A drain-cleaning bladder only works in situations where it completely blocks the affected drain when filled with water. Otherwise, it will fail to generate the pressure required to clear a severe clog. In addition, there are two situations in which a bladder won't work even if it does fill the drain interior.
Are drain bladders effective?
Drain bladders are so effective and easy to operate that they can be used on everything from clogged kitchen sinks (without the elbow-grease other methods require) to heavy clogs from grease or compacted toilet paper that chemicals, drain snakes and plungers can't bust through.
How long should you let a drain bladder run?
Blast the clog
- Keep the water on and allow the bladder to work for one to three minutes.
- Shut off the water supply and allow the bladder to deflate for about a minute.
