A plumber might flush your pipes in order to clean them out, remove any buildup or debris that’s blocking them, or flush out any chemicals that may have been used to unclog them in the past. They might use a mechanical auger, a manual flushing device, or even a hydrocleaner. There are no strict rules when it comes to choosing one over another. The best choice will depend on the type of pipes you have and your specific needs. Here is an overview of some of the tools that a plumber might use when flushing your pipes.
Mechanical Auger
A mechanical auger, sometimes referred to as an auger, is a long metal rod with a spiral at one end. The spiral is used to bore through pipes and remove any buildup or debris that has collected inside. A mechanical auger can be used with a special attachment called a flush valve, which is used to direct the flow of water. Alternatively, a mechanical auger can be used on its own as a flush device. A manual flushing device is commonly used in residential plumbing because it is easy to operate and requires very little maintenance.If you have a large amount of debris blocking your pipes, a mechanical auger may be able to remove it quickly and easily. If your pipes are particularly clogged or if you have a lot of roots growing into your pipes, a mechanical auger may be your best bet to clear them out quickly.
Hydrocleaner
A hydrocleaner is a specialized tool that uses high-pressure water and a rotating blade to remove debris from your pipes. A hydrocleaner can be used to flush out a clogged or dirty pipe, to clean out an old, damaged section of pipe, or to clean out a pipe before it is repaired. A hydrocleaner can be used on almost any type of pipe, including PVC, metal, and cast iron. A hydrocleaner works best on pipes that have a significant buildup of debris, a buildup of roots and other vegetation, or a buildup of chemicals. If you have a small amount of debris or roots growing into your pipes, they may be able to be removed with a hydrocleaner, but they may not be able to completely clear out your pipes.
Rotary Jig
A rotary jig is a specialized tool that can be used to clean out a pipe without having to break it apart or fully remove it from the house. A rotary jig is designed to remove small objects from a pipe, such as roots that have grown into the pipe, without damaging the pipe. A rotary jig is most commonly used on PVC and metal pipes but can also be used on cast iron pipes. A rotary jig works by rotating the pipe as it is flooded with water. The rotating water creates a vortex that captures and removes any debris or roots growing into the pipe.
Mechanical Pipe Cleaner
A mechanical pipe cleaner is a tool that is used to clean out small sections of pipe. A mechanical pipe cleaner works by being pushed through the pipe, picking up debris as it travels. A mechanical pipe cleaner can be used to clean out a small section of PVC pipe, a metal pipe, or a cast iron pipe. A mechanical pipe cleaner is often used to clean out a section of pipe that has been damaged or contains a buildup of roots. A mechanical pipe cleaner is not commonly used to clean out a pipe that has been fully clogged, although it may be able to loosen up a buildup of roots or debris.
Conclusion
Flushing your pipes is a crucial part of maintaining your plumbing. It is important to know what tools your plumber uses to flush your pipes. There are many different types of tools that a plumber can use, including mechanical augers, hydrocleaners, rotary jigs, and mechanical pipe cleaners.