How to clean sewer pipes in a private house: types of blockages and cleaning methods

How to clean the blockage in the pipes at home and not spoil them

Keep in mind that using chemical clog cleaners can damage plumbing fixtures, aluminum pipes, and sinks.The fact is that some chemical reactions proceed with the release of a large amount of heat. It is not recommended to lean over the sink and look into the drain hole if a gurgle is clearly heard. This indicates a reaction is taking place and can be dangerous.

It is important to remember that the choice of sewer cleaning chemicals should be based on the material of the water supply and the type of pollution. In most cases, the universal remedy "Mole" is suitable, which copes with various types of pollution. The use of a plumbing cable is suitable for cleaning metal pipes, as it helps to effectively remove, including rust from pipe walls

Plastic pipes can be damaged as a result of increased mechanical stress.

The use of a plumbing cable is suitable for cleaning metal pipes, as it helps to effectively remove, including rust, from pipe walls. Plastic pipes can be damaged as a result of increased mechanical stress.

They must be cleaned with extreme care. By itself, this material is not subject to corrosion, and contaminants adhere poorly to its surface. But over time, fat gradually clogs the drains, and when it becomes necessary to eliminate the blockage, it is best to use chemicals or a plunger.

But over time, fat gradually clogs the drains, and when it becomes necessary to eliminate the blockage, it is best to use chemicals or a plunger.

Removing clogs with chemicals

A huge number of household chemicals are designed to combat blockages. They are liquid, gel-like, consist of granules or powder. Suitable for various types of pipes: they are gentle on plastic pipes and do not oxidize metal pipes.

Read the instructions for use carefully before using the product.

They are not recommended for use in case of severe blockages, because when water stagnates, not all of them can get to the center of waste accumulation, but it will not be difficult to spoil the enamel or the lining of the drain hole of household chemicals. Therefore, before using them, carefully read the instructions on the package. In general, chemicals are very effective and remove up to 95% of blockages in all cases.

The sequence of removing blockage with household chemicals

pour the decontaminant into the drain hole of the bathtub or sink and leave for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer;

Attention! Be sure to read the instructions. Each product has its own active substances that require more or less time.

• spill sewer pipes with hot water under strong pressure;
• if the blockage has not passed, then the use of a plunger is recommended. Under the action of chemicals, the blockage will become less resistant, and the plunger will help to knock it out more easily;
• if necessary, repeat the procedure several times.

To enhance the effect of chemicals, combine with the work of a plunger

In addition to household chemicals, you can use other means that, as a rule, any housewife has.

Pour the blockage with boiling water from the kettle. A very efficient way. Not suitable for deep blockages, but is an excellent preventive method.

To prevent blockages, you can use ordinary boiling water.

Use of baking soda and vinegar. A true chemistry experience. Pour 100 g of soda into the drain and pour the same amount of vinegar. Then the hole must be closed with a stopper. Wait a couple of hours and pour one liter of boiling water.

Attention! The interaction of soda and vinegar releases a lot of foam and carbon dioxide. Use of baking soda and salt

The method is very simple. Salt and soda are poured into the pipe in equal proportions, then poured with a liter of boiling water. For best results, leave the salt and baking soda in the sewer all night. It is advisable not to turn on the water during cleaning. Wash off in the morning with hot water under strong pressure.

Use of baking soda and salt. The method is very simple. Salt and soda are poured into the pipe in equal proportions, then poured with a liter of boiling water. For best results, leave the salt and baking soda in the sewer all night. It is advisable not to turn on the water during cleaning. Wash off in the morning with hot water under strong pressure.

How to prevent clogged drains

Of course, it is much easier to take timely precautions than to clean sewer pipes later. The following activities should be carried out:. The following activities should be carried out:

The following activities should be carried out:

• regularly, at least once every two weeks, the drain should be washed with boiling water;
• chemicals, household and food waste should not be thrown into the toilet or sink;
• use a fat separator.

Vinegar and soda can be used to periodically flush cast iron and plastic pipelines. In some systems, it is enough to create conditions for a powerful flow of water so that the pipes remain clean.

On sale you can find chemical pipe cleaners in the form of gels or granules that prevent grease from accumulating on the walls of the sewer. Approximately once a week it is desirable to carry out vinegar cleaning of plums.

