Among the myriad plumbing challenges encountered in residential properties, stubborn clogs present a significant problem, demanding the expertise of seasoned plumbers. The methods they employ to remove these difficult blockages are diverse, each suited to specific scenarios and types of obstructions. Understanding these varying techniques is essential for those wanting to maintain optimal plumbing functionality.

Professional plumbers deploy an arsenal of tools and techniques to address even the most difficult clogs. In this article, we will learn about the varying methods used, beginning with plungers, a rudimentary yet effective tool for dislodging minor blockages. 

For more stubborn clogs, manual and motorized drain snakes are employed. They can reach deeper into the plumbing system and, with a mechanical advantage, are often successful at removing blockages. Additionally, drain augers and hydrojetting provide advanced solutions capable of tackling severe blockages with precision and efficiency. Lastly, cable blades serve as invaluable tools for cutting through tough obstructions, restoring normal flow within the plumbing system.

Let’s continue on and learn more about these techniques.

Plungers

Plungers, often the first line of defense against clogs, operate by creating a vacuum that dislodges blockages. This simple yet effective tool is ideal for minor clogs in toilets and sinks. By covering the drain and applying pressure, the plunger can break up and push the clog through the system, restoring normal flow. Despite its simplicity, the plunger remains a staple in both residential and professional plumbing arsenals due to its efficacy and ease of use.

There are three main types used by professional plumbers.

Cup Plunger

These are the simplest of all three. They have a wooden handle and a rubber piece at the end of the handle. This type works best on flat surfaces such as shower or tub drains.

Flange Plunger

Flange plungers look similar to cup plungers, except they have a narrow piece extending below the rubber cup. This flange fits inside the toilet drain, allowing for a watertight seal to help remove stubborn toilet clogs.

Accordion-Type Plunger

This plunger is more rigid and multi-layered, which gives it a more forceful delivery, which is beneficial when the toilet clog is further down the drain.Its accordion shape gives it its name.

Drain Snakes

Drain snakes, also known as plumber’s snakes, are flexible augers that can be inserted into drains to break up and remove blockages. These tools are particularly effective for clogs located deeper within the plumbing system, beyond the reach of plungers. The snake’s flexibility allows it to navigate bends and curves in pipes, making it a versatile solution for a variety of clogs.

Drain snakes come in two styles: a manual version and a motorized version.

Manual Snakes

These tools are generally used when the clog is not too far down the drain and made of less compacted materials. They are equipped with a coil at the end of the snake, which is manually inserted into the pipe to break up clogs and other blockages. These are less costly than mechanical snakes.

Motorized Drain Snakes

Motorized drain snakes, or electric augers, offer enhanced power and efficiency compared to their manual counterparts. These devices use a motor to rotate the auger, providing increased torque to break up tough clogs. Motorized drain snakes are particularly useful for large or stubborn blockages that manual snakes cannot dislodge. Their ability to reach further into the plumbing system makes them an indispensable tool for professional plumbers.

Hydro Jetting

Hydrojetting is an advanced technique that uses high-pressure water jets to clear blockages and clean the interior surfaces of pipes. This method is highly effective for removing grease, mineral deposits, and other stubborn debris that can accumulate over time. Hydrojetting not only clears existing clogs but also helps prevent future blockages by thoroughly cleaning the pipes. This technique is particularly valuable for large residential complexes where clogs can cause significant disruptions.

Cable Blades

Cable blades are specialized attachments for drain snakes and augers, designed to cut through tough obstructions. They are often used in situations where the blockages are severe, such as hardened bathroom wipes that combine with other waste to form almost cement-like clogs. They are also effective in cutting through tree roots, which have intruded and overpowered sewer and water lines.

These blades rotate as they are inserted into the pipe, slicing through the clog and allowing it to be flushed away. Cable blades are an essential tool for addressing severe blockages that other methods cannot effectively remove.

Looking For A Professional Plumber To Unclog Your Most Severe Clogs?

The expertise and tools of a professional plumbing team are indispensable for managing and resolving plumbing clogs effectively and efficiently. From plungers and manual drain snakes to advanced techniques like hydrojetting and cable blades, each method plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the plumbing system. By prioritizing the right plumbing team, homeowners can ensure that clogs are addressed without resorting to invasive measures such as excavating yards or tearing open walls and ceilings to access pipes, thereby preserving the property’s structure.

We offer expert clog-removing services to tackle your worst blockages and return your plumbing pipes to their original free-flowing state. Give us a call, and together, we can address all of your concerns and quickly unclog your pipes!