When you have a blocked drain, it might be tempting to source some equipment and attempt to clear it yourself; after all, typing “unblocking drain tools” into a search engine will typically bring up drain rods for less than £20. However, attempting DIY draincare has the potential to cause a real disaster: read on to find out why!
What are Drain Rods?
Drain rods are long, slender, flexible poles that attach together to form a continuous cable. This can then be gently manipulated through the drainage system until it reaches the blockage, where a hook-like mechanism at the end of the rod is used to break down the blockage and allow water flow to resume.
Should I Rod My Own Drains?
Unless you are a draincare professional, using drain rods can often do more harm than good. Most kits available online feature cheap, flimsy rods that simply screw together, which makes it easy to lose a portion of the equipment underground with any kind of vigorous movement — leading to a more challenging blockage than you had originally! You could also cause damage to underground pipes, which can be damaging to the surrounding infrastructure if they leak, and will be expensive to replace.
Drain Rods: DIY vs. Expert
When your drains are blocked, it is far safer to trust the experts. Professional quality drain rods lock together, meaning that you will not lose them underground! A draincare expert can also use CCTV equipment to assess the blockage visually, allowing them to approach it accurately and avoid any damage to your pipes. If the blockage proves too stubborn to be broken up with rods, the professionals can then use high-pressure drain jetting to blast it away safely, allowing your drains to function as they should.
For more information about unblocking stubborn drains, you can contact the TWC Draincare team here and we will be happy to assist you.