Fat separators are a very useful invention.They are mounted under the sink on the drain hole.

The principle of operation of such a separator is as follows:

1. First, water with fat and debris passes through the first filter, where coarse cleaning takes place.
2. Fat accumulations are retained on the second filter, so that relatively clean water is drained.

It is worth noting that prevention methods significantly extend the life of the sewer pipeline and save the owners from many difficulties, from an unpleasant odor to a complicated outflow of water.

Causes of sewer blockage

If you find that the water is not draining well and an unpleasant odor has appeared, then the resulting blockage is to blame. The smaller the problem, the easier it is to get rid of it. Therefore, first you need to determine the cause of the garbage plug.

Problem #1 - Accumulated Fat

The fat deposited on the walls of the pipes from the dishes causes the majority (about 70%) of traffic jams. Most often, such a blockage appears in the kitchen: the sink, the drain from the dishwasher are the most problematic areas.

Such accumulations are formed slowly: their inner layer is jelly-like, and the outer one, adjacent to the pipes, is more knocked down. They are formed, in addition to fat, food particles, threads, etc.

The most common cause of clogged drains is grease that settles on the walls of pipes after washing dishes. It is enough to shine a flashlight, and you can see the place of blockage

Problem #2 - Heavy Waste

Particles that are heavy in weight provoke the appearance of man-made blockages. Of the total number of causes, they make up no more than 10% and appear most often in apartment buildings.

Consider heavy: sand, debris from repairs, poorly flushed solutions, animal litter, hygiene products, rags, wet wipes, toilet paper and newspapers that enter the sewer through the toilet.

In addition, a mechanical plug in the pipes can be "organized" by organic waste - vegetable peelings, onion husks, food particles. Often the causes of blockages can be children's toys - Lego elements, beads and any small items that accidentally fell into the sewer.

A clogged siphon is often a key cause of blockages, both in the kitchen and in the toilet. It needs to be cleaned about once every 2-3 months.

Problem #3 - Hitting Hard Objects

Damage to the pipe can form a blockage due to the ingress of solid particles of different sizes into the system. For example, a piece of wood, plastic, which can get stuck somewhere in the middle of the pipe.

There, other debris and grease will layer on this item. It is they who will provoke the growth of a large cork, which is not so easy to break through. In a private house, the cause may be the deformation of a pipe adjacent to the main sewer, or the external pressure of a large object.

Problem #4 - unprofessional editing

Unprofessional installation of sewer pipes in an apartment or house can create big problems for the owners in the form of recurring blockages.

The installation of sewerage must be approached with all responsibility. An incorrectly selected angle of inclination or too many joints can cause frequent blockages.

For example, installing pipes at too sharp an angle, or, conversely, at an insufficient slope; a large number of creases, too small a cross-section of pipes, the presence of gaps between pipes, incorrectly selected parts or the absence of them.

Problem #5 - Service life and care

A long service life of pipes can cause blockages. But PVC pipes are practically not subject to such wear.

This is more true for cast iron pipes, since their inner surface has some roughness. It is subject to corrosion and sediment from passing debris and sewage remains on it. Over time, the sediment accumulates and compacts, so the permeability of the pipes will decrease.

The lack of necessary care and planned cleaning of plumbing is also a common cause of traffic jams. For cast-iron pipes, such cleanings must be carried out once every 2-3 months, and for plastic pipes - at least once a year. Having determined the cause of the blockage, it is necessary to find out the place of its deployment.

Causes of blockages

Of the most common, the following should be highlighted:

1. Accumulation of household dirt on the walls of pipes. Day after day, when the water is drained, a small part of the dirt remains on the walls and is no longer washed off from them - sooner or later the water may simply stop passing. The accumulation process is especially active when washing off hair and wool, water after cleaning, pellets formed during washing.
2. Improper operation of pipes - first of all, this is the lack of timely prevention (how to carry it out will be discussed later).
3. Large objects that have entered the system - they can accumulate in one place and form a blockage.
4. Errors in the design and laying of the pipeline.If the slope is insufficient, the angles are not chosen correctly, and the overall architecture of the pipeline system is far from ideal, it will become clogged much more often. In such cases, sometimes it is even easier to redo it. For private houses, such problems are much more typical, since they can be caused by the features of the relief and soil.
5. A number of specific reasons associated with the outer part of the pipeline: in winter it can freeze, the soil can subside and damage the pipe, and the roots of plants nearby sometimes penetrate directly into the joints.

