rooter

Rooter is a term that can refer to several different things, most commonly a tool used for clearing clogged drain pipes. These plumbing tools are often flexible augers designed to be inserted into a drain and rotated to break up or retrieve blockages. They can be manual or powered, with larger, more heavy-duty versions used by professional plumbers.

The term "rooter" can also be used colloquially to describe the act of using such a tool. For example, someone might say they need to "rooter the drain" to clear a blockage.

In a broader sense, "rooter" can also refer to any device or method used to remove tree roots that have invaded underground pipes. These roots can cause significant damage and blockages, necessitating specialized rooter services.

Occasionally, "rooter" might be used as a nickname or as part of a brand name for various products or services, though its primary association remains with plumbing and drain cleaning equipment. The common thread is the idea of reaching down into something, like roots into the ground or a tool into a pipe, to address a problem or extract something.