Spring rod

A spring rod is a tightly coiled steel rod that can negotiate sharp 90 degree bends in drainage pipework where rigid polypropylene rods cannot. Common diameters are 10mm to 12mm with lengths of 5 to 15 metres. The rod is rotated by hand or by a powered drum to drive a cutter, brush or other end fitting through the blockage. Spring rods are useful on traps, swept bends and short waste pipes inside London flats and properties where access to the main lateral drain is restricted. Operators should always wear cut-resistant gloves as the rotating coil presents a finger-trap risk in line with HSE PUWER 1998. After each use, the rod should be flushed, dried and lightly oiled to limit rust which weakens the coil.