Cherne 270040 Rubber Test Ball Pipe Plug, 4" , Black

This Test Ball saved me, and will likely save me in the future, from expensive roto rooter visits.My sewer connection to the streets is periodically invaded by roots. After the last professional cleanout and cutting out of roots by the ever more expensive roto rooter, I bought this little gem, together with a 3-foot extension tube. Sunk it into a cleanout, threaded it into the sewer line, and thanks to the extension tube was able to inflate this plug and thus block the sewer line. Then dropped root-killing compound through an other, upstream cleanout (a toilet would have worked, too), added enough water to generate foam, and let it sit for 6 hours as per instructions.After that, simply deflated the plug by means of the 3-foot extension and pulled it back out of the cleanout. A few minutes work each, before and after the 6 hour pause. Am planning to repeat this process every 6 months and, hopefully, never need roto rooter again...!The product itself is well made, sturdy, and will likely work for many such uses. One minor caution: There is a chain attached to the plug and a large ring, thoughtfully designed to be large enough that it will prevent the plug from disappearing into the pipe forever. Unfortunately, because I had to sink the plug several feet down a cleanout, the chain was too short and I had to detach the ring and instead tie a sturdy rope to the chain. Not a product defect, just a peculiarity of my application.

I had to do a static water test for inspection on my hunting cabin...this is a quality tool that will last forever and is easy to use. It works best if you install it the end of your main drain for testing but plan on having a lot of water everywhere. Next best is in the side of a Tee clean out {like a 4 inch straight coupler but with the screw on cap on the side} so it can run into the tank or street drain system. Caution, be careful when you release the valve to let the water go!!! Keep your fingers out of the way, there will be a lot of pressure trying to push the test plug thru the pipe...it can injure your hand or fingers if you try to hold it. Best done quickly, let the valve go and pull the test ball right on out of the way then screw in the cap before the water really gets moving or you will get wet. Most things rubber are cheap cheesy junk but this tool is very high quality...buy with confidence!!!

new home build...works like advertised.

Excellent product

Used to block DWV line for water column test. Worked great. Held back entire house DWV volume of water (that’s a lot of water!) for several days while awaiting plumbing inspection. No leaks, no problems. Held 30psi (recommended fill pressure) and stayed tight. The safety chain might need to be made longer for some users to get it into the right position to block a pipe if your access clean out tee is more than about 18” long to the main line. DO NOT remove the chain completely! If you release the pressure on the balloon with water behind it it will likely be sent down the pipe never to be seen again...Side note: invest in the extension hose for the Schrader valve that is sold separately. Definitely worth it, adds length needed to make filling the balloon much easier. (It should just come with it...)

Can’t go wrong w Cherne but if you buy multiple expect one to leak

Fits perfect

I did my pressure test and this item leaked around the edges. I inflated it to the correct psi and even went over but it still leaked. I'm guessing this was just a bad one but still it was disappointing to find that this leaked when it was only needed to pass my new house plumbing.