Plumbers Use These Tools for Drain Cleaning
Drain cleaning is more than what initially meets the eye. It involves removing obstructions, sludge, and other debris that can cause clogs. However, shoving one's hand down the drain only goes so far. Some experts advise against this altogether, citing health concerns.
By hiring a plumber, homeowners can benefit from each tool in their arsenal. To clean and maintain a drain, one may use:
A Drain Snake 
Here's an example of how a plumber would use a drain snake when clearing clogged drains:
- A plumber arrives on the scene.
- They locate an obstruction in the homeowner's shower drain.
- They unscrew the drain cap and insert the drain snake.
- They push the drain snake in until it reaches the clog (also called "snaking the drain").
- The plumber turns the crank.
- They pull the drain snake out of the drain, revealing that the clog has wrapped around the device's coil.
Drain snakes are ideal for clogs deep inside the plumbing system. Some even come with cameras, ideal for finding obstructions in sewer mains and other plumbing systems.
A Hydro-Jetting Tool
Everyone's seen those power-washing videos online. With no problem, these devices wash away years of built-up dirt, clay, and sediment. Hydro-jetting works in the same way. It's like shooting a pressure washer directly into a drain. With the right pressure, it can break apart:
- Globs of fat, oil, and grease
- Clumps of hair
- Soap and shampoo residue
- Congealed waste
- Other foreign objects
A plumber may use a combination of a hydro jetting tool and a drain snake to remove an obstruction. For instance, they may use the hydro-jetting tool to loosen the obstruction. Then, they may employ the drain snake to remove it entirely from the plumbing system.
It's good to note that hydro-jetting is best left to the professionals. Without enough experience, one risks damaging the home's pipes, causing further damage.
Video Inspection Equipment 
In this situation, a plumber may turn to video inspection equipment. Commonly, this involves using a drain snake with a camera on the end. Here, a plumber can:
- See an obstruction up close
- Determine what remedies could remove the clog
- Judge whether pipes can withstand hydro-jetting
- See whether any infestations or root intrusion is causing a problem
Purchasing a drain snake, hydro-jetting tool, and video inspection equipment can be costly. However, when one hires a plumber, they don't have to worry about these expenses.
About Drain Nerds
Whether a homeowner's dealing with clogged drains, burst pipes, or other issues, they can turn to Drain Nerds. These professionals pride themselves on delivering same-day service and honest pricing options to those living in southwest Florida. Since 2007, they've garnered countless five-star reviews and praise from Fort Myers residents.
If a homeowner in Lee County wants help with a plumbing problem, Drain Nerds is here to help. Interested parties can call today for drain cleaning service.
