4 Drain Cleaning Tools Used By The Best Plumbers

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It’s no surprise that so many effective professional tools for unblocking drains are in the back of the vans driven by the best plumbers in your area. Why’s that? Because of all the various ways in which your drains can get hopelessly backed up:

  • Tree roots
  • Fats, grease, gunk & food
  • Toilet paper & wipes
  • Solid objects
  • Balls of hair & soap
  • Poor installation
  • Ground movement.

Do you need one of the best plumbers in your local area to rush a professional drain-clearing tool to your place? And with all those reasons, the best plumbers understand that they often need more than the simplest of drain-cleaning tools to get it all flowing again. 

Key Takeaways:

  • CCTV drain cameras help find problems in stormwater and sewer pipes. They inspect the pipes without digging.
  • An ultra-high pressure drain jetter uses hot water at very high pressure to clear tough blockages, far more powerful than a regular hose.
  • Customers can rely on Best Plumbers Club to quickly connect them with experienced, pre-screened plumbers.

Don’t Settle for a Plumber Without These Tools

When DIY methods fail, homeowners turn to experts with professional-grade drain cleaning tools to resolve the issue quickly and prevent further damage.

If you hand-select the most skilled and experienced blocked drain plumbers you can possibly find, they’ll almost certainly come to you with the following:

1. A Motorised Plumber’s Auger

Motorised plumber’s augers, also known as electric plumbing snakes or drain snakes, are specialised tools used to clear blockages in drain and sewer lines. 

They are similar to manual plumber’s augers, but are equipped with an electric motor that drives the auger rather than a hand crank. This allows for faster and more efficient operation, as well as greater torque and power for breaking up blockages. The big coil (or snake) can wind deep into your drain, smashing up blockages way down the pipe.

They’re more expensive than manual augers and may require the use of additional equipment such as generators or extension cords. Motorised plumber’s augers are a powerful and efficient tool for maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of drain and sewer systems.

2. An Ultra-high Pressure Drain Jetter

Delivers powerful and precise cleaning performance. Unlike a standard hose, this equipment uses extremely high-pressure, heated water (measured in thousands of PSI) to clear even the most stubborn blockages. 

High-pressure drain jetters, also known as hydro jetters or water jetters remove tough blockages such as tree roots in stormwater drains, grease, and scale build-up that cannot be removed with traditional methods such as plunger or auger. 

They are also effective at removing debris and sediment that have accumulated over time, improving the overall flow and performance of the drain or sewer system.

3. A CCTV Drain Camera

The big problem with some clogs isn’t just that they can be incredibly stubborn – but they’re buried so deep in your drain & pipe system that even the seasoned pro can’t locate them. Enter the modern CCTV drain inspection camera technology, which may not break up the blockage, but it can pinpoint the location and severity in incredible detail.

Sewer or pipe cameras allow plumbers to visually inspect the inside of drain pipes and sewers. These tools feature a small camera mounted on a flexible rod, which the operator inserts through an access point in the pipe. The camera sends live video footage to a handheld monitor or computer, giving the operator a real-time view of the pipe’s condition.

CCTV drain cameras are used to diagnose and repair problems in stormwater drains and blocked sewage systems. Drain cameras allow for non-invasive inspection, reducing the need for costly and disruptive excavation work.

4. No-dig Pipe Relining

The most common drain blockage is caused by tree roots – which so often leave your pipes physically damaged. 

In the event of pipe damage, the best plumbers can repair the section of pipe without digging up your garden bed thanks to amazing epoxy mould/resin technology. Pipe relining services create a new internal lining saving thousands vs. the alternative of digging up and replacing the section of pipe. 

Not all plumbers provide pipe lining services, and there is specialist equipment needed. So it’s advisable to choose a plumber like Rapid Service Plumbing in Sydney who can offer pipe relining and won’t recommend digging up your property unnecessarily.

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Before You Call a Plumber, Try These DIY Drain Fixes

Tools Purpose
Plunger A properly sealed plunger creates strong suction that can dislodge soft clogs. First steps for clearing blockages in sinks, showers, or tubs.
Home-brew A natural solution made with hot (not boiling) water, baking soda, and white vinegar. Breaks down grime, grease, and minor organic buildup.
Chemicals Caustic drain cleaners from the supermarket can dissolve tougher gunk like hair, soap scum, or fat deposits. 
Gloved Hands Sometimes the simplest tool is your gloved hand. Put on a pair of sturdy gloves and remove visible debris or gunk from the drain opening. 
Drain snake A hand-held drain snake (also called a plumber’s auger) is ideal for clogs further down the pipe. Feed the coil into the drain and rotate it to break apart or hook onto the blockage. 

You can get the lowdown on all of these basic home plumbing tools. But we’ll be honest – while all of the above are great preventative measures that can also be effective against a minor clump of drain gunk, you’re probably reading this article because your DIY drain blockage tools didn’t work.

The Best Plumbers Use the Best Drain-Cleaning Tools

Do you need one of the best plumbers to rush to your property with the most powerful and effective professional tools for unblocking drains? With our help here at Best Plumbers Club, all you have to do is call or message – and we’ll send a hand-picked, trusted plumber who is reviewed and recommended by your local peers and our industry specialists. Some of the regions we covered include:

To benefit from the Best Plumbers out there, send a message for a quote today.

Your go-to network for reliable, local plumbing pros in Australia. Join thousands of Aussies who found the right plumber with us.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are professional drain cleaning tools safe for old or fragile pipes?

Yes, tools like jetters and drain cameras are safe for older or fragile pipes. Plumbers adjust pressure and technique based on pipe condition to avoid damage. For routine maintenance, use baking soda and vinegar monthly. This method protects aging pipes while breaking down buildup the natural way.

How often should I clean my drains to avoid clogs?

Cleaning drains every 3 to 6 months helps prevent buildup. High-use areas like kitchen sinks or showers may benefit from monthly flushing with hot water or a mild cleaning solution.

Is it safe to use chemical drain cleaners in my sink or shower?

Occasional use is safe, but frequent or improper use can damage pipes especially older or PVC systems. Use chemical cleaners sparingly and always follow the product instructions. For tough or recurring drains, it’s better to use mechanical tools or call a plumber.