A Plumbing Rooter: A Powerful Tool for Clearing Blocked Drains in 2023

A blocked drain can be a major headache for any homeowner. It can lead to unpleasant odors, slow drainage, and even water damage to the house if left untreated.

Fortunately, there are a number of tools and techniques available to help clear blocked drains, one of which is the plumbing rooter.

What is a Plumbing Rooter?

A plumbing rooter is a powerful tool that is used to clear blocked drains. It consists of a flexible cable, also known as a snake, that is inserted into the drain, normally through the drain plughole.

The cable is then rotated at high speed, allowing it to break up and clear any obstructions in the drain.

Plumbing rooters are available in a range of sizes and types, from handheld models that are suitable for smaller house drains like showers and sinks, to larger, more powerful machines that are capable of clearing even the most stubborn blockages.

You can hire and by the smaller versions of them, but for the larger scale jobs it’s advisable to get a professional plumber in to do the job.

How Does a Plumbing Rooter Work?

The basic principle behind a plumbing rooter is relatively simple. The cable is inserted into the drain and rotated at high speed, causing it to break through any blockages in the pipe.

As the cable rotates, it also helps to flush away any debris or buildup in the drain, leaving it clear and free-flowing.

Rooters are typically powered by an electric motor, which provides the necessary torque to rotate the cable at high speed.

The cable is also fitted with a range of cutting blades and attachments, which can be used to tackle different types of obstructions in the pipe.

You need to be careful not to damage the internal lining of the pipe with the blades as this can lead to a hole in the pipe and subsequent leaks.

When and Where to Use a Plumbing Rooter

Plumbing rooters are most commonly used to clear blockages in sewer lines and main drains. These types of blockages are often caused by a buildup of grease, hair, soap scum, and other debris over time.

In some cases, tree roots can also infiltrate the drain and cause blockages.

They can also be used to clear blockages in smaller drains, such as sink and shower drains.

However, in these cases, it is important to use a smaller, handheld model, as larger machines can cause damage to the pipes.

It is important to note that while rooters can be an effective way to clear blockages, they are not suitable for all types of drains.

For example, they should not be used on toilets, as the cable can damage the porcelain bowl. In these cases, a plunger or toilet auger should be used instead.

Benefits of Using a Plumbing Rooter

Using a plumbing rooter to clear blocked drains offers a number of benefits.

Firstly, it is a quick and efficient way to clear even the most stubborn blockages. This means that homeowners can quickly do it themselves and restore normal drainage and prevent any further damage or inconvenience.

Secondly, using one is often less invasive than other methods of clearing blocked drains. For example, if a drain needs to be excavated to remove a blockage, this can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

Using a plumbing rooter, on the other hand, can often be done with minimal disruption and cost because the process happens within the pipe itself.

Finally, using one can also help to prevent future blockages from occurring. By removing any buildup or debris in the drain, it helps to create a clear and free-flowing channel for water to pass through.

This reduces the likelihood of blockages occurring in the future, and can also help to prolong the life of the drain.

Choosing the Right Plumbing Rooter

When choosing a plumbing rooter, there are a number of factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to choose a model that is suitable for the type of drain you are working on.

For larger drains, a more powerful electric machine will be required, while for smaller drains, a handheld model will suffice.

It is also important to consider the length and thickness of the pipe you’re working on and match the rooter to this.

Your local hardware store will be able to give you further advice on what rooter you need and what models are available to hire or buy.

If the cost of buying a rooter is too high for a one-off job or you aren’t confident in doing the clearance yourself, then employing the services of a professional plumber is a good solution.

Plumbing Rooter FAQ

Q: What is a plumbing rooter?

A: A plumbing rooter is a tool that is used to clear blocked drains. It consists of a flexible cable that is inserted into the drain and rotated at high speed, allowing it to break through and clear any obstructions in the drain.

Q: When should I use a plumbing rooter?

A: They are most commonly used to clear blockages in sewer lines and main drains. These types of blockages are often caused by a buildup of grease, hair, soap scum, and other debris over time. Plumbing rooters can also be used to clear blockages in smaller drains, such as sink and shower drains.

Q: Can a plumbing rooter be used on all types of drains?

A: No, they should not be used on toilets, as the cable can damage the porcelain bowl. In these cases, a plunger or toilet auger should be used instead.

Q: What are the benefits of using a plumbing rooter?

A: Using a plumbing rooter to clear blocked drains offers a number of benefits. It is a quick and efficient way to clear even the most stubborn blockages, and it is often less invasive than other methods of clearing blocked drains.

Using a plumbing rooter can also help to prevent future blockages from occurring.

Q: How do I choose the right plumbing rooter?

A: When choosing a plumbing rooter, it is important to choose a model that is suitable for the type of drain you are working on. For larger drains, a more powerful machine will be required, while for smaller drains, a handheld model will suffice.

It is also important to consider the length and thickness of the cable, as well as any cutting blades or attachments that may be required to tackle specific types of blockages.