2025-10-27 – Weekly Plumbing News : Camera vs. cable for kitchen clogs?

Last week, our forum saw a mix of practical job openings and insightful discussions on training and career development. Members shared opportunities for general contractors and plumbers, while also diving into strategies for apprentices and the rising demand for plumbing instructors and engineers. Conversations also explored technical challenges, such as the best approaches to recurring kitchen clogs, and the nuances of professional development within the industry.


This Week’s Hot Topics

November openings for GC + plumbing
Members discussed upcoming job openings, highlighting opportunities for both general contractors and plumbers. It’s a great time for those looking to secure work before the year’s end.

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Camera before cable on recurring kitchen clogs
A lively debate on whether using a camera before a cable can better diagnose kitchen clogs. This could reshape how we approach persistent plumbing issues.

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90-day plan for apprentices
This topic offers a structured plan for apprentices to kickstart their careers. It’s a valuable roadmap for both mentors and newcomers.

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Weekly Plumbing Jobs: Demand for Plumbing Instructors is high
There’s a notable demand for instructors, signaling growth in training programs. This trend might open up new career paths for experienced plumbers.

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Weekly Plumbing Jobs: High demand for plumbing engineers
The industry is seeing a significant need for plumbing engineers, pointing to exciting opportunities in specialized roles.

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Would You Take This Job? Professional Plumbing Engineer
An intriguing look at a job offer for a plumbing engineer, sparking discussion on what makes a position appealing.

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When the apprentice meets the cleanout
A practical scenario that delves into the learning experiences of apprentices confronting real-world plumbing challenges.

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CE courses on curbless marble spa showers
Continuing education courses are gaining popularity, especially those focusing on niche skills like installing curbless marble spa showers.

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When the wrench files a grievance
A unique discussion that touches on tool management and the humorous side of workplace grievances.

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FAQ/Guidelines
For new members or those needing a refresher, the FAQ section remains a helpful resource.

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Thank you for staying engaged with our community. Your contributions and discussions make the forum a valuable resource for everyone involved in plumbing.

I start with a 3/8" spade cable; scope only on ‘repeat within 30 days’…

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Agree on cable first, but I’ll scope on the first visit if the cable comes back clean yet feels ‘mushy’ past the trap-arm — marking the cable at 12–15’ makes that call easy; @todbake, do you mark yours?

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I’ll add one: on double-bowl sinks with a ‘baffle tee’, I run a 5/16" drop-head through the dishwasher tailpiece so the turn into the wall is clean, then camera only if the return water stays gray after a 2–3 minute hot flush… Minor caveat — if there’s an AAV under the sink, I tape-cap it while cabling to keep the aerosolized grease from burping back, @todb.

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