How to eliminate clogged pipes at home: the best tools and methods for cleaning

How to clean a blockage in the pipes in the bathroom at home

How to clean the blockage in the pipes in the bathroom at home with a plunger? The bathroom, unlike the sink, is equipped with a safety drain hole. It must be closed before cleaning.With the help of a plunger, a water hammer is formed, which shifts the accumulation of dirt down the pipe from the bottleneck of the drain, where blockages are most likely to form. First you need to draw water into the bath so that the cup of the plunger is covered. Install the plunger over the drain hole, press firmly against the hole and sharply press the handle 3-4 times and sharply remove the plunger from the water. Repeat if necessary until water flows freely.

You can clean the bathtub with a brush, for which it is introduced into the sewer hole and the resulting blockage is pierced with sharp movements. If necessary, you can attach a ruff to a flexible rod to lengthen the structure and get the blockage at great depths.

If a plumbing cable is used for cleaning, the siphon is turned out and the cable is inserted into the drain hole as deep as possible. At the same time, it rotates in both directions. Screwing into the pipe, the cable clears all blockages, debris moves along the drain and is washed out. At the end of cleaning, all elements of the drain channel are washed and the siphon is cleaned.

If you do not have wire or cable at hand, you can take an electric drill or a screwdriver, which will also effectively help to deal with blockages.

Now let's look at how to clean the blockage in the pipes at home safely and effectively using folk methods. Baking soda is great for this. This is the cheapest and easiest way that any housewife can use without waiting for the help of a plumber.

In equal proportions, you need to take soda and vinegar, for example, one glass each. Soda is poured into the drain hole and then vinegar is poured on top. The hole is closed with a cork and left in this state for 2-3 hours, after which the pipe is washed with hot water.This method of cleaning the blockage is completely safe for pipes. It can be used not only to eliminate the existing blockage, but also for prevention.

Consider a few more solutions made from soda that will help get rid of the blockage. To do this, take about 150 g of soda and ignite it in a cast iron pan for about 15 minutes. After it has completely cooled, dilute it with a glass of water and stir thoroughly. Such a composition can be compared in effectiveness with the well-known store-bought chemical agent "Mole".

Another safe way to clean the drain is with a regular lemon. To do this, take a few lemons and squeeze them right into the drain hole. Soak without opening the water for at least an hour. If lemons are not available, you can use half a cup of lemon juice concentrate. This method is also quite effective.

If a clog has formed in the sink from a fatty plug, you can prepare a strong salt solution. It is poured directly into the drain hole and they begin to clean the drain with a plunger. To ensure a better fit of the plunger, its edges can be smeared with an inexpensive cream.

A simple blockage in the sewer can be removed with a powerful vacuum cleaner using its blowing function.

5 How to prevent clogging of pipes?

1. Use a plastic or metal mesh that is superimposed on the drain hole. Such a barrier will retain debris on itself, preventing it from entering the sewer system.
2. Install a garbage grinder that will grind all waste, even grind bones. The garbage grinder works almost silently, does not take up much space in the kitchen, and eliminates the need for frequent cleaning of pipes.

Elimination of blockage with a special device

If you know how and how to clean sewer pipes at home, ways to clear blockages, as well as prevention methods, you will be able to keep your sewerage system in good condition, extend its life, postponing expensive replacement for a while.

Causes of blockages

Blockage of fluid flow can occur for several reasons. To avoid clogging of the sewer in the future, it is necessary to identify the cause and eliminate it. Sewerage is clogged in the following cases:

1. Installation faults. Incorrectly selected angle of inclination, a large number of turns, etc. causes clogging of the sewer.
2. End of pipe life. The natural wear of the inner surface leads to the accumulation of fatty deposits. Metal structures are subject to the negative effects of corrosion.
3. A large amount of fat and soap accumulations. Remains of food and decomposition products of hygiene products settle on the walls of the sewer. The internal space narrows and a blockage of the sewer is formed.
4. Entry of a foreign object. This type of blockage often occurs when foreign objects are flushed down the toilet. These are toilet paper, personal hygiene items, etc.
5. External damage to the highway. Chips and cracks occur as a result of mechanical impact on the product. Chips prevent the free movement of large waste along the highway.
6. High level in the cesspool. When filling the well, the free exit of liquid from the line is blocked. At the same time, fat deposits are intensively deposited on the pipe walls, and a blockage of the sewer is formed.
7. Irregular use of the system.Drying, soap deposits make the inner surface of the line rough. This contributes to the rapid accumulation of contaminants.

Proper installation and use of sewerage will reduce the risk of contamination of the drainage system.

Features of cleaning plastic pipes

Cleaning plastic pipes requires special care. Despite its strength, the material from which the drainage system is made is susceptible to mechanical damage and exposure to very high temperatures.

The inner surface of the pipes is quite smooth; with proper installation, blockages in such a system occur less frequently than in cast-iron drainage systems. This is due to the fact that plastic is not prone to corrosion and sticking to the surface of various substances.

But during operation, food particles that fall into the drain in the kitchen can be deposited, causing blockage. The best options for cleaning approaches are the use of a plunger, the use of home and special products.

Wire drain cleaning

To clean the sewer system, you need a wire 5-6 mm in diameter. It is used, as well as a cable, there are only 3 differences:

1. The wire does not bend well and hardly penetrates through the turns of the pipes. If there is no tee or revision, then you will have to disassemble the connection or, in extreme cases, punch a temporary hole in the pipe. When the pipe is clean, the hole is wrapped with a cut camera from a bicycle or a rubber bandage. A clamp is installed on top of this winding;
2. The blockage must be cleaned from top to bottom, otherwise several meters of the collected sewage will immediately pour out on you;
3. It is necessary to rotate the wire when removing, so the hooked rag does not come off.

