Top 4 Drain Cleaning Tools Used By Professionals

Maintaining clear and efficient drains is essential for the smooth functioning of any plumbing system. Blocked drains can lead to severe disruptions, costly repairs, and health hazards if not addressed promptly. While some clogs can be cleared with basic household tools, professional plumbers and drain specialists rely on advanced drain cleaning tools to tackle more stubborn blockages. These tools are designed to handle everything from minor clogs to major obstructions in residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems. 

Here are the top four drain cleaning tools used by professionals:

1. Drain Cleaning Machine

One of the most effective and versatile tools in a plumber’s arsenal is the drain cleaning machine, often referred to as a drain auger or drain snake. This tool is essential for clearing clogs in pipes and drains of various sizes, from small residential systems to large commercial drains.

How It Works:

A drain cleaning machine consists of a long, flexible cable that is inserted into the drain. The cable is connected to a motor that rotates the cable, allowing it to break up or remove blockages as it moves through the pipes. Some machines also come with cutting attachments that can slice through tougher obstructions like tree roots or hardened debris.

Types of Drain Cleaning Machines:

• Handheld Drain Auger: Ideal for smaller clogs in sinks, showers, or toilets. It’s portable and easy to use, making it a go-to tool for minor blockages.
• Powered Drain Auger: Designed for more severe clogs, these machines are equipped with a motor that provides additional power, making it easier to clear larger or more stubborn blockages.
• Hydro-Jetters: A high-pressure water jetting system that uses a powerful stream of water to clear clogs and clean the inside of pipes. Hydro-jetters are especially effective for removing grease, sludge, and other buildup that can accumulate over time.

Applications:

Drain cleaning machines are used by professionals to clear blockages in a wide range of plumbing systems, including residential, commercial, and industrial drains. They are particularly effective for clearing clogs caused by grease, hair, soap scum, and other common debris. In Australia, where tree roots are a common cause of drain blockages, machines with cutting attachments are often used to slice through and remove root intrusions.

2. Video Inspection Camera

A video inspection camera is an essential tool for diagnosing drain and sewer problems. This tool allows plumbers to visually inspect the inside of pipes, identify the exact location and nature of the blockage, and determine the most effective method for clearing it.

How It Works:

A video inspection camera consists of a small, waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable. The camera is inserted into the drain, and as it moves through the pipe, it transmits real-time video footage to a monitor. This allows the plumber to see exactly what’s causing the blockage, whether it’s a buildup of debris, a broken pipe, or an intruding tree root.

Benefits:

• Accurate Diagnosis: Video inspection cameras provide a clear view of the inside of the pipes, allowing plumbers to accurately diagnose the problem and avoid unnecessary digging or damage to the plumbing system.
• Prevention: By identifying potential issues before they become major problems, video inspections can help prevent costly repairs down the line.
• Documentation: The footage captured by the camera can be recorded and used to document the condition of the plumbing system for future reference.

Applications:

Video inspection cameras are used by professionals to inspect all types of drains and sewer lines. In Australia, these cameras are particularly useful for detecting issues related to shifting soils, tree roots, and other environmental factors that can affect the integrity of underground pipes.

3. Drain Cleaning Bladders

Drain cleaning bladders, also known as blow bags, are a simple yet effective tool for clearing clogs in pipes. They use water pressure to dislodge and push blockages out of the way, making them an excellent choice for stubborn clogs that are resistant to traditional drain snakes or augers.

How It Works:

A drain cleaning bladder is a rubber device that is attached to a garden hose. The bladder is inserted into the clogged drain, and then the water is turned on. As the bladder fills with water, it expands and creates a seal inside the pipe. The water pressure then forces the blockage through the pipe and out of the system.

Benefits:

• Powerful: Drain cleaning bladders use the force of water pressure to clear clogs, making them effective for tough blockages that other tools may not be able to handle.
• Safe: Unlike chemical drain cleaners, bladders do not use harsh chemicals that can damage pipes or harm the environment.
• Reusable: Bladders can be used multiple times, making them a cost-effective tool for both professionals and homeowners.

Applications:

Drain cleaning bladders are ideal for clearing blockages in larger pipes, such as those found in main sewer lines or outdoor drainage systems. They are particularly useful in Australia’s urban areas, where older plumbing systems may be more susceptible to clogs caused by tree roots, sediment buildup, and other debris.

4. High-Pressure Water Jetting

High-pressure water jetting, also known as hydro jetting, is a powerful drain cleaning method that uses a stream of water at extremely high pressure to clear blockages and clean the inside of pipes. This method is highly effective for removing stubborn clogs, grease, and even tree roots from drains and sewer lines.

How It Works:

A hydrojet machine consists of a high-pressure hose with a specialized nozzle that is inserted into the drain. The machine pumps water through the hose at pressures ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). The water is forced through the nozzle in a controlled stream, which blasts away blockages and cleans the inside of the pipes.

Benefits:

• Thorough Cleaning: Hydro jetting not only clears blockages but also cleans the entire length of the pipe, removing any buildup of grease, sludge, or other debris.
• Eco-Friendly: This method uses only water, making it an environmentally friendly option for drain cleaning.
• Versatile: Hydro jetting can be used on a wide range of drain and sewer lines, from small residential pipes to large commercial and industrial systems.

Applications:

In Australia, high-pressure water jetting is commonly used by professionals to clear blockages in both residential and commercial plumbing systems. It is particularly effective for clearing clogs caused by grease and oil buildup in kitchen drains, as well as removing tree roots and other debris from sewer lines.

Why Go For Professional Drain Cleaning Services in Australia?

While there are many drain cleaning tools available to homeowners, professional plumbers and drain specialists have the training, experience, and access to advanced equipment necessary to handle even the most challenging blockages.

Benefits of choosing Austeck:

1. A Range of Professional Drain Cleaning Services: 

In Australia, we provide a range of professional drain cleaning services, using state-of-the-art tools and techniques to ensure that plumbing systems remain clear and functional.

2. A Leading Provider of Cleaning Tools and Equipment in Australia: 

We are a leading provider of drain cleaning tools and equipment in Australia, offering everything from high-pressure water jetting machines to video inspection cameras. Our products are designed to meet the needs of professional plumbers and drain specialists, ensuring that they have the right tools to tackle any job, no matter how big or small.

The top four drain cleaning tools used by professionals—drain cleaning machines, video inspection cameras, drain cleaning bladders, and high-pressure water jetting—are essential for keeping plumbing systems in good working order. Each tool has its own unique benefits and applications, making them indispensable for tackling a wide range of drain and sewer blockages.

3. Professional Drain Cleaning Saves Time and Efforts and Reduces Cost:

For Australian homeowners and businesses, maintaining clear and efficient drains is essential for preventing costly repairs and ensuring the smooth operation of plumbing systems. Whether you’re dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, relying on the expertise of professionals equipped with the right drain cleaning tools is the best way to ensure that the job is done right.

If you’re experiencing drain issues or need professional assistance with drain cleaning, contact us today. Our team of experts at Austeck is ready to help you with all your drain cleaning needs, using the latest tools and techniques to keep your plumbing system running smoothly.