How to Use a Pressure Washer for Drain Cleaning

Use a power washer to successfully unclog a drain

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pressure washer
• Pressure washer drain cleaner hose/ attachment
• Crescent Wrench

1. Find your drain access point.
   It will be in your basement, crawlspace, or under your trailer.
   It will look like a cap that is on the side of the main drain.
   You might have a few access's, be sure to find the correct one

2. Use your crescent wrench to unscrew the cap.
   Be aware, there may be sludge /or sewage overflow

3. Hook the drain cleaning pressure washer attachment and hose to your pressure washer.
   Be sure to set the correct PSI to manufacture specs for the attachment.

4. Slowly begin to insert the attachment and hose down the access point, until you reach a stop where you can no longer push it in.
   Begin to slowly pressure washer the drain, working your way out, until it is clear.
   Bring the hose out to the beginning of the access point once again, and to another passover to insure proper drain cleaning.

5. Attach the access point cap back on with the Crescent wrench.
   Clean all tools with antibacterial cleaner, or bleach.

Tips & Warnings

• Start cleaning the drain slowly, to avoid unwanted splatter back of sewage.
• Wear gloves, and face mask to make the job cleaner
• Fecal matter can cause meningitis, so always be careful and wear the proper gear when cleaning drains

[pauldp]

on 10/30/2009 If you need to clear a clog that's more than a few feet inside your drain line, you can buy a 50' or 100' sewer jetting hose attachment that snaps onto your pressure washer wand. These are sold online at retailers like Clog Hog, PW Mall, and others.

[Biscuit4u]

on 1/2/2009 Great article, with good detail and warnings. Thanks