2025-11-03 – Weekly Plumbing News : Camera before cable on clogs?

Last week, the forum saw a range of practical discussions and professional inquiries. Members extensively debated the best approach to handle recurring kitchen clogs, emphasizing the pros and cons of using a camera before cabling. There was also a lively dialogue about career advancement in the plumbing field, especially in light of emerging remote roles. Apprenticeship programs and job openings were also hot topics, with specific focus on developing structured plans for new apprentices.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Camera before cable on recurring kitchen clogs
A practical debate on whether it’s more effective to use a camera to diagnose persistent kitchen clogs before attempting to clear them with a cable.
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Would You Take This Job? Professional Plumbing Engineer
A thread exploring the nuances and expectations of a Professional Plumbing Engineer role, sparking conversations about job satisfaction and career choices.
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2025-10-31 – Weekly Plumbing Jobs : Remote roles in plumbing are on the rise
An insightful look at the growing trend of remote plumbing jobs, highlighting new opportunities for those looking to expand their career horizons.
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When the apprentice meets the cleanout
A light-hearted yet informative discussion on the common experiences and lessons learned when apprentices tackle their first cleanout.
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90-day plan for apprentices
Community members share structured plans and strategies to help new apprentices hit the ground running in their first three months.
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November openings for GC + plumbing
Updates on job openings for General Contractors with plumbing expertise, crucial for those seeking new roles or projects.
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FAQ/Guidelines
A refresher for both new and existing members on how to navigate and make the most of the forum.
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Admin Guide: Getting Started
Essential reading for new admins looking to effectively manage and contribute to the community.
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Thinking About a Career in Plumbing? Here’s What You Need to Know!
A comprehensive guide for those considering plumbing as a career path, covering the basics and beyond.
Read more here

How Did You Get Your Start in Plumbing?
Members share personal stories about their entry into the plumbing industry, offering inspiration and advice to newcomers.
Read more here


Thank you for staying engaged with the community. Your contributions and discussions continue to make this a valuable space for all. Have a productive week ahead!

1 Like

If it’s a repeat kitchen clog every 4–8 weeks, I camera first; otherwise I cable with a 3/8-in and then scope to confirm a belly or grease wall β€” β€˜camera before cabling’ isn’t a hard rule and , callbacks on these drive me nuts. After clearing, run 3–5 minutes of hot water and mark the defect with the locator for a repair quote; anyone else seeing bellies right under the kitchen at 12–20 ft?

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repeat kitchen clogs every month or two drive me nuts β€” before I scope, I’ll do a light mini-jet (around 1.5 gpm/1500 psi) from the cleanout to knock the grease off so the camera shows if there’s a belly or a bad tie-in. I also install a low-profile cleanout under the sink on these jobs so next time we can camera first without tearing apart the trap, but I skip jetting on weak galvanized. @Guide, are you seeing the worst buildup in the first 12–15 feet or closer to the stack?

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