Drain rods question

[phil]

Are 'old' and new drain rod sets usually compatible in terms of the screw fittings?

I ask because I have a set of (orange) propylene drain rods which aren't quite long enough for my drains so I was going to buy a new set to add to the length. This existing set is possibly 10 or so years old (at a rough guess).

Thanks

[Grunff]

There are two types, locking and non-locking. Both are readily available. They are not compatible with each other.

Locking ones have a square section just beyond the threaded part, non locking ones don't.

[phil]

Thanks, my current set is definitely have non-locking.

However, I can see the point in using locking rods - after all, you don't want a segment to unscrew when it's a few feet underground!

Makes me wonder how the heck you'd get it out if that did happen. Doesn't bear thinking about really.

[Christian McArdle]

Just don't think about turning them the wrong way!

Christian.

[Owain]

Or if you use the same set for chimney-sweeping, up a chimney.

Didn't Paddington forget to twist his rods and one came unstuck?

It would have to be one hell of an athletic, not to mention well-trained, ferret.

Owain

[Grunff]

Yes, I've never had a problem with unscrewing with non-locking sets, even when using 25 rods in series (don't ask). You just make sure you keep light torque applied in the do-up direction when moving back + forth, and it's fine.

[Guy King]

The message from [e-mail] (phil) contains these words:

Can only happen if you're careless and turn the the wrong way. Or if you let someone else borrow them who hasn't a clue which way to turn anything.

[Tony Williams]

Being able to rotate the far end can help it get around corners.

[Mark]

There are a lot more then just two types, I have a set of locking rods with a spring pin, which will connect with older bamboo rods (but not lock). I also have a set with a bayonet type connection.

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[Michael Chare]

The thread must be fairly standard as you can buy extra drain brushes and chimney sweep brushes which fit on the end.

Wickes sell a 4 rod extension kit, but if you want 8 rods its cheaper to buy a complete new kit!

[Huge]

Throw them away.

I (*) have now had to recover two lots of plastic rods from the drains because (i) the threaded section snapped off a rod in one "all plastic" set & (ii) the brass section pulled off another plastic set with brass fittings on the ends.

I replaced them with proper steel rods that link and then screw together;

Centre sell them. The guy from the council who recovered the second set of rods from our drains (with a steel set with a corkscrew on the end) recommended them. And when I asked what he did if they got jammed down the drains, said "tow them out with the van...".

You can safely rotate them in either direction, so it's OK to use a "corkscrew" on the end of them, unlike the plastic ones.

(* I managed to grab the end of one set, the other one I had to call someone in, as above)

[Phil L]

Take one with you when you go to buy the new ones.