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 needing a refresher or a plumbing apprentice looking to learn, understanding how to use advanced tools like drain flushers and plumbing blocking plugs can help you confidently tackle even the toughest jobs.
This blog delves into the practical applications of these tools, offering insights that can elevate your service quality and ensure your clients’ systems run smoothly.
1. Unclog Drains Quickly with a Drain Flusher
When it comes to clearing clogs quickly, the Cherne® Clog-Buster® Drain Flusher is an invaluable tool. Designed to attach to a standard ¾-inch garden hose fitting, this device can unclog drain pipes in seconds by delivering a powerful blast of water. Simply remove the aerator from the faucet's spigot, attach the faucet adapter, and connect it to a water source. Once pressurized, the drain flusher forces water through the clog, clearing debris and restoring proper flow.
For professionals, the Cherne drain flusher is available in sizes ranging from 1-2 inches, 1.5-3 inches, to 4-6 inches, making it suitable for various applications. Many municipalities, for instance, use the 6-inch size to clear leaves and sticks from storm sewers. The flusher is not only effective but also a safer alternative to chemical cleaners and mechanical snakes, reducing the risk of injury and environmental harm. 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.
Proper maintenance ensures the flusher remains reusable. After each use, clean it with mild soap and water, inspect it for any damage, and store it in a dry place away from sunlight.
2. Strategic Use of Plumbing Blocking Plugs During Sewer Jetting
While Cherne pipe plugs are typically used for testing drain, waste, and vent 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 when 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.
Note: Blocking plugs are not meant to take direct force from the pressurized water.
A blocking plug like Cherne's Single-Size Plumbing Test-Ball® Plug can be used to block water from entering a basement floor drain or coming up through a toilet — especially if you are jetting from an outside sewer main.
These expandable rubber test plugs are designed to test drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems in every type of pipe. They utilize a standard tire air fitting for easy connections, and their inflatable design can be inserted through a test tee to seal out-of-round pipes and hard-to-access openings.
Available in sizes ranging from ¾-inch to 6 inches, these plugs are ideal for testing DWV systems at pressures up to 13 pounds per square inch (psi).
3. Bypassing Plumbing Lines During Maintenance
In certain situations, such as when dealing with large drains in municipal systems or facilities that cannot be entirely shut down, Cherne bypass plugs can be a helpful tool. These plugs allow for the temporary redirection of flow, enabling maintenance without interrupting the entire system. Although not commonly used in smaller settings, bypass plugs are essential in large-scale operations where continuous flow must be maintained.
Cherne® Underground Muni-Ball® Plugs offer a full bypass, allowing testing and monitoring of piping systems. They are ideal for installing and repairing residential or commercial piping systems.
4. Replacing Worn-Out Plugs or Cleanout Caps
During routine maintenance, you may encounter worn or damaged cleanout caps that need replacement. Cherne Gripper Plugs, available in both end-of-pipe and inside-of-pipe designs, offer a reliable solution. These plugs provide a long-term seal, ensuring the integrity of the plumbing system.
Another option is the Cherne® Clean-Out Gripper® Plug: Made with glass-reinforced ABS plastic; it has a natural rubber threaded cleanout plug that is guaranteed to seal most damaged threads.
The Original Gripper comes equipped with an easy-to-install, extra-large, zinc wing nut that won’t rust, a natural rubber O-ring, and a galvanized carriage bolt to prevent corrosion.
Cutting plastic cleanout plugs into smaller pieces for removal is often the simplest approach. For more stubborn brass plugs, applying penetrating oil and using a drill to create an access point can help loosen them. Precision tools, like an oscillating tool, may be necessary for particularly tough cases.
Once removed, select a new gripper plug that fits snugly, clean the pipe threads thoroughly, and install the new plug, ensuring a secure and effective seal.
5. Clean Out a Line Before Testing or Clean Grease Out of Existing Lines
The Cherne® Jet-Ball™ Cleaning Ball is an inexpensive tool for cleaning new lines before line-acceptance testing or for cleaning grease out of existing lines. Municipalities typically favor Jet Balls because of their larger sizes and the pressure they can withstand, offering a better alternative to an expensive jet truck.
Made of natural rubber, Jet Balls feature eye bolts at each end for tethering. Their spiral grooves create a high-powered spraying action for cleaning pipelines. They are available in three variations of sizes: 6 to 10 inches, 10 to 14 inches, and 15 to 18 inches.