In the plumbing and drain cleaning industry, having the right tools can make all the difference in efficiently handling clogs and system testing. Whether you’re a seasoned plumber or a drain cleaning expert, understanding how to use advanced tools like drain flushers and plumbing blocking plugs can help you tackle even the toughest jobs with confidence.
This article delves into the practical applications of these tools, offering insights that can elevate your service quality and ensure your clients’ systems run smoothly.
Unclog Drain Pipes in Seconds
A drain flusher unclogs drain pipes in seconds and can attach to a standard ¾-inch garden hose fitting. Users can remove the aerator from the faucet’s spigot and attach the faucet adapter. When connected to a water source, the drain flusher pressurizes the seal and delivers a blast of water to free a clog. This will help keep drain lines clean and debris-free so water can flow freely.
While using this product, insert the clog buster into the drain as far as possible and slowly turn on the cold water. This should almost immediately lead to the clog dislodging. Note: The drain flusher has to be used in a straight piece of pipe and not in a change of direction, or it can rupture.
The clog buster is an excellent tool to eliminate the need to use drain cleaning chemicals, which facility managers prefer to avoid for safety and environmental reasons. It is also a safer alternative to a mechanical snake, which can get caught or whip back, potentially leading to an injury. From a professional’s perspective, the clog buster is a quicker, cleaner alternative to unclogging a drain.
It is also reusable if properly maintained. The clog buster can be cleaned with mild soap and water and stored in a dry place away from sunlight. After each use, inspect it for damage (signs of cuts, wear, or deterioration). If damaged, do not use it again.
Block a Floor Drain During Sewer Jetting
While most pipe plugs are typically used to test drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems or for maintenance, testing, and monitoring in sanitary and storm sewer systems, they can also be used during the drain-cleaning process. One application would be using a high-pressure water machine or sewer jet to blast the inside of a pipe.
Sewer jetting is common during the drain-cleaning process and consists of a high-pressure water pump, water tank, hose reel, and a half-inch to one-inch sewer-cleaning hose. Sewer water will follow the path of least resistance wherever this type of pressure tool is used to clear a clog.
A plumbing blocking plug can block water from entering a basement floor drain or coming up through a toilet, especially if it is jetting from an outside sewer main. However, most plumbing blocking plugs are not designed to hold back direct pressure from a sewer jet, but they can serve as a good safety net to avoid blowing sewage into the home or building.
That said, plumbing blocking plugs are designed to test drain, waste, and vent systems in every type of pipe. Inserted through a test tee, the plugs have a natural rubber body that provides expansion and an excellent seal in round and out-of-round pipes.
The inflatable design can fit through test tees, sanitary tees, floor drains, and other hard-to-access pipe openings. This product is ideal for testing DWV plumbing systems at pressures up to 13 psi (pounds per square inch) or with 30 feet of head pressure. It also utilizes a standard tire air fitting for easy connections. The ring and chain assembly help prevent the plug from being drawn into DWV systems during tests.
These plugs come in nine variations or sizes, ranging from ¾-inch to 6 inches.
How To Install a Plumbing Blocking Plug
Step 1: Select the Correct Size Plug
Identify the inside diameter of the pipe you wish to block and choose a plug that fits properly. Ensuring the plug is neither too big nor too small is crucial for creating an effective seal and preventing it from being dislodged.
Step 2: Choose Between Mechanical and Pneumatic Plugs
To decide which type of plug best suits your needs, consider personal preference, availability, job requirements, and specific situations, e.g., drain size and blockage nature.
Mechanical plugs are simpler and quicker to use for floor drains and are effective in tight spaces without requiring additional equipment.
Pneumatic plugs offer versatility by covering multiple sizes with one plug, reducing the amount of equipment needed for jobs involving different pipe sizes.
Step 3: For Pneumatic Plugs: Inflate Properly
Locate the recommended inflation pressure on the plug or the attached tag (usually around 35 to 40 psi).
To avoid over-inflation, use a manual pump (like a bicycle pump) rather than an electric one. This allows for controlled, gradual inflation and reduces the risk of rupture.
Adhere to the recommended inflation pressure to prevent underinflation or overinflation.
Step 4: For Mechanical Plugs: Secure Mechanically
Insert the plug into the pipe.
Tighten the wing nut or other mechanism (turn a screw, snap into place, or use a rubber cap with a metal band) to secure the plug. Be careful not to over-tighten to avoid damage to the plug or pipe.
Step 5: Consider Duration of Use
Mechanical plugs can remain securely installed indefinitely, given they’re properly fitted, making them suitable for longer-term applications.
