How to Use a Flat Sewer Rod

How to Use a Flat Sewer Rod
Written By
Steve Sloane
Steve Sloane
Published: Jul 13, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

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
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Photo Credits

Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Steve Sloane

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…

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