A rooter is a drain cleaning machine used to clear blockages in drain lines. The machine uses a long, flexible rotating cable to break up and remove clogs from pipes. The origin of the name ‘rooter’ goes back to the early days of drain cleaning, when tree roots were a major cause of clogged sewer lines. Today, the machine is used to address all kinds of blockages, including grease buildup, soap scum, hair, and debris—not just tree roots. There are two main types of rooters used in plumbing:

• Hand-operated rooter

This is a handheld device designed to clear minor clogs and blockages closer to the drain opening. It consists of a long, flexible cable with a crank handle and an auger or corkscrew-like head. The user cranks the handle, rotating the cable and feeding it into the drain. The head grips and breaks up the clog, which can then be pulled out with the cable.

• Electric and gas-powered rooter machines

These are more powerful than handheld rooters and use an electric motor or a gas engine to drive the cable. They are suitable for tougher clogs and can reach longer distances in larger sewer lines. Some of them come with foot pedals for easier operation. Expert plumbers usually use electric or gas-powered rooter machines to clear heavily compacted clogs in sewer lines and commercial drains. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog that can’t be cleared using a handheld rooter, call in an experienced plumbing repair service to help you out.

How To Use Hand-Operated Rooter

• Step 1: Feed the auger cable into the drain line.
• Step 2: Turn the crank handle clockwise to feed it deeper.
• Step 3: As you encounter resistance, rotate the crank handle forward and backward to break up the clog.
• Step 4: Continue feeding the cable and turning the crank until the clog is cleared and water flows freely. Avoid excessive force to prevent cable damage or pipe strain.
• Step 5: Lastly, run hot water for a few minutes to clear any remaining debris and ensure proper drainage.

If the clog persists despite proper technique or the situation seems beyond your expertise, don’t hesitate to call in a professional plumbing service for assistance.

The procedure for using an electric or gas-powered rooter machine is pretty much similar to that of a handheld rooter. The only difference is that the latter employs an electric motor or gas engine to drive the cable. Electric and gas-powered rooter machines offer significantly more power to tackle tougher clogs in larger diameter pipes. These machines should be operated by a skilled plumber to avoid injuries and pipe damage.

Choose Rooter Man Plumbing for Rooter Services

When you’re in need of professional drain cleaning services, it’s advisable to work with a plumbing repair service that has extensive industry experience and a proven track record. Here at Rooter Man Plumbing, we take pride in being a trusted name in the plumbing industry. We offer a wide range of plumbing services, including drain cleaning, pipe repair, burst pipe replacement, sewer line repair, and more. Our plumbers are equipped with state-of-the-art drain cleaning equipment, including rooter machines to clear the most stubborn drain clogs. If you’ve noticed signs of clogged drains, reach out to Rooter Man Plumbing for professional drain cleaning.