Pneumatic plugs are recommended for shorter durations, typically not exceeding four hours, due to the risk of air leakage and deflation.
Step 6: Assess Reliability for Long-Term Applications
Bypass a Plumbing Line During Maintenance
Plumbing bypass plugs can be useful during drain cleaning in specific circumstances where the normal flow of a drain cannot be entirely halted. While not typically used in routine sewer jetting due to the risk of adding debris, bypass plugs can be particularly useful in facilities with equipment that cannot be shut down or when dealing with large drains, like those in apartment buildings or municipalities.
These plugs allow for the temporary redirection of discharge, enabling maintenance personnel to isolate and clean sections of the drain without interrupting the entire system. For example, a bypass plug can stop and redirect the flow 50 feet down the line, allowing for effective jetting or snaking of the clogged section.
Although not common in smaller settings, bypass plugs provide a solution for large-scale operations where maintaining continuous flow is essential.
Replace a Worn-Out Plug or Cleanout Cap
In addition to blocking a pipe, certain pipe plugs can be used to create a permanent seal. So, if you encounter a damaged cap on a cleanout during the drain-cleaning process, you can replace it with an end-of-pipe gripper plug after the fact – especially if the original plug won’t thread in or is starting to corrode.
Another option is a clean-out gripper plug made with glass-reinforced ABS plastic. Its natural rubber threaded cleanout plug is guaranteed to seal most damaged threads.
How To Remove a Worn-Out or Stuck Cleanout Plug
If the Plug Is Plastic…
Step 1: Identify Plug Material
Determine if the cleanout plug is plastic, as it can be simpler to remove.
Step 2: Cut the Plug
Use a suitable tool (e.g., a saw) to cut the plastic plug into smaller pieces carefully.
Step 3: Remove Pieces
Gently extract the cut pieces from the cleanout, ensuring you don’t damage the threads in the pipe.
If the Plug Is Brass…
Step 1: Apply Penetrating Oil
For stubborn brass plugs, apply a penetrating oil (like WD-40 or a rust buster) to the threads. Allow it to sit and penetrate.
Step 2: Drill a Hole
Using a drill with a hole saw attachment, carefully drill a hole in the center of the brass plug. This step helps prevent damaging the female threads in the pipe.
Step 3: Cut into Sections
With a reciprocating saw equipped with a short blade, cut the plug into smaller sections, resembling pizza slices, from the drilled hole outwards. This method helps loosen the plug.
Step 4: Use an Oscillating Tool for Stubborn Plugs
If the plug is still stuck, consider using an oscillating tool for precise cuts. This tool minimizes the risk of damaging the pipe or causing injury.
Step 5: Gradually Remove the Sections
Carefully extract the cut sections of the plug, ensuring the female threads in the pipe remain intact.
Remember, patience and precision are key to avoiding damage to the pipe’s threads when working with brass plugs.
How To Install a New Cleanout Plug
Step 1: Select the Correct Size Plug
Choose a gripper plug that fits your pipe snugly for a reliable seal. Ensure you’re selecting the correct size for your pipe’s diameter.
Step 2: Clean the Pipe Threads
For Plastic Pipes: Make sure the threads are free of debris, even though there might be less concern about rust.
For Brass and Cast-Iron Pipes: Use a wire brush to remove any rust, debris, or old sealants from the threads. This step is crucial for creating a smooth surface for the plug to seal against.
Step 3: Prevent Debris from Entering the Sewer Line
While cleaning the threads, ensure that no debris falls into the line, which could lead to potential back-ups.
Step 4: Insert the Gripper Plug
Place the cleanout gripper plug into the opening. Secure the plug by tightening the wing nut or whichever securing mechanism is provided.
Step 5: Tighten Securely But Don’t Over-Tighten
Make sure the plug is evenly seated, and the tightening mechanism is fully engaged to create a tight seal. Apply firm but controlled pressure to avoid damaging the plug or pipe.
Where To Find Gripper Plugs
While not typically available in retail stores like Home Depot, gripper plugs can be purchased from:
Plumbing supply houses
Online platforms such as supplyhouse.com or Amazon
Multi-branch wholesalers like Ferguson Enterprises are especially convenient for property managers or those who need to purchase bulk.
These steps outline the process of installing a gripper plug, ensuring a secure and effective seal in your plumbing system.
Sean Comerford is Manager, Inside Sales and Tech Support at Oatey Co. He is a third-generation tradesman with nearly 20 years of plumbing experience, including serving as the lead plumber for commercial and residential new-construction, service and fire protection jobs. He holds a State of Ohio Fire Protection License for Sprinkler and Standpipe.
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