Clearing a blocked drain with rods is a practical method for tackling obstructions further down the pipe, especially in outdoor drains or main sewer lines.
Getting Ready
Before you start, gather your equipment and prepare the area.
Safety First
Always wear sturdy gloves to protect your hands. You might also want to wear old clothes and possibly eye protection, as working with drains can be messy.
Locating the Drain Access
Find the access point to the drain. This could be a manhole cover, a rodding eye (a small cap or cover in a patio or path near a drain), or sometimes access via an external gully pot. You might need a tool like a shovel or crowbar to lift heavier covers.
Using Drain Rods Step-by-Step
Once you have access, you can begin inserting the drain rods.
Inserting the Rods
- Choose Your First Rod and Attachment: Start with a single rod section. Decide which attachment head is best suited for the blockage – common options include plunger, worm screw, or scraper heads (more on these below). Screw your chosen head securely onto the end of the first rod.
- Find the Pipe Opening: Carefully insert the rod into the drain opening. Drain rods are typically easy to manoeuvre thanks to their flexibility. This flexibility is key, allowing you to effortlessly bend them around to find the opening of the pipe inside the gully or access point.
- Add Rod Sections: Once the first rod is feeding into the pipe, connect the next rod section by screwing the ends together firmly. Continue adding sections as needed, pushing the line of rods further into the drain until you feel resistance, indicating you've reached the blockage.
Tackling the Blockage
When the rods meet the obstruction, you need to work them to break it up or dislodge it.
- Push and Twist: Gently push the rods forward into the blockage and pull back. Rotate the rods as you do this; the screw fittings between sections are designed to tighten as you twist in a clockwise direction, helping to prevent them from unscrewing while in the drain.
- Using the Plunger Attachment: If you are using a plunger head attached to the rod (often used for blockages caused by sludge or fat), you can use a specific action. Once you've reached the blockage with the plunger head attached, apply pressure to the plunger to help clear the blockage. This involves pushing the rod back and forth firmly to create pressure and suction against the obstruction, which can help break it apart or move it.
- Using Other Attachments: A worm screw attachment can be twisted into blockages like paper or rags to pull them back. A scraper or brush head can be used to break up hard deposits or clear debris stuck to the pipe walls.
Types of Rod Attachments
Different heads are available for drain rods, each designed for specific tasks:
| Attachment Type | Best For | How it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Plunger | Sludge, fat, general blockages | Creates pressure and suction when pushed and pulled (applying pressure). |
| Worm Screw | Soft blockages like paper, leaves, rags | Twists into the blockage to pull it back. |
| Scraper | Hard deposits, scale buildup, compacted silt | Scrapes against the pipe walls to break up material. |
| Brush | Cleaning pipe walls after blockage removal | Sweeps away debris and residue. |
Finishing Up
Once the blockage is cleared:
- Remove Rods: Carefully withdraw the rods one section at a time, unscrewing them as they emerge from the drain.
- Flush the Drain: Pour buckets of water or use a hose to flush the drain and check that water is flowing freely.
- Clean Rods: Clean the rods thoroughly before storing them to prevent corrosion and mess.
Tips for Success
- Always rotate rods clockwise when pushing to keep sections joined.
- If you encounter strong resistance that doesn't budge, don't force the rods, as they could break or get stuck. The blockage might require a different method or professional help.
- Work steadily and patiently; clearing a blockage can take time.
