What causes drain rods to get stuck?

The biggest reason for rods becoming detached whilst attempting a drain clearance is that they become unthreaded. As rods are generally screwed together, it is possible to inadvertently unscrew them by continually rotating the rods anti-clockwise. This is why it is important to maintain a steady clockwise direction when pushing and pulling on the rods.

Another cause of stuck drain rods is by applying far too much pressure on them. Whilst a drain rod is fairly durable, using excessive force whilst rodding a drain can lead to a rod snapping.

What can be done about stuck drain rods?

In a worst-case scenario, the drain would need to be accessed through excavation, but this option should only be considered as a last resort.

Thankfully, there are several alternative methods that can be tried first.

If the rods have become separated, it is possible to flush them through the drain system by using a high-pressure water jetter.

If rods becoming unscrewed have caused the problem, they can be retrieved by feeding through a similar set of rods that can then be used to attempt to rescrew in to the stuck rods. A special camera would be fed through with the rods to assist with this procedure.

Snapped rods can be retrieved by using a specialized set of rods. These rods, together with a retrieving head, can be used to attempt to pull out the blocked rods.

There are various other possible techniques that have proven effective in dealing with the problem of stuck drain rods. All of these methods mentioned are preferable to undertaking inconvenient and expensive excavation work.

Whichever method is employed to remedy stuck rods, it is highly advisable to seek the services of a professional.

Finally, don’t let the thought of stuck rods put you off from using drain rods in the first place. These rods are an effective and great value solution for unblocking drains, and if used correctly, you should never encounter stuck rods.

A typical set of drain rods usually consist of around a dozen or so rods, which can be attached together to form a rod, long enough to reach the blockage. These rods are very durable and hardwearing, as they are usually made from either steel, sprung steel or polypropylene.  Despite being sturdy enough to get the job done, these rods also have a certain degree of flexibility in them.  Flexible drain rods are necessary to allow the rods to get round most drain bends.

The drain rod set will also come with two important attachments – a double worn screw and a rubber plunger.  The double worn screw is used to break up or retrieve the obstruction, whilst the rubber plunger’s function is to create the necessary pressure required to force out the obstruction.

The first rod should have either of the attachments secured to the end of it, and then the remaining rods are screwed in to each other.  Obviously, the amount of rods used will be dependant on the distance of the blockage from the initial access point.

Once the rods are feed through the drain, they can then be pushed back and forth in a steady motion to attempt to dislodge the blockage.  Be careful not to do this with too much force, as this can result in broken rods.  Whilst pushing the drain rods in and out, it is important to ensure that you keep turning the rods in a clockwise position to prevent them from becoming unscrewed.  The last thing you want to do is for rods to get stuck and creating a further blockage.

The great thing about drain rods is that they are relatively cheap to buy.  What you pay will be dependant on the length of rod you think you will need, but you will find they are great value for money.  Especially when compared to the price a specialist drain-clearing professional would charge you.  Plus your rods can be used again and again.

Another advantage to clearing a straightforward blockage yourself is that you can deal with it straight away, rather than trying to find the right company and waiting around for an appointment. 

One of the best set of drain rods that I’ve used and highly recommend are the Silverline 273193 Drain Rods

Another great buy are the Draper 23540 Polyplene Drain Rod Set

Either of these sets of rods are ideal for getting the job done and are excellent value  

You will definately find that having a set of decent drain rods ready and waiting for whenever you need them will give you great peace of mind.