Trying to tackle a tricky clogged-up drain? A blocked-up drainage system can cause a huge range of issues, from foul smells and slow flow to backup and flooding. There are plenty of different ways to unclog your drain, but sometimes a simple procedure, such as using drain rods, can be the smoothest. Here’s how to get started.
Assess the Blockage
Drain rods can be used effectively for both indoor and exterior drains. No matter how stubborn or tricky the clog, it’s usually a fairly straightforward procedure to get things flowing freely again.
First, you’ll need to assess exactly where in the system the blockage is. A CCTV drain survey Loughborough or the wider UK can get to the bottom of the problem, with solutions available from specialists such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/loughborough. Once you’ve found the clog location, you can proceed with unblocking.
Get Started
You’ll need the right tools for the job. Choose a high-quality drain rod, prepare your pressure hose and don’t forget to wear gloves. Drain rods can be used for both outdoor drains, where leaves and silt can often be the culprit, and indoor drains, which are typically blocked up by fat and grease, soap scum or wipes.
Outdoor Drains
Insert the drain rod into the system, using it to measure the depth of the blockage as you go. Twist the rod counter-clockwise as you insert it, as this will help to shift and loosen up any silt or debris. Then grab a pressure hose to blast the debris, silt and mud away from the drainage canal until things start running clearly.
Indoor Drains
For an indoor drain, you’re more likely to come up against twisty pipework. A more flexible drain rod can help you feed the rod around bends in the system and effectively unclog the blockage.
Once you reach the blocked area, twist and push the rod back and forth to begin breaking up the bulk of the clog, making sure to turn it anticlockwise. Once the blockage is broken up, your pipes should be back in working order.
