How to choose a drain cleaner: plunger, spring or machine

For a sink or a washbasin, a plunger or a hand pump is usually enough. If the blockage is further away, you need a spring or a flat tape, with lengths in the collection ranging from 1.5 to 15 metres. For larger drains and sewers, with pipes from 75 to 200 mm, you move on to chains or a motorised machine. You choose by looking at two things: the pipe diameter and the distance at which the blockage lies.

Types

• Plunger drain cleaners: a rubber cup with a handle, for example the rubber model with wooden handle. It is used for sinks, washbasins and sanitary fixtures when the blockage is close to the drain.
• Pumps: pressure or compressed-air drain cleaners, including pistol-type ones. They push a burst of air or water against the blockage when the plunger alone is not enough.
• Springs, flat tapes and pipe brushes: they are fed into the pipe and rotated until they break up or retrieve the blockage. The pipe brush and the household pipe unblocker are for small pipes. For sewers there is the steel flat tape, such as the drain cleaner Vigor 12x1.2 mm, 10 m long.
• Pressure washer probes: flexible hoses, such as the Kärcher drain cleaner, that connect to the pressure washer and clean with a jet of water.
• Chains for machines: also with carbide inserts, for the hardest deposits in large pipes.
• Drain cleaning machines: cordless, such as the machine MX FUEL Milwaukee, or high-speed drain cleaners for smaller pipes. Spare parts are also available, such as the replacement cable for the M12 HSFSM.
• Pipe cleaning kits: sets with several accessories for routine maintenance work.

How to choose by job

What to look for

Drainage capacity. This is the pipe diameter on which the drain cleaner works well. In the collection you will find models of 32-40 mm, for domestic drains, and others from 75 to 200 mm for large drains and sewers. A tool that is too small rattles around in the pipe and does not push the blockage.

Length. From 1.5 m for the sink and trap, to 6, 7.5, 10 and 15 m for drain stacks and sewers. It is worth getting a little more than you estimate, because bends use up metres.

Spiral diameter. There are 6 mm spirals, thin and suited to small pipes, and 20 mm ones, sturdier for large drains.

Type. Manual, pressure, compressed air, pistol or pressure washer probe: it indicates how the blockage is pushed. The probe requires a compatible pressure washer, the machine requires the right battery.

Compatibility. Spare cables and chains only work on the machine they are made for (for example the M12 HSFSM). Also check the thread of the connector: M12 appears in the data.

Material. Rubber or polypropylene for plungers and pumps, steel for flat tapes and cables, wood for the handles.

Common mistakes

• Using the plunger without blocking the overflow. The air escapes through it and the pressure does not reach the blockage.
• Getting a spring that is too short or too thin. It reaches only halfway along the pipe and pushes nothing in large drains.
• Forcing it around a bend. A cable that bends and kinks gets damaged and can cause injury. Advance slowly and rotate.
• Forgetting gloves and goggles when using machines: the cable spins and dirty splashes reach your face.
• Buying spare parts without checking the model of the machine or pressure washer.

Frequently asked questions

The plunger doesn't work: what should I try next?

Try the pump or the spring. If the sink has been slow for a while, the blockage is probably further along than the trap and the plunger does not reach it.

What length of spring do I need for a sink?

For the trap and the first section of the drain, 1.5 m is enough. For stacks and collector pipes, 6-10 m is more convenient.

Can I use a motorised machine on a washbasin?

A thin 6 mm spiral, suited to small pipes, is better. 20 mm spirals are for large drains.

How do I check that the drain is clear?

After the job, wash the probe or cable and run water for a few minutes. If it drains without gurgling, the blockage is gone.

You will find all the models in the Drain cleaners collection: if you are not sure about the pipe diameter or the length, request a quote or ask the AMES technicians for advice.