Violation of the patency of the sewer system is a problem that almost all owners of apartments and private houses face. Naturally, the question of how to remove the blockage in the sewer pipe with your own hands is always relevant. There are several ways to solve it, and which one to choose depends on the specific situation. It is important to approach the problem with knowledge of the matter.
The main causes of blockages
In practice, there are several types of blockages of sewer pipes. The most common operational variety, caused by such reasons:
- The accumulation of fatty deposits on the walls. Fat mixes with other substances of different consistencies, reducing the lumen of the trunk. Such blockages are found on all types of pipes.
- Corrosion of metals under the influence of aggressive wastewater components. It is characteristic only for metal pipes.
- The gradual accumulation of solid precipitation falling out of food and other household waste flushed into the toilet.
- Salt deposits with increased water hardness.
- Freezing water in the pipe.
Many problems cause mechanical blockages. They are caused by large debris entering the pipeline. Most often, a blockage is formed from rags, paper, various fibrous substances, as well as hair. Biological plugs are caused by food waste and human waste products.
Finally, in some cases, technogenic blockages are detected. The reason for their appearance is due to improper installation of pipes (small bending radius, joints of pipes of different diameters, poor-quality welding, etc.). Defects appear on a poor-quality area that inhibit the movement of the drain and attract its components.
How to determine the blockage
In order to determine the problem place, first of all, you should understand the design of the sewer system in the apartment. Clogs by location can have such varieties:
- Local. The drain is disturbed in one of the plumbing devices (toilet, sink, sink, bathtub).
- Common. Water does not leave several devices connected to a single sewer pipe.
- Global. The operation of all devices is disrupted, and the blockage is located in the common riser or at the place of entry into it of the outlet, apartment pipe.
The approximate location of the blockage is very simple. After detecting a problem in one plumbing fixture, the operation of other devices is checked one by one. The most critical places: siphons, tees, pipe connection, turns, bends. If a global blockage is detected, then a professional plumber should be called.
You can easily clean local blockages yourself. In principle, a common problem can be eliminated when it concerns several devices located on the same pipe. The specific location of the plug can be determined by carefully pushing the steel wire into the pipe. Having reached a blockage, the movement will slow down, and then it is enough to measure the length of the immersed section of the wire and measure it on the pipeline.
Chemical and mechanical methods of pipe cleaning
There are several mechanical and chemical methods for removing plugs with your own hands. They are selected in a specific situation, depending on the type of blockage, its location and size.
Mechanical methods
Shallow and not too large blockages can be cleaned manually using the following methods:
- Plunger. This simple device must be in every apartment. It is a rubber hemisphere mounted on a handle. The drain hole of the plumbing fixture is tightly covered with a rubber element.Using the handle, 10-15 vertical movements are performed without tearing off the hemisphere from the surface. Inside it, a vacuum is created that draws in blockage particles. This method is very effective when the plug is located in close proximity to the drain hole.
- Steel wire. Rigid wire with a diameter of 3-5 mm can be used. It is gently pushed into the pipe until it reaches the cork. Further, periodic longitudinal (back and forth) and circular movements are performed. With a significant blockage, the wire is periodically removed from the pipe to remove jammed substances. To remove fibrous materials (e.g. rags), a hook is formed at the end of the wire. This method allows you to eliminate blockages at a distance of several meters.
- Cable. The most effective tool for mechanical cleaning is a plumbing cable. It has a spiral texture and ends with a special nozzle. A handle is mounted on the opposite end. The cable is inserted into the pipe until it reaches the clogging point. Using the handle, rotational movements are performed, which allows the nozzle to penetrate and destroy the cork.
For complex, large blockages remote from the drain hole, the plumbing cable is most suitable. In his absence, it is better to call a professional.
Chemical methods
Mechanical cleaning of sewers is ineffective in case of fat, salt and biological plugs, when deposits are firmly held on the walls of pipes and cover significant areas. In such cases, it is recommended to use chemicals based on acids and alkalis intended for these purposes.
Cleaning is carried out in the following order:
- The required amount of liquid is poured into the drain hole. Dosage is indicated in the instructions.
- Water is poured in an amount of 500-600 ml.
- Provides exposure for 12-20 minutes (according to instructions).
- The pipes are flushed with water. It will take at least 20-25 liters.
One of the most common means is "Mole" based on alkali. It is prepared in a concentration of 2 tbsp. tablespoons per 200 ml of warm water. The following compositions have proven themselves well: Domestos, Mr. Muscle, Toffix.
At home, you can cook a folk cleanser. Such compositions are popular:
- A solution of salt and soda. Recipe: salt and soda (100 g each) per 1 liter of water.
- A solution of soda and vinegar in a similar ratio.
- Soda with boiling water: 200 ml of soda per 1 liter of boiling water.
Important! Chemicals are not suitable for old cast iron pipes, causing accelerated corrosion.
Prevention
Timely preventive measures can avoid major problems. The following recommendations will help in this:
- washing pipes with boiling water (1 time in 10-15 days);
- installation of a fat separator with siphon;
- the exception of throwing household waste into the toilet;
- installation of grids on sewage openings.
For both cast iron and plastic pipes, periodic washing of them with an aqueous solution of soda with vinegar is considered effective protection. There are also special preventive products in the form of gels, which can be purchased at a specialized store.
Clogged sewer pipes are an unpleasant phenomenon, but you can deal with them with your own hands. For dense traffic jams it is better to use mechanical cleaning methods. Chemical agents help well against fat and salt accumulations. Preventive measures can ensure reliable operation of the sewage system and increase the service life of pipes.