The most common cause of blockages is the accumulation of household dirt. To make it happen less often, it is worth analyzing separately what types of waste poured into the sewer provoke it. It:

1. Paper - it is dangerous due to the fact that it increases in volume when wet, and this especially contributes to the appearance of blockages in the pipe.
2. Fat deposits are primarily characteristic of pipes leading from the kitchen. Various particles stick to the fat, and it serves as a medium for the development of microorganisms that cover the pipes from the inside with sticky mucus, and an unpleasant odor often begins to come out of them.
3. Fabric particles - most often end up in the sewer after the water that washed the floor or windows is drained there - particles of the rag used for this remain in it. Caught on a bump on the pipe or stuck to the fat, they will then accumulate dirt.
4. Construction waste is one of the main enemies of sewage. It is impossible to merge the remains of various building compounds into it, because they can quickly block the pipe. After a couple of such drains, it can become impassable, and the blockage from construction waste is sometimes so strong that you have to disassemble the pipes.
5. Cat litter is based on clay that sticks to pipes and can completely block them quite quickly.
6. Hair and wool - in themselves they are not such a big problem, especially since they mainly settle on the bars. But in combination with others, they can greatly accelerate the process of plug formation in the pipe.

Mechanical sewer cleaning

The most effective is the mechanical method of cleaning. It provides for the promotion of a specialized cable along the channel.

Cleaning rope

A handle is fixed on one side of the product. It is necessary for turning the cable when feeding. To facilitate the procedure, 2 people are involved in the work. The work is performed in the following order:

1. Free access to the channel is provided. To do this, disconnect the siphon, dismantle the corrugation of the toilet bowl or open an inspection hole on the pipeline.
2. One person feeds the cable into the hole. In this case, the second slowly turns the handle.
3. After pushing through the blockage, the cable is removed from the pipeline.
4. A specialized nozzle in the form of a brush is installed on the cable.
5. Repeat the cleaning procedure.

Turning inside the pipeline, the nozzle cleans its surface from contaminants. It should be borne in mind that it is necessary to turn the cable in one direction.

Rating TOP 7 best pipe cleaners

Our rating currently includes:

• "Antizasor";
• Gel for removing blockages "Sanfor";
• Bagi "Pothan";
• HG;
• "Tiret Turbo";
• Unicum "Tornado";
• Bagi "Shumanit".

Let's consider the selected models in more detail.

"Anti-blockage"

The anti-blocking agent is made in Russia. It quickly cleans sewer pipes from blockages, is able to dissolve deposits from grease, hair and perfectly removes unpleasant odors.Sold in a convenient package of 7 g (the size of the package itself is 13x9x1 cm) in the form of granules.

View	granules
Manufacturer	Russia
Weight, kg	0,07

Price tag: from 29 to 35 rubles.

anti-clog pipe cleaner

pros

• convenient packaging (sachets of 7 g);
• quickly copes with its task - 5 minutes.

Minuses

not intended for pipes in the kitchen.

Gel to remove blockages "Sanfor

Using the Sanfor drain cleaning gel, the result can be achieved in 5 minutes. The liquid can be used with any type of pipes in the sewer, even if plastic ones are present. The gel effectively dissolves food residues, hair and fat. At the same time, it kills the microbes in the pipes within 60 minutes.

View	gel
Manufacturer	Russia
Weight, kg	1

Price: from 170 to 200 rubles.

sanfor pipe cleaner

pros

• quickly copes with blockage - 5 minutes;
• large volume - enough for a long time (1000 g).

Minuses

poor quality packaging.

Bagi "Pothan

Pothang is a granular, very economical substance for removing blockages. Absolutely safe for both plastic and metal pipes. Qualitatively dissolves pieces of food, limescale, hair, paper. Produced in Israel.

View	granules
Manufacturer	Israel
Weight, kg	0,6

Cost: from 439 to 480 rubles.

bagi pipe cleaner

pros

• economical, enough for a long time (600 g);
• effective - granular acids dissolve quickly at the point of blockage.

