Drain rods are used by connecting enough rods together to extend into a drain and then manipulating them to break up or dislodge blockages.
Using drain rods is a common method for tackling stubborn blockages in drainage systems. The process involves physically pushing and maneuvering a series of interconnected rods into the drain to reach the point of obstruction.
Step-by-Step Usage
The fundamental principle behind using drain rods, as described in the reference, is quite straightforward:
- Assembly: Begin by attaching enough rods together to reach the entire perimeter of the drain. Drain rods typically screw or clip together, allowing you to build a length sufficient to access the blockage.
- Insertion and Manipulation: Carefully push the assembled rod into the drain opening. Once resistance is met, which indicates the blockage, the rod is meant to be moved around – pushed, pulled, and rotated.
- Breaking the Blockage: The purpose of this movement is to loosen the debris causing a blockage. The end of the rod, or an attached tool, can break up or dislodge materials like fat, grease, wipes, or roots that are impeding flow.
- Restoring Flow: The primary goal is to get the water to start flowing smoothly again by clearing or significantly reducing the obstruction.
- Post-Clearing: Once a drain has been unlocked with a rod, the loosened or remaining debris might need further action. As noted, the debris can be removed with drain jetting, which uses high-pressure water to clear and clean the pipe thoroughly after the main blockage is broken up.
This method provides a manual way to apply force directly at the point of the blockage, making it effective for solid obstructions that plungers or chemical cleaners cannot clear.
