What Do Plumbers Use to Clean Drains?

Have you ever had a sink that won’t drain or a toilet that backs up? Clogged drains are a common problem in many homes. When water won’t go down, it can cause bad smells and even damage your pipes. But don’t worry—professional plumbers have the right tools and know what to do. In this article, you’ll learn what plumbers use to clean drains and how they fix the problem fast.

Why Do Drains Get Clogged?

Drains get clogged for many reasons. In the kitchen, food scraps, grease, and cooking oil can build up. In the bathroom, hair, soap scum, and toothpaste are common troublemakers. Other times, small toys or items fall into the drain and get stuck. If you have old pipes, rust and minerals can also block water flow.

No matter the cause, a clogged drain can be a big mess. You may try using a plunger or pouring hot water down the drain. But if that doesn’t work, it's time to call a plumber.

Tools Plumbers Use to Clean Drains

Plumbers use special tools to get your drains working again. Here are some of the most common ones:

Plumbing Snake or Drain Auger

This tool looks like a long metal rope. The plumber pushes it into the drain to break up the clog. There are manual snakes for small clogs and motorized ones for bigger jobs.

Toilet Auger

This tool is made just for toilets. It bends and twists through the toilet’s shape to remove tough clogs.

Drain Cable Machine

This heavy-duty tool spins a cable to cut through roots, grease, and other debris. It works well for tough clogs deep inside the pipes.

These tools help plumbers clear out blockages fast without damaging your pipes.

Hydro Jetting: Powerful Water Cleaning

Sometimes a snake isn’t enough. That’s when plumbers use hydro jetting. This tool blasts water at high pressure into your pipes. The strong water stream clears grease, soap, and even tree roots. Hydro jetting is great for kitchen drain cleaning, main sewer line clogs, and restaurant drain systems.

It’s safe when used by trained plumbers and helps clean the whole pipe, not just the clog.

Video Camera Inspection

Before cleaning, many plumbers use a small video camera. They send it into the drain to see what’s wrong. This helps find the exact location of the clog or any damage in the pipe. Plumbers use pipe cameras to find:

• Tree roots

• Broken pipes

• Hidden objects

• Deep blockages

By seeing the problem first, plumbers can pick the right tool and fix it faster.

Safe Chemical Drain Treatments

Some clogs need more than tools. Plumbers may use safe, eco-friendly chemical treatments. These chemicals break down grease, soap, and food without harming your pipes. They are different from the strong store-bought drain cleaners that can hurt your plumbing system.

Many plumbers use enzyme-based cleaners. These natural products keep pipes clean and prevent clogs from coming back. They're perfect for regular drain maintenance.

Cleaning Different Types of Drains

Plumbers clean many types of drains:

• Kitchen Sink Drains: Clogged by grease, food, and dish soap.

• Bathroom Sink Drains: Blocked by hair, toothpaste, and soap.

• Shower and Tub Drains: Often clogged by hair and shampoo.

• Toilet Drains: Stopped up by wipes, paper, and small items.

• Floor Drains: Found in basements, garages, and laundry rooms.

Each drain needs a different tool or method. Plumbers know which solution works best for every situation.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

You should call a plumber if:

• Water drains slowly.

• You smell bad odors from the drain.

• Water backs up in sinks or tubs.

• The same drain keeps clogging.

• You hear gurgling sounds from the toilet or sink.

Don’t wait too long. A small clog can become a big plumbing problem. A licensed plumber will fix the problem safely and quickly.

How to Keep Your Drains Clean

Want to avoid clogs? Here are some easy tips:

• Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain.

• Use a strainer to catch food and hair.

• Flush your drains with hot water weekly.

• Clean your garbage disposal with lemon and ice.

• Use enzyme drain cleaners once a month.

Regular plumbing checkups from a professional can also help keep your pipes in great shape.

Need Drain Cleaning in Texas? Call Experience Plumbers TX!

At Experience Plumbers TX, we offer fast, friendly, and affordable drain cleaning across Texas. Whether it’s a small clog or a major backup, our team of expert plumbers has the right tools and skills to get your water flowing again.

We use the latest plumbing technology, like hydro jetting, drain snakes, and video inspections, to find and fix problems quickly. We also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services when you need help right away.

Don't let a clogged drain ruin your day. Call us now or visit Ory’s Pumbing Solutions to schedule your drain cleaning service in Texas today!