Minuses

when using, it is necessary to ventilate the room well - the reaction gives an unpleasant odor.

HG

The Dutch two-component remedy is used to eliminate the most severe blockages caused by toothpaste residue, stuck food pieces, and hair in pipes. Depending on where the substance will be used (bath or kitchen), a different number of components must be used. That is, pour a different volume from two different bottles. Read the instructions carefully before use.

View	liquid
Manufacturer	Holland
Weight, g	2x0.5

Take: from 558 to 670 rubles.

pipe cleaner hg

pros

• universal - can be used both in sinks and in baths without fear for the plumbing coating;
• copes with the most severe blockages.

Minuses

it was not easy to fill in the liquid, you must follow the instructions; for the kitchen and bath, 2 substances are mixed in different quantities.

Tiret Turbo

An excellent tool - "Tiret Turbo", is designed to clean water runoff into the sewer. Produced in Russia and sold in a thoughtful container - a bottle with a sealed lid. Suitable for removing blockages in any pipes, including plastic ones.

View	Gel
Manufacturer	Russia
Weight, l	1

Get: from 433 to 500 rubles.

tiret turbo pipe cleaner

pros

• cope with any kind of blockage;
• elimination of unpleasant odors.

Minuses

Tiret effectively eats away organics, but if the pipes are old, then leaks may appear.

Unicum "Tornado

Regular use of a granular product will save you from problems with cleaning the sump and sewer pipes. Acts quickly and efficiently. Packaged in a 6x11x26 cm bottle with an interesting neck.

View	granules
Manufacturer	Russia
Weight, l	0,6

Price: from 262 to 300 rubles.

pipe cleaner unicum

pros

• domestic production;
• in the composition of more than 30% - sodium hydroxide.

Minuses

very strong smell.

Bagi "Shumanite

Shumanit, a granular remedy for sewer blockages, is produced in Israel and is sold in a compact package 9x7x3 cm. It perfectly dissolves hair, grease and various other deposits.

View	granules
Manufacturer	Israel
Weight, g	112

Price tag: from 105 to 130 rubles.

bagi pipe cleaner

pros

• works quickly (3 minutes);
• convenient packaging (112 g).

Minuses

when applying, do not breathe, wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing.

Mechanical methods

We have already talked about the plunger. It can also be used for clogged sewer pipes. It is also desirable to warm up the contents of the pipes beforehand, pour at least the same soda solution, and then “pump” all this with a plunger. Such a comprehensive measure can clean the sewer even with a serious plug.

How to work with a rope

If a rag, a tuft of hair, or something similar is stuck in the pipe, none of the above methods will work. You will need a special plumbing cable. This is a cable (or flexible steel wire) with a handle on one end and a hook, brush or spiral on the other.

This is what a plumbing cable looks like. At home, it can be replaced by ordinary unannealed wire (flexible)

Some cables may have a replaceable nozzle, simpler ones end in one device. The handle is made in such a way that the handle remains stationary, and the cable inside turns.

Using a plumbing cable is not difficult, but it is better to work with an assistant. Put on gloves, dirty clothes and start cleaning the sewer. First, provide access to the sewer pipe.You can remove one of the siphons, and in a private house it is better to provide such a backup point for cleaning sewer pipes when planning a sewer.

The principle of "working with a cable" with a spiral or hook and at the end is to hook the cork that clogged the pipe and pull it out. It is unlikely that it will be possible to pull out the whole thing at one time, but in parts it is real.

How to work with a plumbing cable

The cable is unwound, the end is launched into the pipe, they begin to rotate in one direction. The second person at this time pushes the cable through the pipe. If the cable is stuck in some area, you can pull it back a little, then try to push it again (we continue to rotate the handle). This is either another turn of the sewer, into which the end of the cable rested, or a blockage. A couple of times trying to push further, we pull out the cable. If there is a blockage at the end, it was a cork and you are on the right track. We clean the tip, run it into the pipe again and repeat the procedure until the pipe is clean. Not the most pleasant experience, but without this, some blockages simply cannot be removed.

There is another way - to make cable ends with rusty edges. They are able to get through the most difficult and dense blockages. Then the cork will not need to be removed in parts, but it will be possible to crush it, and then wash it off. What tips can be made for a plumbing cable - in the video.

