Tools and Equipment Used in Plumbing

Cleveland Plumbing is a vital part of our daily lives, providing access to clean water and the removal of waste. It is important that we maintain this essential infrastructure to ensure efficiency and safety.

If your toilets are backing up, determine if the problem is isolated to one drain or if it affects all of them. If it’s the latter, you need to contact a plumber immediately.

Many people have a tendency to try to fix their own drain clogs by purchasing and using over-the-counter chemical cleaners. However, these products are often more harmful than helpful. In fact, they can do more damage than good and can even cause health concerns for those using them. In addition, they don’t always work to remove all clogs and can actually make some types of clogs worse.

Chemical drain cleaners come in liquid, gel or powder form and are generally sold at grocery stores, hardware stores and big box retailers. They are marketed as an easy and convenient way to clear away hair, grease, food and other debris that block drains. Most of these cleaners use an acidic solution to break down clogs. They may be composed of sulfuric acid, muriatic acid or hydrochloric acid. This acid creates a chemical reaction with organic materials in the drain and breaks them down, often melting congealed grease. Acidic cleaners can be successful against some types of clogs but can require repeated uses and high concentrations to be effective.

Most of these liquid cleaners also generate heat during the chemical reaction. This can damage pipes if the temperature gets too high. Newer pipes, like those made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, can melt or warp from too much heat and older metal pipes can rust or bulge from the sudden increase in pressure and temperature.

Those using these chemicals should follow all manufacturer’s warnings and instructions to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of others in the home. Most of these cleaners release strong fumes that can irritate the skin, eyes and nose. Some of them can also be toxic if inhaled. They are also not good for the environment.

Instead of using chemical drain cleaners, it is a better idea to call a plumber for professional help. They can use a mechanical drain cleaning tool like a plumbing snake to physically remove the clog. They can also provide a thorough inspection of the drain to determine what caused it in the first place and offer recommendations for a long-term solution.

Acid Cleaners

Acid cleaners are potent solutions used to dissolve tough clogs in drain pipes. They contain acids like sulfuric or muriatic acid that react with organic material in a clog to create gas and heat, dissolving it. These are much more powerful than alkaline chemical drain cleaners and are typically reserved for use by professionals with the proper safety gear. This includes goggles and gloves to protect the skin from the corrosive chemicals.

They’re especially useful in commercial or industrial settings where high-traffic areas like restaurants, hotels or water treatment facilities tend to accumulate buildups of grease or minerals. Using strong acid cleaners can help prevent membrane fouling that reduces performance and increases maintenance costs.

A weaker acidic cleaning solution is also effective for removing soap scum, rust, mineral deposits or other types of mild residue from toilet bowls, sinks, showerheads and fixtures. These kinds of cleaners are often referred to as “gentle” acid cleaners, though they can still damage some pipe materials.

If you have a septic system, only use acid cleaners that are safe for septic systems. Regular use of non-septic-safe products can kill the bacteria inside a septic tank that breaks down and disposes waste. This can result in a backup that is both messy and dangerous.

In addition to addressing clogged plumbing pipes, acid-based cleaners can also be used to remove rust and corrosion from metal components or equipment in manufacturing, food processing or agriculture. These products can also be used to clean batteries and their outer shell, restoring them to good working order.

While these products are available at hardware stores and big box retailers, professional plumbers have access to a more complete range of tools and cleaners for tackling serious blockages. The best way to determine what kind of clog is present is to conduct a visual inspection, which can reveal the nature of the obstruction and provide clues as to its cause. Once a clear picture of the problem has been established, the plumber can then decide on a suitable course of action to take. This may include using one of the above-mentioned chemical cleaners or a different method, such as a snake or auger.

Plumber’s Snake

A plumber’s snake (also known as a drain snake or auger) is a flexible cable with an uncoiled spring, or auger, on one end and a handle on the other. It is used to remove clogs that block drains and piping. It is a good option for clearing most kitchen and bathroom clogs, including those in floor drains.

It is important to understand how to use a plumbing snake correctly in order to avoid any damage to your pipes or drains. Incorrect handling of this tool could also lead to injury. It is recommended that you wear gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes from any debris that may become dislodged during the procedure.

To start using a drain snake, you will need to physically thread it into the pipe. To do this, first remove the trap arm and p-trap under the sink. This will give you the best access to the drainpipe so that you can look inside for any obstructions. Once you have done this, manually insert the head of the snake into the drain or the access point on the wall where you removed the p-trap.

As you begin to snake the pipe, rotate it slowly in both directions to guide the head of the auger towards the clog. When you feel resistance, it is likely that you have reached a blockage. Try not to force the snake as this can cause damage to your pipes and/or the snake itself. If you are having difficulty, it may be time to call in a professional.

Once you have made it to the clog, continue rotating the snake in both directions to break up and hook the clog. If the clog is stubborn, it may be necessary to remove and replace the snake head or even the entire snake cable. After you have completed the task, make sure to thoroughly clean your snake by running hot water and a disinfectant through it. This will help to prevent any bacteria from growing on your equipment and extend its lifespan.

Drain Cleaning Tools

Drain clogs are among the most common plumbing problems, but there are various tools and equipment options that can help resolve them. Many of these tools use physics or force rather than chemicals to dislodge blockages from piping and drains, and they can be used for both residential and commercial applications. Some of these tools are also helpful for locating the source of a clog or diagnosing its cause.

The standard drain cleaner tool plumbers keep in their arsenal is a motorized auger, or snake. These are long, flexible metal coils that look a bit like a corkscrew and can be fed down a pipe until they reach the clog. When activated, the end of the cable drills into the clog and breaks it up or removes it. Augers work well in a variety of settings, from bathrooms to kitchens and are available in hand-powered and motor-driven versions.

Sometimes, even these tools won’t be able to clear a tough clog. When chemical drain cleaners haven’t worked and the clog is severe, professional drain cleaning machines are needed to demolish obstructions in pipes. These machines shoot high-pressure streams of water into pipes, blasting away soap scum, hair, rust, sewage and other debris that build up in drain lines over time. They can be used for both residential and commercial applications, but only licensed plumbers should operate them due to the potential hazards of shooting pressurized water into a pipe.

Occasionally, technicians encounter a recurring drain clog that they can’t seem to solve no matter what they do. In these situations, it may be necessary to conduct a detailed visual inspection of the line using a video camera. These devices attach to rods that can be inserted into a drain or sewer and record images as they travel down the pipe. The resulting report can help identify the source of the problem and allow technicians to take steps to prevent it from occurring again in the future. They can also be used to diagnose clogs caused by tree roots or issues with the plumbing system’s installation and network.