While chemical drain cleaners can work, and do, they pose a risk to the user. They can be caustic and corrosive. If not handled properly, chemical drain cleaners can harm your skin, eyes, and lungs. Also, a lot of chemical drain cleaners can cause corrosion of old metal piping which leads to premature failure. The best course of action is to hire a professional that has the necessary tools to clean and diagnose the issues properly.

A drain cable machine, also known as a drain snake or drain auger, is a specialized plumbing tool used to clear clogs in drains and sewer lines. It consists of a flexible cable, typically made of coiled steel, which is stored on a spool inside a drum or a motorized unit. The cable is fitted with a variety of cutting heads or attachments designed to break up and remove different types of obstructions in pipes. Here's how a drain cable machine works:

• Insertion | The operator feeds the flexible cable into the drain or sewer line through an access point, such as a cleanout or drain opening.

• Rotation | The cable is rotated manually or with the help of a motorized unit. The rotation helps the cutting head at the end of the cable to break up the clog and clear the pipe.

• Clearing the Clog | As the cable is pushed further into the pipe and rotated, it either breaks up the clog into smaller pieces or hooks onto the obstruction, allowing the operator to pull it out.

• Retraction | After the clog is cleared, the cable is carefully retracted back into the machine, bringing the broken-up debris or the removed obstruction with it.

Drain cable machines are available in various sizes and configurations to handle different types of pipes and clogs. They are commonly used by sewer specialist to clear blockages in sinks, toilets, showers, and sewer lines. These machines are versatile and effective, making them essential tools in the sewer and drain industry for tackling various drainage issues.

A Hydro Jetter, also known as a Water Jetter or Hydro-jetting Machine, is a powerful tool used to clean and clear clogs in pipes and sewer lines. It operates by using a high-pressure stream of water to remove debris, grease, roots, and other obstructions from the inside of pipes. Hydro Jetters are commonly used by professional drain cleaning services to address stubborn blockages and maintain the integrity of drainage systems. Here's how a Hydro Jetter works:

• High-Pressure Water Stream | A Hydro Jetter features a pump that pressurizes water to a very high pressure, typically ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) or even higher. The high-pressure water stream is delivered through a flexible hose and a specialized nozzle.

• Nozzle Configuration | The Hydro Jetter nozzle is designed with multiple forward and reverse jets. These jets create a powerful, rotating water stream that can break up and flush out blockages effectively.

• Insertion | The Hydro Jetter hose with the attached nozzle is inserted into the drain or sewer line through an access point, such as a cleanout or an opening in the pipe.

• Cleaning Process | Once inside the pipe, the Hydro Jetter operator activates the machine. The high-pressure water stream emitted from the nozzle rotates and thoroughly cleans the interior of the pipe. The force of the water can dislodge grease, sludge, scale, tree roots, and other debris that may be causing a blockage.

• Clearing the Line | As the Hydro Jetter moves through the pipe, it effectively clears the line, restoring proper drainage and flow.

Hydro Jetting is particularly useful for removing stubborn clogs and buildup that may not be fully cleared by other methods like drain snakes or chemicals. It is also an environmentally friendly option as it does not involve the use of harsh chemicals. However, Hydro Jetting should be performed by trained professionals to prevent damage to pipes, especially older or fragile plumbing systems.

High-speed flexible shaft drain cleaning, also known by some as milling, descaling, or Picote, is a method used to clear clogs, scaling and building on the walls of the pipes. Here's how it works:

• Insertion | A flexible, coiled metal cable is inserted into the drain or pipe that is clogged. The cable is designed to navigate through the twists and turns of the plumbing system.

• Rotation | The cable is attached to a motorized machine that runs at 1500-2500 rpm. When the machine is turned on, it rotates the cable rapidly. The rotation of the cable flings the chain knockers out in a football pattern scouring the walls of the piping.

• Cutting Head | At the end of the cable, there are a variety of chains setups that can be configured on the cable. These chains can have various designs, including drills, round flair and football style flairs which are used depending on the type of clog, pipe, and the material causing the obstruction. The cutting head spins as the cable rotates, effectively scraping all the debris off the sidewalls of the piping into smaller pieces.

• Clearing the Clog | As the cable rotates and the cutting head does its job, it breaks through the clog and debris in the pipe. The broken-up debris is either pushed further down the pipe, allowing it to flow away by camera or Hydro Jetter.

• Retraction | After the clog is cleared, the cable is slowly retracted back into the machine. The drain is then flushed with water to ensure the remnants of the clog are completely removed.

High-speed flexible shaft drain cleaning is effective for a wide range of clogs, including hair, grease, soap scum, and small objects. It is a commonly used method by professional plumbers due to its versatility and ability to clear most types of blockages in pipes and drains.