When it comes to plumbing issues, one of the most stubborn problems a homeowner can face is a blocked drain. Whether it’s a minor blockage in your kitchen sink or a major blockage in the main sewer line, getting your pipes flowing smoothly again can sometimes require more than just a plunger or over-the-counter chemical drain cleaner. This is where professional tools like the electric eel (also known as a drain snake or plumbing auger) come into play. The Local Plumber Melbourne specializes in utilizing this powerful tool to effectively clear out even the toughest clogs. Our emergency plumbers have compiled the below article which provides an in-depth look at how electric eel drain cleaning works and why it might be the solution you need.
What is an Electric Eel?
An electric eel is a motorized device used by plumbers to unclog drains. It consists of a long, flexible metal cable with a coiled spring on one end that can be fed into pipes. The cable is typically housed on a drum that spins, allowing the spring or blade at the end to break through or retrieve obstructions in the plumbing.
Why Do I Have A Blocked Drain?
There are several reasons why you might need electric eel drain cleaning services. Over time, your drainage system can become clogged due to the accumulation of various materials such as hair, grease, food particles, soap scum, and even small objects that accidentally fall into the drain. In some cases, tree roots may infiltrate sewer lines through tiny cracks, expanding within the pipes and causing significant blockages. These clogs can lead to slow draining sinks, toilets, and showers, and if left untreated, they can result in backed-up sewage and potential damage to your home’s plumbing infrastructure. The electric eel offers a powerful solution to effectively break apart these stubborn blockages, restore normal flow, and prevent the more severe consequences of clogged pipes. To learn more about blocked drains, we have recently released a recent article: Understanding Blocked Drains & What Happens Inside Your Pipes.
How Does Electric Eel Drain Cleaning Work?
Electric eel drain cleaning is a process that involves several steps to ensure that your pipes are cleared efficiently without causing damage. Here’s how professionals at The Local Plumber Melbourne handle the task:
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Before using an electric eel, a plumber will assess the situation to determine the nature of the clog. This might involve asking the homeowner about what has gone down the drain and using CCTV drain inspection cameras to get a clear view of the blockage and the condition of the pipes.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
Preparation includes setting up the electric eel machine near the access point of the drain and ensuring that any necessary safety measures are in place. This preparation helps in avoiding any potential mess during the unclogging process.
Step 3: Insert the Cable
The plumber will carefully feed the cable of the electric eel into the drain. The flexibility of the cable allows it to navigate through the twists and turns of the plumbing system.
Step 4: Activate the Eel
Once the cable is in place, the electric eel is turned on. The motor spins the drum, which in turn rotates the cable and the attached cutting tool. The spinning action allows the cutter to work its way through the blockage, breaking it apart or snagging it so it can be pulled out.
Step 5: Monitor and Adjust
As the electric eel operates, the plumber will monitor its progress and adjust the speed and direction as needed. This monitoring is crucial to effectively clear the blockage while ensuring the pipes are not damaged.
Step 6: Flush the System
After the blockage has been cleared, the plumber will usually flush the system with water to ensure that the debris is completely washed away and that the drain is fully restored.
Step 7: Final Inspection
Depending on the blockage, another CCTV drain camera inspection might be conducted to ensure the blockage is removed and to check for any potential damage to the plumbing that might need repairing.
Benefits of Electric Eel Drain Cleaning
- Effectiveness: Electric eels are highly effective at breaking up tough blockages that cannot be resolved with plungers or chemical cleaners.
- Reach: They can reach obstructions that are far down the pipe line, which might otherwise require extensive digging and pipe replacement.
- Versatility: Electric eels can be used in various sizes of pipes and on different types of blockages.
- Cost-Effective: This method can be more cost-effective than some other methods, such as hydro-jetting or extensive plumbing repairs.
An important consideration to note is that depending on the severity of your blockage, other methods such as jet blasting, pipe relining / replacement and even excavation may be required.
Electric Eel Plumbing Melbourne
While some drain blockages can be managed with DIY methods, significant or persistent clogs often require professional intervention. Using an electric eel involves specific skills and safety precautions to avoid damaging your pipes or creating a bigger plumbing issue. If you’re experiencing recurring drainage problems or if you suspect a severe blockage, it’s wise to call in the experts at The Local Plumber Melbourne.
Our skilled plumbers are equipped with the best tools to handle these challenging tasks efficiently and safely. If you find yourself facing a stubborn clog, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help to ensure your plumbing system is handled with care and expertise. Visit our website or contact us directly to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment today!