How To Use Drain Cleaning Rods In Cumbria

If you live in Cumbria - the beautiful county in North West England - and you are having trouble with blocked drains, then Drainage Cumbria can help. We are a professional drain cleaning company that can quickly and effectively clear your blocked drains, without causing damage to your pipes or the surrounding environment.

One of the tools we use to clear blocked drains is a drain cleaning rod. Drain cleaning rods are also called drain snakes, and they are long, flexible, and thin tubes that can be inserted into the drain to break up and remove the blockage. In this landing page, we will explain how to use drain cleaning rods in Cumbria safely and effectively.

What You Need To Clear Blocked Drains

Before you start clearing your blocked drains, you need to make sure you have the right tools and equipment. To clear blocked drains in Cumbria, you will need:

• Drain cleaning rods
• Rubber gloves
• Protective goggles
• Bucket
• Towels
• Disinfectant
• Plunger (optional)
• Drain cleaner (optional)

Safety First

Clearing blocked drains can be a messy job; hence, it is important to take safety precautions. Wear rubber gloves and protective goggles to prevent injury and infection. Drain cleaning rods are sharp, so be careful not to jab them into your eyes or skin. Ensure that you are comfortable working in the confined space around the drain. If not, have someone else who is comfortable do the job.

Clearing Drains Using Drain Cleaning Rods

Follow these steps:

1. Identify the blockage: Check where the blockage is in the drain. If it is near the surface, you may be able to remove it without using drain cleaning rods. Use a plunger to create suction that removes the blockage. Pour boiling water down the drain to clear any remaining debris. If the blockage is below the surface, then continue to step 2.

2. Prepare the drain cleaning rods: Drain cleaning rods come in different lengths and thickness. Attach them together by screwing to the required length, and then attach the end piece that will be inserted in the drain.

3. Insert the drain cleaning rod into the drain: Carefully insert the drain cleaning rod into the drain until all the rods/sections are used up. Do so carefully and slowly so as not to damage the pipe. If you experience significant resistance, look for other means to remove the blockage. But if the resistance is minimal, proceed to the next step.

4. Twist and turn the drain cleaning rod: Once the drain cleaning rod is in place, twist and turn it gently to break up the blockage. Be careful not to damage the pipe. If the blockage is soft, it might break up easily; if not, it may take more effort.

5. Remove the drain cleaning rod: When you feel that the blockage is broken up, carefully unscrew the rod and remove it from the drain. Use a bucket to collect any excess water that drains out.

6. Drop Some Water: Turn on the tap and let it run for a few minutes to see if the blockage has disappeared. If the water flows smoothly, congratulations, you've cleared the blocked drain. If not, repeat the process.

7. Clean up the area: Finally, clean up the area around the drain to remove any remaining debris. Use disinfectant to ensure that the area is clean and hygienic.

Tips

• If the blockage is particularly stubborn, you can try adding a drain cleaner to the water before you insert the drain cleaning rod.
• Fibre optic broadband cables can block drains. Hence, beware when cleaning them to avoid damaging the cable.
• If the water level rises when you attempt to clear the drain, stop and call Drainage Cumbria for professional help.

Conclusion

Clearing a blocked drain can seem daunting, but with the right tools and some simple steps, you can do it yourself. However, if the blockage is severe, or if you are not comfortable carrying out the job, call Drainage Cumbria for help. We are a professional drain cleaning company in Cumbria with many years of experience in clearing blocked drains safely and effectively. Call us at 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected] to book an appointment. We are here to help.