A blocked drain can cause real problems. If a blocked drain backs up, it could cause your home to flood with dirty waste water. Not only will this cause damage to the furnishings in your home, but it could also place your health at risk. If you think one of your drains is blocked, you can try to solve the problem using drain rods. Below is a guide to everything you need to know about using drain rods.
Locating the source of the blockage
Before you begin using the drain rods, you should attempt to locate the source of the blockage. The easiest way to do this is to inspect the drain by lifting the drain covers. You should begin with the drain cover which is closest to your property. Lift the drain cover using a screwdriver and inspect the drain for any signs of standing water or debris.
Insert the drain rod and clear the drain
Once you have found the section of pipe which contains the blockage, you can insert the drain rod. Before you do so, you should attach the plunger to the end using the screwing mechanism. With the plunger in place, you can slowly insert the rod into the blocked section of the drain. As you do so, you should gently rotate the rod to the right. This rotating action will ensure that the rod stays in one piece. Rotating the rod to the left could cause sections of the rod to detach. You should continue inserting the rod until you feel resistance caused by the blockage. You then need to move the rod backwards and forwards several times. This action should dislodge the material which is causing the blockage. You may need to repeat this process several times before the drain is completely clear. If using the plunger does not clear the drain. You should consider using the corkscrew attachment which will help to break up more solid blockages which are resistant to plunging.
Check that the blockage is clear
Finally, you should inspect the drainage covers again to check that any backed-up water has drained away and that the blockage has cleared. If the drain is still blocked or if you do not feel confident completing this job yourself, consider contacting a professional plumbing service.
For more information about unblocking and maintaining your drains, contact a plumber today for further advice and help.