag any debris that’s creating a clog.
A manual drain snake goes up to 10 ft. down a drain and relies on a hand-powered crank. It’s relatively gentle and likely one of the safest options for old, fragile pipes. A motorized drain snake can reach farther and generate more force. This lets it break up tougher blockages, but it’s also harder on the pipe, so the age and material of your plumbing may rule it out.
Drain Augers
Plumbing augers are heavy-duty drain snakes. They’re larger and better equipped to handle issues in large drains and sewer lines. Like drain snakes, they come in both manual and motorized varieties, and the differences present the same respective risks. A motorized auger is tough enough to clear obstacles like tree roots, but it’s rarely the first tool an expert will try on a clog.
Hair Snakes
Hair snakes are short, plastic drain snakes specifically designed for clearing small clogs near the drain. They target issues like hair in the shower drain, and that inspired their name. These flexible plastic tools come in a variety of lengths but rarely reach the same distance as a traditional drain snake or auger. That said, they are small, affordable, and can be an easy way to keep up with frequent, minor shower clogs.
Hydro-Jets
Imagine a hydro-jetting as power-washing for your pipes. A hydro-jetting machine forces a continuous blast of water at high pressure through plumbing, destroying clogs through force. Again, the material and age of your pipes will determine if this technique is safe for your situation, but hydro-jetting is a fantastic solution for stubborn drains.
The water pressure scours the full length of the pipe, clearing debris, build-up, and accumulated grease on its way. If your kitchen sink routinely backs up or is slow to drain, hydro-jetting can solve the immediate problem while preventing future frustrations. If you find yourself calling the plumber a little too often for the same issue, it’s time to call hydro-jetting experts.
Plungers
You’ve probably met a standard plunger, and flange plungers (or toilet plungers with flaps) lurk in many bathrooms. There are two other plungers you may not have that a professional may bring to fight a clog.
An accordion plunger is specifically designed for toilets, and the large, accordion-like bellows in the middle creates extra suction for difficult blockages. These plungers are difficult to use, but they follow the same principles as standard and flange plungers, so if you want to be prepared for a house party or family reunion, one might be a good investment.
The fourth type of plunger is called a taze plunger. Instead of applying suction, these round plates are designed to fit inside specific pipe diameters and push debris forward with a cutting tool on the front of the disc. They’re usually controlled by a steel cable and are not designed for regular, household drains.
Hydrochloric Acid
This powerful acid breaks down organic compounds that stick, build up, and block drains. It is so potent, it should only be applied directly to the clog to prevent damaging the pipe, and it requires significant safety measures like protective clothing during use.
Sulfuric Acid
Sulfuric acid dehydrates organic materials so they crumble into smaller compounds that are easier to flush away. Plumbers need special safety gear and protective equipment to handle it. Sulfuric acid is also highly reactive, adding the risk of thermal burns if improperly applied.
Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid often appears in regular consumer drain cleaning products. It dissolves blockages and can keep drains clear of everyday buildup, preventing many clogs. Homeowners and plumbers should still use it carefully, and gloves and eye protection are recommended.
Pipe Inspections
One of the best tools in any plumbers kit is a high-definition snake camera. This lets the experts see exactly what’s causing the problem and develop the best plan to fix it with less risk and time onsite. Cameras also help plumbers determine secondary concerns, like the condition of the pipes where the clog has occurred and indications of bigger plumbing hazards. This tool isn’t a common household item like a plunger, and the plumber’s understanding of what the camera reveals is as important as the tool itself.
How Dangerous is a Stubborn Clog?
Addressing clogged drains quickly protects more than your peace of mind. No one thinks clogs are all fun and games, but they pose health threats beyond inconvenience. Slow, clogged sinks make fertile breeding grounds for fungal infestations like mold.
While mold is hazardous to everyone in your home, it’s an even bigger risk for residents with asthma or compromised immune systems. Backed-up shower drains, toilets, and sinks also create slip hazards, especially if the clog persists long enough for algae or fungus to grow in frequently flooded areas. What does a professional bring to the table? A lot of great tools and the expertise to pick the right one for the job.
Fix the Problem Fast
Plumbers can never come too soon to fix a persistent clog. We take our commitments seriously, so if there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay. Call our experienced team of plumbers in Pensacola, FL, to tackle the problem with the best tools for the job. We’re equipped to fix the issue with professionalism, experience, and regional expertise. Don’t let today’s clog cause a headache tomorrow. Reach out today!
