Pipe Unblocking Course

Lesson 1 • Common Clog-Prone Zones

Identifies P-traps, horizontal runs, and low-slope sections as high-risk accumulation points. Directs inspection efforts towards statistically frequent blockage locations.

Lesson 2 • Water Flow and Pressure Basics

Explains gravity drainage, pressure-assisted systems, and how flow rate affects clog formation. Grounds later diagnostic work in fluid behaviour principles.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Materials and Their Properties

Covers PVC, cast iron, copper, and ABS pipe characteristics relevant to clog behaviour. Establishes material knowledge needed for safe tool selection throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Commercial Pipe System Differences

Contrasts commercial pipe sizing, grease traps, and multi-floor stacks with residential systems. Prepares students for the added complexity of commercial unclogging jobs.

Lesson 1 • Classifying Blockage Types

Categorises clogs as organic buildup, foreign objects, mineral scale, or root intrusion. Classification directly determines which removal method is most effective.

Lesson 2 • Camera Inspection Fundamentals

Introduces push-rod camera systems for locating blockages beyond visual reach. Teaches image interpretation to distinguish grease, debris, and structural defects.

Lesson 3 • Recognizing Clog Symptoms

Teaches interpretation of slow drains, gurgling sounds, and odours as diagnostic signals. Links observable symptoms to probable blockage types and locations.

Lesson 4 • Manual Inspection Techniques

Covers visual checks, probe rods, and trap disassembly for accessible blockage assessment. Builds hands-on diagnostic skills before introducing powered equipment.

Lesson 1 • Waste Disposal and Environmental Compliance

Outlines proper disposal of extracted debris, chemical waste, and contaminated water. Aligns disposal practices with environmental protection standards applicable to drain work.

Lesson 2 • Biological and Chemical Hazard Awareness

Identifies pathogens, toxic gases, and caustic chemicals present in drain environments. Establishes exposure limits and decontamination procedures to prevent illness.

Lesson 3 • Worksite Setup and Containment

Covers floor protection, splash barriers, and ventilation setup before opening any drain. Prevents property damage and cross-contamination during the unclogging process.

Lesson 4 • Water Shutoff and Pressure Control

Teaches locating and operating main shutoffs, fixture valves, and pressure relief points. Prevents uncontrolled water release when opening pipes or applying pressure tools.

Lesson 1 • Trap Removal and Cleaning

Guides students through P-trap disassembly, debris removal, and reassembly with proper sealing. Trap cleaning resolves the majority of kitchen and bathroom sink blockages directly.

Lesson 2 • Drain Cleaning Brushes and Sticks

Introduces flexible drain brushes and barbed plastic sticks for hair and soap scum removal. These low-cost tools handle surface-level clogs in showers and bathroom sinks efficiently.

Lesson 3 • Plunger Selection and Technique

Distinguishes cup, flange, and accordion plungers and matches each to the correct fixture type. Correct seal and stroke technique maximises pressure transfer to dislodge blockages.

Lesson 4 • Closet Auger for Toilets

Teaches the specialised closet auger designed to navigate toilet trap geometry without damage. Proper insertion angle and rotation prevent porcelain scratching and cable kinking.

Lesson 1 • Electric Drain Snake Operation

Covers setup, cable selection, feed control, and rotation speed for electric drum machines. Builds competency for clearing blockages in lines up to four inches in diameter.

Lesson 2 • Hydro-Jetting Fundamentals

Introduces high-pressure water jetting for grease, scale, and root debris removal from drain lines. Students learn nozzle selection, pressure settings, and safe hose management.

Lesson 3 • Equipment Maintenance and Storage

Establishes cleaning, lubrication, cable inspection, and storage routines for all powered tools. Proper maintenance extends equipment life and prevents mid-job mechanical failures.

Lesson 4 • Air Burst and CO2 Tools

Covers pneumatic burst tools that use compressed gas to dislodge soft blockages quickly. Appropriate use cases and pressure limits prevent pipe damage from over-pressurisation.

Lesson 1 • Enzymatic and Bacterial Treatments

Explains how enzyme and bacterial cultures digest grease and organic matter over time. Best suited for maintenance dosing rather than emergency full-blockage clearing.

Lesson 2 • Chemical Treatment Limitations

Identifies scenarios where chemicals are ineffective or harmful, including root intrusion and full stoppages. Guides students to escalate to mechanical methods when chemical treatment is inappropriate.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Drain Chemical Types

Distinguishes caustic, acidic, oxidising, and enzymatic drain products by mechanism and target material. Correct product selection prevents pipe damage and ineffective treatment.

Lesson 4 • Safe Chemical Handling Procedures

Covers dilution, mixing restrictions, ventilation needs, and skin contact protocols for drain chemicals. Prevents chemical burns, toxic gas generation, and accidental reactions.

Lesson 1 • Main Sewer Line Blockages

Teaches cleanout access, large-diameter cable machines, and jetter use for main line stoppages. Main line blockages affect all fixtures and require urgent, systematic response.

Lesson 2 • Toilet and Urinal Blockages

Covers foreign object retrieval, closet auger technique, and flapper-related flow issues in toilets. Urinal blockages often involve mineral scale requiring acid treatment or jetting.

Lesson 3 • Floor Drain and Catch Basin Clearing

Addresses sediment-packed floor drains and outdoor catch basins using vacuum extraction and jetting. These fixtures accumulate heavy debris requiring high-capacity removal methods.

Lesson 4 • Root Intrusion Removal

Covers root-cutting heads, sectional cable technique, and post-cut flushing for root-blocked lines. Includes assessment of pipe integrity after root removal to determine repair needs.

Lesson 1 • Leak Inspection After Service

Covers checking all disturbed joints, traps, and cleanout caps for leaks after reassembly. Catching leaks on-site prevents water damage and liability after the technician leaves.

Lesson 2 • Service Documentation and Reporting

Covers work order completion, before-and-after photo documentation, and client sign-off procedures. Accurate records protect the technician legally and support warranty or follow-up claims.

Lesson 3 • Client Education on Drain Use

Equips students to advise clients on what not to flush, grease disposal, and hair trap use. Informed clients reduce repeat blockages and increase long-term service satisfaction.

Lesson 4 • Flow Testing and Verification

Teaches timed flow tests, full-flush checks, and camera re-inspection to confirm blockage removal. Verification prevents callbacks and demonstrates professional service quality.