Professional drain cleaner tool guide: solve any blockage
In plumbing, it is common to run into clogs that greatly impede the function of a drain system and often, these clogs can be too demanding for consumer-grade chemical treatments or basic hand tools. For professional plumbers, it is important to recognize the severity of the drain blockage and when to utilize a different type of drain cleaning machine, tool, or otherwise.
Drain blockage can occur in one of a few categories of severity, and each category may require certain types of equipment more suitable than others.
Light-duty drain cleaning
A residential kitchen sink or an office building toilet typically don’t need much—a chemical treatment may be enough to resolve minor buildup. But sometimes, your customer’s blockage may need a little more force to be removed—in which case, something like a hand auger provides a stronger mechanical option.
Pros and cons
Light-duty cleaning options are great quick fixes, as the types of blockage that require them typically aren’t major—but something like a manual closet auger may be no match for the more severe debris that can get caught in piping systems.
Medium-duty drain cleaning
Medium-duty drain cleaning machines provide more torque and reach than hand tools, making them effective for stubborn clogs in sinks, tubs, toilets, and branch lines. They can cut through compacted debris, hair, and light grease buildup, but require proper operation to avoid cable bind-ups or pipe damage. While many are portable and jobsite-friendly, they typically cost more than manual augers and require ongoing maintenance.
Pros and cons
More powerful than light-duty tools, medium-duty drain cleaning tools, like a rooter, make a substantial difference when trying to cut through tougher debris. They warrant more training and coordination to be applied effectively and safely, while also usually being more expensive.
Heavy-duty drain cleaning
Root intrusion after storms, heavy grease and debris buildup—these are the types of blockages that can disrupt flow for main sewer and drain lines and require the most powerful drain cleaning tools available. Hydro jet drain cleaning or a powerful electric drum machine are two solutions that can cut through the fiercest debris and restore flow to the system.
Pros and cons
Heavy-duty cleaners are the best choice for large-scale drain blockage, as they are powerful enough to remove roots, scale, and hardened buildup from systems larger than typical residential or commercial drain lines. However, as powerful as these cleaners are, they aren’t the most easily applicable and often require more training or permission to be utilized.
Types of drain cleaning tools
| Tool type | Examples | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Light-Duty | Chemical treatment, plunger, hand auger | Lightly-clogged toilet, sink branch line blockage, light debris in tub drain |
| Medium-Duty | Rooter, auger | Severely-clogged toilet line, heavy sink line blockage, stubborn debris in tub drain |
| Heavy-Duty | Electric drum machine, water jetter, sewer machine | Storm debris, heavy grease buildup, blockage in main sewer lines |
Shop for a water jetter, electric rooter, plumbing rodder, and more from Ferguson’s inventory of professional drain and pipe cleaning equipment. With extensive options to help you fit your needs and budget, Ferguson is the ideal place to find drain cleaning tools on your way to fulfilling your plumbing contracts.