Cleaning the toilet with a plastic bottle

If you tried to clean the blockage in the toilet with a plunger, you noticed that this method is ineffective due to the fact that the rubber part does not fit snugly, so the water hardly moves, there is almost no result. There is a more effective, and moreover, cheaper tool - a plastic bottle with a cut off bottom.We take a larger vessel, cut off only the bottom, leave the lid closed.

We bring the cut bottle to the place of the inflection of the toilet bowl, lower it into the water, sharply move it up and down. The movement of water is quite active. In the place of the inflection, “waves” are formed, which break the gradually formed cork. This way to clean the sewer only works if the plug has formed in the kink of the toilet, if somewhere in the pipe, there is only one way out - cleaning with a cable.

First, you can try to break through the toilet drain hole, but if it doesn’t work out, you will need to dismantle the toilet bowl and free up access to the sewer outlet (this is if there is no revision hatch).

What to do if the sewer is clogged or when to call plumbers

All the described methods for eliminating problems with sewer pipes work only if you have the right tools and tools, as well as at least minimal skills in using them. If there is nothing at hand, and the problem with the drain grows and threatens to turn into a full-fledged one later, you should leave independent attempts to solve the problem and call in professionals. In addition, an immediate call to plumbers is necessary if:

• water flows from drain pipes or a toilet bowl even outside the moments of draining;
• after the cessation of the water supply, the return flow from the sewer continues;
• Unpleasant odor from the drain increases and/or does not go away after rinsing and cleaning.

Important: the question “the sewer is clogged in a private house, what should I do?” is solved primarily by checking the condition of the drain pit or septic tank.

When to call a plumber

In principle, nothing prevents you from doing this as soon as you notice a malfunction.If you do not want to get involved in the dirty work, or after trying all the available options, you understand that you cannot solve the problem on your own, then calling the wizard will be a reasonable solution.

Do not be afraid of the price of this service, because in order to cope on your own, you will also have to spend money on chemicals and devices. And then professional equipment and guaranteed results.

To find out how much the service costs, just look at the websites of several companies. In Moscow, a call will cost about 3 thousand rubles, which is not so expensive.

It doesn't hurt to get the help of a professional in case of a difficult traffic jam, for example, if you know that a large object is stuck, which probably needs to be pulled out. Independent actions can only worsen the situation and push the object further. Or alternatively, damage the pipe.

Consult with the master if, with all preventive measures, blockages bother you too often. Perhaps the reason is outdated pipes, the wrong slope, or incorrectly selected parts. A competent plumber will help identify these shortcomings and correct them so that the trouble does not bother you.

Home remedies and purchased "chemistry"

As already mentioned, if the question “what to do if the sewer is clogged” arises, it is worth first resorting to thermal or chemical cleaning. This includes relatively simple options.

• The use of boiling water. The best option for metal pipes and not very suitable for plastic ones. The essence of the method is to pour a large amount of boiling water or boiling water with soda (a pack of soda for 5 ... 7 liters of water).Eliminating sewer blockage in a private house or apartment in this way is permissible only if the place of the blockage is clarified - in the siphon or pipe next to it, otherwise the system is functioning properly. Boiling water dissolves fat well, helps to accelerate the dissolution of soap and the separation of solid particles, including toilet paper. At the same time, feminine hygiene products, baby diapers and other similar items that accidentally fall into the drain can swell even more as a result of the use of hot water and worsen the situation.
• Soda and vinegar. This cleaning option is the best remedy for blockages in sewer pipes with “local” problems, including for draining a kitchen sink. A feature of the manipulation is the launch of a chemical reaction directly in the pipe or siphon. To do this, pour 0.5 cups of baking soda into the drain and pour the same amount of vinegar 6% or 9%. After 1 ... 1.5 hours, the pipes are abundantly washed with warm or hot water. For plastic pipes, this method is not very suitable, since it gradually thins their walls.
• Industrial compounds. They can be alkaline or acidic, the first type is more suitable for kitchen drains, the second for a bathroom or toilet. Do not mix different products! When using them, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Different tools are suitable for different types of pipes.

