How to Use a Flat Sewer Rod
Flat sewer rods are used to remove sewer pipeline blockages by inserting the rod into the line via the Y-shaped access fittings periodically installed along the sewer line. The rod is then pushed/pulled backward and forward through the blocked area of the pipeline until all debris has been removed.
These rods are useful as they are available in 50 or 100 ft. lengths, which is much longer than most conventional hand-rotating or powered sewer snakes.
Things You Will Need
- Crescent wrench
- Rag
- White sealing tape
Tip
Most sewer rods are made from spring steel that allow the rod to be manipulated around corners to reach the blocked area of the sewer pipe.
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Place a crescent wrench around the central nut of the "Y" access fitting's end cap. Turn the wrench handle counterclockwise to loosen the cap. Remove the cap.
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Insert the head of the sewer rod into the access fitting and into the sewer line. Use the grip handle to feed the steel rod down into the line until the rod's head meets the blockage.
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Push the rod backward and forward through the blocked area in the sewer line using the grip handle to hold the line. Repeat this process several times until the blockage has been broken up and no more resistance is felt when pushing the rod into the sewer line.
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Pull the rod out of the sewer line and clean it with a rag. Coil up the rod and place it back in its holder.
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Wrap white sealing tape twice clockwise around the threads on the side of the cap. Screw the cap by hand into the end of the Y-access fitting. Tighten the fitting in place with the wrench.
The Drip Cap
- Flat sewer rods are used to remove sewer pipeline blockages by inserting the rod into the line via the Y-shaped access fittings periodically installed along the sewer line.
- Insert the head of the sewer rod into the access fitting and into the sewer line.
- Repeat this process several times until the blockage has been broken up and no more resistance is felt when pushing the rod into the sewer line.
- Wrap white sealing tape twice clockwise around the threads on the side of the cap.
References
- Sears: Cobra Flat Sewer Rod 0.75-inch X 100 feet
- "Home Improvement 1-2-3"; Christopher Cavanaugh; 1995
Writer Bio
Steve Sloane started working as a freelance writer in 2007. He has written articles for various websites, using more than a decade of DIY experience to cover mostly construction-related topics. He also writes movie reviews for Inland SoCal. Sloane holds a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and film theory from the University of California, Riverside.
Photo Credits
- Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
- Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
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