Clearing of obstructions from drain pipes typically involves hiring a plumber or technician to clean out the obstruction using a drain auger, especially when the obstruction is quite substantial and consumer grade hand-powered drain augers are insufficient for the task, as the typical homeowner is unlikely to own or operate a heavier grade motor-driven unit. The need for professional services not only increases the cost involved in a drain cleanout operation, but can also lead to significant wait times for the consumer depending on the availability of services providers in the area. Customers may also be unlikely to schedule regular maintenance in view of the cost and/or inconvenience of seeking a professional service provider, thereby increasing the likelihood of more significant obstructions building up over time and leading to potential drain line backup, and associated property damage.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,321 discloses an automatic drain cleanout device in the form of a motorized, timer activated drain snake with a suitable fitting for attachment to a plumbing adapter between the drain trap of a sink and a vertical drain pipe. While this provides for improved plumbing maintenance via regular ongoing cleanout operations, this device lacks any means for retracting the drain snake, which therefore remains within the plumbing path at all times, reducing the available flow area within the pipes.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,388,741 teaches an automatic sewer cleaning system that similarly prevents clogs through regular timer-controlled cleanout operations, but again uses a cleanout cable that remains within the plumbing at all times.
Accordingly, there remains room for improved solutions in the field of automated drain cleanouts, in response to which Applicant has developed a unique drain cleanout apparatus.