Important: the frequency of cleaning by these methods is different. You can use boiling water (without soda!) almost every day, soda with vinegar - once every two to three weeks, chemical agents usually no more than once a month (depending on the composition and concentration)

How to clean mechanically?

Methods for removing plugs in the drainage system mechanically are one of the most effective. To implement them, you will need one of the following tools:

• plumbing cable;
• powerful vacuum cleaner;
• plunger.

Cable

A plumbing cable is a simple and at the same time very effective device that will help to cope even with a strong blockage. It is made most often from metal. A handle is located on one end of it, and a split end or nozzle for cleaning the drain on the other.

Procedure:

1. Pull out the corrugation that comes from the siphon.
2. Disconnect and flush the siphon.
3. Lower the working end of the cable into the drain and move it towards the blockage. At the same time, it is necessary to make rotational movements with the handle, helping to scroll the cable.
4. As you move along the pipe, the cable will clear the blockage. Periodically, it must be taken out and removed from the working end of the stuck debris.
5. Return the corrugation to its place.
6. Drain hot water into drain.

After use, the cable should be cleaned and dried, and only then sent for storage.

plunger

This is a tool for clearing light blockages. Its use can be combined with the use of other methods of cleaning blockages, for example, with household chemicals.

Using the plunger is easy. In a sink or in a bath with stagnant water, it is installed with a rubber nozzle on the drain and pressed on the handle. Then - sharply lift it towards themselves.

For cleaning it is necessary to repeat the procedure several times. The cleaning is completed by the descent of hot water (or boiling water) into the drain. With a global blockage, a plunger may not help, in which case it is necessary to use other methods.

A vacuum cleaner

Using a vacuum cleaner is an extraordinary way that can be adopted only if the following conditions are met:

• the device has a high power;
• the blockage is concentrated in the sink;
• There is a function of blowing air in the vacuum cleaner.

If all items match, then the procedure is as follows:

1. The tube coming from the vacuum cleaner should be wrapped with a cloth.
2. Insert the tube into the drain, fix.
3. Turn on the unit, setting the power to maximum. If the plug that prevents the passage of water is close to the drain, the vacuum cleaner will be able to push it out.
4. Turn off the vacuum cleaner and remove the tube.
5. Use a plunger.
6. Run hot water.

It is worth paying attention to the Karcher vacuum cleaners

Mechanical and hydrodynamic method

If all the above methods do not help, mechanical intervention is necessary. Cleaning with spirals, cables, drills and loops. The use of these mechanical devices will leave no chance for debris or plaques. They push through all the blood clots in the pipes that prevent the sewage from draining. In appearance, all these tools are different, but the principle of operation is the same - they destroy all accumulations of garbage. They are freely available and are not very expensive.

Those devices that have a higher price are no different from cheap tools, so you can safely buy the cheapest tool and not worry that it will not help. In the case of a large solid object stuck in the sewer pipe, a hook can be used. Cables and spirals pass through debris and accumulations without obstacles and efforts, one has only to rotate the handle clockwise, thereby winding stuck objects onto the wire.

Scheme of hydrodynamic sewer cleaning.

Then just pull out this wire along with the debris. The cable can be changed by tension. In this case, the cable becomes elastic, which leads to the complete destruction of the accumulated stagnation of debris. Since cleaning sewer pipes with your own hands is not a very clean job, you should prepare an oilcloth in advance by laying it on the place where the work will be carried out. Also, do not wear clean clothes, because splashing dirty water is also unavoidable.

For hydrodynamic cleaning of sewer pipes in a private house, a special device is used that runs on gasoline. This increases the water pressure in the hose. The process begins with the installation of the hose in the sewer pipe. Then it is connected to the compressor system. The water turns on at the same time as the compressor. The jet, which is supplied under pressure, breaks the garbage plug and pushes through.

Even if it is impossible to purchase such an installation, there is a way out. People who live in their homes always have hoses and a garden pump available. Having connected a hose to this pump, you need to insert it into the sewer pipe and turn on the water so that the pressure is strong. You can first pour a liquid agent containing caustic soda into the pipes. After half an hour, use water under pressure.

If there is an autonomous sewage system, you need to pay attention to how strong the water pressure is and to the chemical components of the cleaning products. Therefore, with such a sewerage system in a private house, it is better to clean it with mechanical devices.