Skip to main content

Flush the Pipe Towards the Pump — Apply Water Pressure

Beginner

Part of project

How to Use a Drain Cleaning Bladder to Clear Stubborn Clogs · Step 6 of 7

Helpful?

In this video

Turn on the water at the spigot. The bladder will inflate, creating a tight seal within the pipe, and then release powerful pulses of water. This action forces the clog down the pipe towards the pump. To monitor progress, you can remove the lid of the pump's strainer basket and watch for the dislodged debris (leaves, etc.) to come through. Allow the water to run for several minutes.

Goal: Dislodge Debris

90.6K views35010 minutes
Helpful DIY

841K subscribers

View Channel

FAQs

Do I need any special tools or hoses to use a drain cleaning bladder effectively?

Yes, beyond the bladder itself, you'll need a sturdy garden hose (5/8 inch or 3/4 inch recommended) that can withstand high pressure, and a functional outdoor faucet. Essential safety gear, such as heavy-duty latex gloves and clear safety glasses, should always be worn for protection against splashes and dirty water.

What are the most critical safety precautions I should take when using a drain cleaning bladder?

Always wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against dirty water and potential back-splashes. Crucially, ensure any overflow opening is securely blocked to prevent water from unexpectedly backing up and spraying. Never use a drain bladder if you've recently used chemical drain cleaners, as mixing chemicals with pressurized water can be extremely dangerous.

What should I do if the drain bladder isn't clearing the clog or seems stuck?

First, double-check that you've selected the correct bladder size for your pipe diameter and that your water pressure is sufficient. If the clog persists, try adjusting the bladder's position slightly or re-inserting it. If the bladder feels genuinely stuck, immediately turn off the water, carefully remove it, and consider using a drain snake or contacting a plumbing professional.

How difficult is using a drain cleaning bladder for a beginner, and what's the typical time commitment and cost?

This project is considered beginner-friendly, requiring basic DIY skills. It typically takes about 30-60 minutes to complete once you have all the necessary tools and the work area prepared. The main cost involves purchasing the drain cleaning bladder, which generally ranges from $20 to $50, plus any safety gear or a new garden hose if needed.

Transcript
Hide

you can. Alright, as far as she'll go. So what's going to happen is when I turn the water on, that bladder is going to expand, blocking all water from coming out this way and in all the water from the hose is going to go through and pulsate hard bursts of water to try to blow out whatever stuck in there. Like I said, it's probably leaves. It could take anywhere from two to three minutes, depending on the size of the blockage. It could take up to 10, 15 minutes. But we're going to see how long it goes here. Alright, so let's go turn the water on. Alright, I need to change this thing out, but for now, yeah, that's what happens. And whatever is in there in the line might pop out into this area. I'm going to take that off real quick. Hey, it's working. I took the lid off, decks. I hear air bubbles. Let's go see how the other end is doing. Well, I see some slight bubbles leaking through. I don't really think that's a huge deal. But we're going to leave this running for a little while and see how that goes. Okay, so it's been in there for a good little while, maybe about 15 minutes.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.