There are 3 common types of drain cleaning tools used to clean commercial drains:

1. Auger cleaners

There are two different types of auger or snake cleaners – hand-powered and motor-driven. Both types use a long, flexible cable that the user feeds through the drain opening to the clog. A corkscrew on the end of the cable cuts into the clog to break it up or to allow it to be extracted. One of the major advantages of this equipment is the ability to physically remove blockages that chemical cleaners cannot dissolve or break up.

2. Air-burst cleaners

Air-burst drain cleaners use air, carbon dioxide or other gas to disintegrate or dislodge a clog. The unit directs the pressurized gas into the piping, where it directs a force through the standing water at the clog. Units are available that use small, built-in compressors or carbon dioxide cartridges to produce the initial burst of gas pressure. One primary advantage of air-burst cleaners is their ability to quickly clear clogs. Chemical cleaners typically take time to attack the blockage, sometimes requiring several hours.

3. Hydro-jetting cleaners

Hydro-jetting drain cleaners use high-pressure water streams to break up clogs. The technician feeds a hosepipe fitted with a nozzle into the drain. High-pressure water pumped into the hose is forced out through the nozzle. With pressures as high as 35,000 psi, the energy from the water is effective in clearing blockages. Unlike most other drain cleaners, hydro-jetting cleaners can be used on long drain pipes, limited only by the length of the hosepipe. They also are effective on most common blockages, whether organic or inorganic

Prevention

The most effective “method” for avoiding issues with clogged drains and piping is to be proactive. Using floor drain strainers, drain baskets, and drain locks are simple products that can prevent drain clogs and save businesses time and money on costly plumbing fixes. Typically, you can outfit every drain in a restaurant for less than the cost of one drain jetting. If you need help finding the right products for your facility, contact us and we will be happy to help!