Drain Cleaners and Plumbing Tools

Matching the tool to the blockage

Pick the tool for the type and depth of the clog. A hair-catching strip or short cable clears a shower or sink trap, a hand-cranked drain snake reaches further into a branch line, and a drain gun uses a burst of air or water pressure to push a plug along. Thin cable suits small sink lines, and thicker cable suits 3 or 4 inch drains, so match the cable diameter and length to the pipe before you buy.

A drain gun must seal against the drain opening, so check the sizes it covers, and wear eye protection with any pressure tool. Never mix a chemical drain cleaner with other cleaners or use one before a pressure tool, because splashes and fumes are dangerous. Old or cracked pipe may not survive pressure, so start with the gentlest tool.

Flare, swage and press: tools and parts that must match the tube

Flaring and swaging tools work on tube ends. A flare forms a cone so a flare nut can seal, and the angle matters: 45 degree flares are common on refrigeration and fuel lines, while 37 degree flares are used on hydraulic fittings. Swaging expands a tube end so another piece of the same tube slides in and is soldered. Match the tool to the tube's outside diameter and material.

Pump repair kits, diaphragms and strainer baskets are matched by pump model and part number, not by appearance. Press adapters, such as a 1 inch press by male pipe thread piece in stainless, need the correct press system, and the pressure and temperature ratings should exceed the system's. For socket sets, match the drive size to your ratchet.

Questions about Drain Cleaners and Plumbing Tools

Which tool clears a blocked toilet?

A flange plunger is the first tool, and a closet auger reaches the trap if the plunger fails. A standard drain snake can scratch the bowl and does not turn the bend as well. Use pressure tools or chemicals only if the product says it is meant for toilets.

What is the difference between flaring and swaging?

Flaring widens a tube end into a cone that a flare nut presses against a fitting to seal. Swaging enlarges the end so a second tube slides in, and the joint is then soldered or brazed. Flares need a fitting, while swaged joints need no coupling.

Will a replacement strainer basket or diaphragm fit any pump?

No. They are made for particular pump models and housings, so use the pump's model and part number to find the right one. Also check the material, such as nitrile or PVC, against the fluid being pumped.