A blocked drain often starts as a slow trickle and quickly becomes difficult to ignore. Water may begin draining slowly, bad smells can develop, or an outside drain may start to back up.
When the blockage appears accessible, drain rods or a drain snake may help.If you have searched for tool hire near me because of a blocked drain, hiring specialist equipment may be more practical than buying a tool you may only use once.
The right option depends on the location of the blockage, the available access point and the type of pipework involved. Always follow the instructions supplied with hired equipment and stop if the blockage cannot be reached without excessive force.
Can you clear a blocked drain yourself?
Some straightforward blockages may be suitable for a DIY attempt, particularly where there is a clear access point and only one drain appears to be affected.
Before starting, check:
- whether the blockage is inside or outside
- whether you can safely reach the drain
- whether there is a suitable access point
- whether one or several drains are affected
- whether you understand how to use the equipment
Professional drainage help may be more appropriate if wastewater is backing up, several drains are affected, the blockage keeps returning or the pipework is difficult to access.
Should you use drain rods or a drain snake?
Drain rods and drain snakes can both help reach an obstruction, but they suit different situations.
When might drain rods be suitable?
Drain rods may be useful where you can reach an outside drain or drainage run through an appropriate access point. Separate sections are connected to extend the rods progressively through the pipe.
Hire It Direct offers a 10-metre drain rod set with attachments for suitable drain-clearing tasks.
The rods must be connected securely and used according to the supplied instructions. They should not be forced through strong resistance.
When might a drain snake be suitable?
A drain snake is a flexible tool that may help reach a blockage through a smaller or less direct opening. It can be useful where rigid rods are not appropriate or where the obstruction is located within reachable pipework.
Hire It Direct supplies manual and powered drain snake options. The best option depends on where you can reach the drain, the pipework involved and where the obstruction appears to be.
What should you check before hiring drain-clearing equipment?
Before choosing equipment, gather as much information as possible about the problem.
Ask yourself:
- Where does the blockage appear to be?
- Is there a clear access point?
- Is more than one drain affected?
- Do you have enough room to use the tool?
- Would professional help be more appropriate?
A few checks at this stage can save you from hiring a tool that does not suit the job.
How to clear a blocked drain with rods or a drain snake
The steps below explain how to unblock a drain with rods and how to use a drain snake without treating the two tools as interchangeable.
| Step | Drain rods | Drain snake |
| Check suitability | Confirm that the rods suit the drain access and pipe run. | Confirm that the snake suits the opening and pipework. |
| Prepare | Clear the area and connect each rod securely. | Clear enough room to handle the cable. |
| Insert | Add rods progressively and work steadily. | Feed the cable into the pipe gradually. |
| Meet resistance | Do not force the rods. | Work carefully and do not force the cable. |
| Withdraw | Pull the rods back slowly and remove debris. | Withdraw the cable slowly and clear any debris. |
| Test | Check whether normal flow has returned. | Check whether water drains normally. |
Drain rods and drain snakes are not suitable for every blockage. If several drains are affected, wastewater is backing up or the obstruction cannot be cleared without force, contact a drainage professional.
Is hiring better than buying?
Buying drain-clearing equipment may make sense for someone who uses it regularly. But for a homeowner or landlord dealing with an occasional blockage, hiring may be more practical.
Hiring gives you access to specialist tools for a specific job without creating a long-term storage or maintenance responsibility. It can also make it easier to choose equipment with help from an experienced hire team.
Buying may still make sense if you expect to use the equipment regularly, so consider how often you are likely to need it.
What to look for when choosing local tool hire
A search for tool hire near me should lead to more than the closest supplier. You also need equipment that is appropriate for the job and clear guidance on how it should be used.
Look for a hire company that provides:
- equipment intended for the task
- maintained and checked hire tools
- clear operating and return instructions
- practical advice about equipment selection
- clear information about collection and any available delivery options
Hire It Direct supports domestic, commercial and trade customers with practical equipment-hire advice. Explore drain rods and drain snake hire options before deciding which tool may suit your project.
Clear the blockage with the right approach
Drain rods or a drain snake may help with an accessible blockage, but choosing the correct equipment is only part of the job. You also need a suitable access point, clear instructions and the judgement to stop when the problem is beyond a straightforward DIY task.
Explore our drain-clearing equipment or contact the team for help choosing a tool for your project.
FAQs
Can I hire drain rods to clear an outside drain?
Yes, Hire It Direct provides drain rods for hire. Suitability will depend on the access point and drainage system, so check the product information before use.
Should I use drain rods or a drain snake?
Drain rods may suit accessible external drainage runs, while a drain snake may suit certain blockages reached through a smaller opening. The correct choice depends on the pipework and access point.
When should I call a drainage professional?
Seek professional help if several drains are affected, wastewater is backing up, the blockage keeps returning, equipment becomes stuck or the obstruction cannot be reached safely.