Blocked drains can be a real nuisance, causing inconvenience and potential damage to your property. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, a clogged drain can disrupt your daily routine and lead to frustrating plumbing issues. In this article, we’ll explore the plumber’s toolbox and the key tools we use to efficiently clear those blocked drains in Sydney.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Before we jump into any plumbing job, safety is our top priority. That’s why we equip ourselves with the necessary PPE to keep us safe and protected. Some of the PPE we use include:
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Steel-capped boots:
- Coveralls or Workwear
By prioritising safety and using the right tools for each job, we can deliver efficient and effective plumbing services while keeping our team and your property safe.
The Mighty Plunger
When it comes to minor clogs, the plunger is your go-to tool. It’s simple, effective and a staple in every plumber’s toolbox. The concept behind the plunger is straightforward: create a seal over the drain opening and exert pressure to dislodge the blockage. By using a plunger, you can often clear a clogged sink, shower or toilet without much trouble.
Auger or Drain Snake
For those more stubborn blockages that the plunger can’t handle, we turn to the trusty drain snake or auger. This flexible and elongated tool is designed to navigate through pipes, hook onto blockages and pull them out. It’s like sending a skilled plumber down the blocked drains in Sydney to retrieve the culprit causing the blockage. Drain snakes come in various lengths and sizes, which allows us to reach deep into the pipes and remove debris that may be causing the issue.
Hydro Jetting
When ordinary methods fail, it’s time to bring out the heavy artillery — hydro jetting! Hydro jetting is a powerful, efficient and eco-friendly way to restore blocked drains in Sydney. Think of it as a high-pressure water blaster that can obliterate even the most stubborn blockages. Hydro jetting involves using a specialised nozzle to shoot powerful jets of water into the drain. It effectively clears away grease, tree roots, mineral buildup and other obstructions.
Pipe Inspection Cameras
To truly understand what’s causing a persistent blockage or to inspect the overall condition of your plumbing system, we use pipe inspection cameras. These tiny cameras attached to a flexible cable can venture deep into the pipes, sending real-time footage to a monitor. With this visual insight, we can pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem, which enables us to devise the most appropriate solution.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
While we prefer non-chemical methods for clearing blocked drains in Sydney, in some cases, we may cautiously turn to chemical drain cleaners. These strong solutions can dissolve organic matter and hair, but they must be used with caution. Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on pipes and may not be suitable for all blockages. Our experienced plumbers always exercise caution and advise against using them as a first resort.
Trenchless Technology
When dealing with underground drain blockages or damaged pipes, our team uses trenchless technology. Unlike traditional methods that involve extensive digging, trenchless techniques minimise disruption to your property. We use methods like pipe relining and pipe bursting to repair or replace damaged pipes with minimal excavation. This saves you time, money and the headache of a major excavation.
Essential Hand Tools
In addition to the specialised tools we’ve already covered, every skilled emergency plumber in Sydney carries a set of essential hand tools that form the backbone of their toolbox. These basic tools help us address a wide range of plumbing repairs, including blocked drains in Sydney:
- Caulking gun
- Multi-bit screwdriver
- Torch or pipe soldering kit
- Teflon tape, also known as plumber’s tape
- Hacksaw for cutting through metal or plastic pipes
- Pipe wrench for loosening or tightening stubborn pipe connections
- Adjustable wrench to grip and turn nuts and bolts of different sizes
- Various types of pliers, such as slip-joint pliers, needle-nose pliers and tongue-and-groove pliers, to grip, cut and manipulate pipes and fittings
- Plumber’s putty for creating watertight seals around sinks, drains and faucets.
Emergency Drains: Your Local Trusted Sydney Plumbers
Behind every skilled plumber dealing with blocked drains in Sydney lies a carefully curated toolbox. From the mighty plunger and drain snake to the power of hydro jetting and pipe inspection cameras, we have an array of basic and specialised tools to clear even the toughest blockages. You can also check out our top tips to ensure your drains stay unblocked here.
At Emergency Drains, we take pride in being your trusted local plumbers, providing prompt and reliable services to both residential and commercial clients in Sydney. So, whether you’re facing a minor clog or a plumbing emergency, rest assured that our experienced and friendly team is ready to lend a helping hand.
Contact us today.
