6 DIY Drain Cleaning Tools (And 5 More Used By The Pros!)

Blocked drains are one of the most common (and annoying) plumbing issues Aussie homeowners face. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a gurgling shower, or a full-on overflow nightmare in the backyard, having the right drain cleaning tools on hand can make all the difference between a quick fix and a massive headache.

But not every blockage is the same – and not every tool suits every situation. In this easy guide, we’ll walk you through the most common DIY tools people use at home to unblock drains, and then we’ll show you the professional equipment plumbers might bring in when the tough jobs just need that something extra.

DIY drain cleaning tools: What you can use at home

Dealing with a minor clog and want to try clearing it yourself before calling a plumber? These are the basic tools you can try that can be surprisingly effective.

1. Plunger

The classic and the best first line of defence! A good-quality plunger creates suction over the drain opening and can shift soft blockages trapped close to the surface.

• Great for sinks, toilets, and bathtubs
• Choose a plunger with a flange for toilets or a flat cup for sinks
• Always create a good seal for maximum effect.

2. Hand-held drain snake

Also called a manual auger, this cheap unblock drain tool is basically a flexible steel cable that you push down the drain to physically break up or pull out blockages.

• Good for sinks, showers, and shallow pipes
• Ideal for hair clogs and small obstructions
• Not suitable for toilets (as it can damage the porcelain).

3. Drain cleaning bladders

Attach this clever device to a garden hose and feed it into the drain. It expands with water pressure and forces a jet of water down the pipe.

• Works well for outdoor drains and large pipes
• Helps flush out stubborn clogs
• Needs careful use to avoid backflow or pipe damage.

4. Chemical drain cleaners

Not strictly ‘tools’, but these liquid or gel products can also promise an easy fix by dissolving organic matter inside pipes.

Just be cautious:

• Only use them sparingly and exactly as directed
• Harsh chemicals can corrode pipes over time
• Never mix different types of chemical cleaners.

5. Wire coat hanger (DIY hack)

If you’re really stuck without access to a specific drain tool, you could always straighten out a wire coat hanger, create a small hook, and use it as a very basic tool to unblock drain systems. They can be great for pulling out hair or debris from sink grates.

• Only for very shallow, visible clogs
• Risk of scratching sink or pipe surfaces.

6. Plastic sink unblocker tool (Drain snake)

It’s a super-simple sink unblocker tool, very much along the lines of the drain snake concept, but made from plastic with small barbs that can hook onto hair and grime. Find them in the hardware store and prepare to pay just a few bucks.

• Perfect for bathroom sinks and showers
• Easy to use and disposable
• Not strong enough for major clogs.

5 Pro drain unblocking tools: What the experts use

Have you tried the DIY route, and your pipes are still sluggish or blocked? We’re not really surprised – and now it’s time for the pros!

Professional plumbers use extremely high-powered tools that are almost guaranteed to clear the deeper, tougher, and more complex issues – no matter what they are. Especially deeper in your pipes like blocked outside drains which can be hard to find for the untrained.

Here’s what they bring to the job:

1. Ultra high-pressure water jetter

A water jetter is a professional-grade pipe unblocker tool that blasts extremely high-pressure water through pipes to clear stubborn blockages like grease, tree roots, and heavy sediment.

• Cleans pipe walls thoroughly
• Cuts through roots and hardened debris
• Environmentally friendly (no chemicals)

Water jetters are much more powerful than DIY hose attachments and require trained handling to avoid damaging pipes.

2. CCTV drain camera

When a plumber needs to see what’s really going on deep down there, they use a tiny waterproof high-definition CCTV camera fed into the pipe. This drain unblocker tool shows real-time images of:

• Blockages
• Pipe damage
• Misaligned or collapsed sections.

It’s essential for accurate diagnosis and planning the right repair.

3. Electric drain snake

A much, much, much more powerful version of the manual snake, the electric version spins quickly to drill through the toughest of blockages.

• Suitable for longer pipes and sewer lines
• Good for stubborn tree roots and compacted debris
• Requires professional experience to avoid pipe damage.

4. Pipe relining equipment

If a blockage has caused damage inside your pipes, pipe relining technology can fix it without digging or destruction. This method uses a flexible resin sleeve to reinforce the inside of existing pipes, avoiding costly excavation.

• Permanent solution for broken pipes
• Minimal disruption to gardens, driveways, and homes
• Long-lasting and durable.

5. Mechanical root cutters

For really serious tree root intrusion, mechanical cutters mounted on flexible shafts are fed into the drain to slice through roots that block sewer and stormwater pipes.

• Works together with water jetting
• Essential for older properties with nearby trees
• Prevents repeat blockages.

Why professional tools matter

While DIY drain cleaning tool solutions are fine for minor blockages, serious clogs need professional equipment, licensing, and years of experience.

Without the right tools, you risk:

• Damaging pipes
• Making the blockage worse
• Causing leaks or burst pipes
• Voiding your insurance if something goes wrong.

That’s why calling in the experts saves time, money, and headaches in the long run.

Signs you need professional help

Not sure if it’s time to bring in a pro? If you notice any of these, stop DIY attempts and call a fully-licensed plumber right away:

• Water backs up every time you flush or drain
• Multiple drains in the house are slow or clogged
• Bad smells are coming from drains
• Strange gurgling sounds in pipes
• Recurring blockages even after DIY clearing.

These signs of blocked drains often mean deeper or more serious problems that need real pipe blockage tools and professional expertise.

Need a drain unblocking expert?

Whether you’ve tried all the DIY tools to unblock drains at home with no luck or you just want a guaranteed fix from the start, the friendly team at Fix-It Right Plumbing is always here to help. Our trained and licensed drain technicians use the latest technology, knowledge and techniques to diagnose, clear, and fix drain problems properly. We offer expert solutions for blocked drains in Melbourne, blocked drains in Canberra, and blocked drains in Geelong, ensuring fast, effective results no matter your location.

Dealing with slow drains, gurgling sounds, or a major back-up? Don’t wait until it becomes a total plumbing nightmare and reach out to us today at Fix-It Right Plumbing. We’re Aussie experts in fast, safe, and reliable drain cleaning – with no mess left behind and your problem definitely solved before we say farewell!

Get your pipes flowing freely again with professional help by contacting Fix-It Right Plumbing today.