Here are our top tips when using rods to unblock a drain at home

1. When clearing a drain with rods ensure to apply your safety gear first. We recommend that you wear a face covering, gloves and appropriate eye protection.
2. Remove the drain cover so that you can access the drain.
3. Before inserting the drain rod, ensure that all components are screwed together correctly, including the worm at the top. To begin with, you will only need to screw two or three rods together.
4. Insert the drain rod into the pipe as far as it will go. Then, screw the next part of the rod to make it longer before you can push it in even further.
5. Repeat the previous step as many times as needed until you have reached the blockage.
6. Pull and push the rod in and out of the drain to loosen the blockage, ensuring to keep an eye on the water level to see if it drops.
7. When the water level drops, remove the rod and switch the worm end for the plunger end.
8. Re-insert the rod and continue to pull and push until the blockage is clear and the water level drops completely.
9. Once the above steps are complete, the blockage is finally clear and the water level is as it should be, remove the rod and clean the inside of the manhole chamber using a hose.