QUALITY DRAIN CLEANING RODS AND MORE

Drainage contractors, groundworkers and civil engineers: we’ve got you covered for all your drain cleaning and testing needs! Our range of specialist products includes everything from basic drain cleaning rods to Cobra rodding systems and other essentials like canvas or PVC sealing bags, test kits, drain test dyes and pipe lubrication grease.

We’re also your source for access tools, manhole and lifting keys, pipe breakers, hoses and fittings – for everything from bib taps to fire hydrants.

Types of Drain Cleaning Equipment Available

Drain Rods

Drain cleaning rods are the first step in clearing a blocked drain. They’re hand tools used to loosen and remove as much of the blockage as possible before jetting can be used. Drain rods consist of either a flexible or rigid rod with a circular plunger attachment on the end that matches the diameter of the drainpipe.

The drain rod is placed into the blocked drain and repeatedly pushed and pulled to create a suction that, in turn, moves and eventually breaks the blockage. Often, using a drainage rod will clear the blockage on its own, but if not, it should at least make way for more forceful procedures such as jetting.

Drain rods are a budget-friendly option, and a small, good-quality rod and plunger should cost you less than £15 – even a fully equipped professional drain rod set will cost less than £100. They can be used on almost any drain, including toilets, and rods can adapt to bends in pipes to reach even awkward blockages.

Drain Plungers

A drain plunger is a circular rubber attachment that fits on the end of a drain cleaning rod. There are different sizes of drain plungers, and having the correct one fitted to your drainage rod before attempting to clear a blockage is vital.

The drain plunger should be the same diameter as the internal of the blocked pipe, or as close to as possible. This is so it can form a vacuum and help pressurise the blockage.

It’s worth looking out for a drain plunger with Lockfast fittings, as this will stop the plunger from becoming detached from the drain cleaning rod while twisting inside the pipe. Our Orbit drain plungers all feature Lockfast brass fittings for this reason.

FAQs

How to use drain rods?

You should first establish whether you need a flexible or rigid drain cleaning rod. Then, attach the correct size drain plunger – this should roughly match the internal diameter of the blocked pipe.

With your plunger attached, begin inserting the rod into the drain and plunging it up and down to create suction. With enough pressure and agitation, the blockage should clear.

What tools are used for cleaning drainage systems?

There’s a whole world of drain cleaning and testing equipment, all designed to suit specific tasks and situations.

As well as drain cleaning rods and plungers, it’s possible to use drain snakes, domestic plungers, wire brushes, drain cleaning chemicals and even just standard hand tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches.

Where to buy drain rods?

Drain cleaning rods will be available from most tool and equipment suppliers. At Lapwing, we stock a selection of high-quality drain rods and plungers, starting from less than £10 for a rod and plunger.

We also stock complete drain rod sets and plungers for those who clear drains professionally.

What are drain rods?

Drain cleaning rods are lengths of flexible or rigid rod with a circular attachment on the end, used to manually clear blockages in drains.