Human hair and animal hair are removed from the pipe with a wire or cable. Hair is removed from under the outlet grate in 2 ways:

• Hooking them with a wire hook;
• Disassemble and clean the grate.

Cat litter or construction debris is removed with a wire brush or cable.

Best Pipe Cleaning Gels

Unlike granules and powders, these products are available in liquid form. They must not be filled up, but poured into drains, washing them well. Since in most cases these are not concentrates, their consumption increases. But at the same time, the effect and low price hide this drawback. Check out our review of two of the best pipe cleaners in the form of gels.

Genix Gel Nika-Tube Sweep

This pipe cleaner is the best value for money. It is effective both in terms of cleansing drains from bacteria, and in terms of the power to eliminate blockages of almost any type. The gel has an aggressive composition for them, but it is safe for humans and pipe materials. It contains no more than 5% surfactants and the same amount of nonionic surfactants. It is easy enough to pour it into the drains according to the instructions and you don’t have to wait long for the action. It is convenient that the product is available in a practical plastic package.

Advantages:

• Versatility;
• High efficiency;
• Good speed of action;
• No side effects;
• Excellent consistency.

Flaws:

Consumed faster than pellets.

Tiret Gel Turbo

This clogged drain cleaner is suitable for both personal and professional use. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it not only effectively eliminates pollution, but also prevents their appearance, neutralizing harmful deposits in time.The effect appears within 5 minutes after pouring the gel into the drain. By the way, the composition is safe for metal and plastic, as it does not damage their surface.

Advantages:

• Eliminates odor;
• Effectively fights with any blockages;
• Helps quickly.
• Does not leave marks on pipes;
• Destroys harmful bacteria;
• Good consistency.

Flaws:

• Contains chlorine;
• It is necessary to work with gloves.

Tiret Gel Turbo does not produce fumes, but still, to avoid harm to the lungs, since it contains chlorine, it is recommended to use personal protective equipment.

What causes clogged pipes

Often, sewer pipes made of cast iron are clogged, because over time they are susceptible to corrosion and destruction, which leads to bumps, cracks and roughness. In addition, if you do not carry out regular preventive cleaning of drains, blockages will inevitably appear.

Fat accumulations can be deposited on the walls of the pipes if the owners regularly use detergents with surface-active components. In this case, particles of food or household waste linger on the walls of the sewer, thereby narrowing the passage and throughput of the pipe.

If the sewer system failed suddenly for no apparent reason, it means that a foreign object got into the pipe, which blocked the internal channel. In addition, the cause of stagnant water in the sewer may be soil displacement, freezing of water in the pipe, or pipeline defects.

A blockage in plastic pipes may be the result of incorrect installation of the sewerage system and non-compliance with the standards for the slope of the pipeline.

The following signs indicate the occurrence of clogged pipes:

• the occurrence of a sharp unpleasant odor from the pipe (more: "How to get rid of the smell in the pipes - we eliminate the causes of the unpleasant smell of the sewer");
• reduced flow rate of water into the sewer;
• an increase in the water level under the grates of the sewer ladder during its supply.

If these signs are present, you should immediately begin to eliminate the blockage in the pipes at home so that the problem does not become more serious.

The best powdered pipe cleaners

Unlike granular products, this type of pipe cleaner is finely ground and dissolves quickly in water. They easily penetrate into the cracks and eliminate blockages even in hard-to-reach places. Such products act on the principle of dissolving fat, mucus, rust and other types of blockages. In this ranking, we present two of the best options on the market according to customer reviews.

Cinderella powder Mole for cleaning pipes

This effective pipe cleaner is the cheapest in our ranking of the best of such products. At the same time, its high quality and bright effect do not fail, the powder quickly eliminates unpleasant odors in the room and allows you to remove blockages of almost any type. True, manufacturers recommend using it only for cleaning sewer pipes. It is inexpensive, about 10 rubles, but at the same time it is not a concentrate, which is why the consumption will be greater than in the case of other formulations. It should also be noted that this option is not suitable for getting rid of bacteria, limescale, rust.

Advantages

• Cheapness;
• Long shelf life;
• Guaranteed effect;
• Safety for pipes;
• Does not require rinsing with large amounts of water;
• Effectively copes with food residues, paper and other organic deposits.

Flaws

• Not biodegradable;
• Not hypoallergenic;
• Not the most convenient packaging.

Chirton powder for cleaning pipes with cold water

Compared to granules, this powder is not only designed to remove blockages, it is also effective against old rust. It is this tool, according to customer reviews, that does the best job of cleaning metal pipes. Another plus is its bright antibacterial properties that allow you to destroy harmful microorganisms and protect yourself from infection and upset of the stomach, kidneys and other organs. Chirton Pipe Cleaner is also great at removing odors that are especially acute in sewer drains.

Advantages

• Complex action;
• Versatility;
• Ease of use;
• Safety of use;
• Convenient release form;
• Affordable price.

Flaws

Not very practical, foil packaging.

What to do if the problem is in the siphon

A tight plug can form anywhere in the system. The complexity of its removal depends on the availability of the "problem" area. The easiest way to deal with a clogged siphon. This is the name of the "knee", which forms a pipe at the outlet of the plumbing fixture. Structurally, it forms a water seal. The knot prevents sewer odors from entering the room.

A certain amount of contaminants inevitably accumulate inside the siphon. This is due to its shape. So it has to be cleaned from time to time.As a preventive measure, no one does this, but the cork has to be removed.

How to clean a siphon

1. We free up space so that it is convenient to carry out manipulations under the sink. We substitute a container for water.
2. The lower part of the siphon is threaded. Carefully, so as not to damage the part, unscrew it.
3. We remove large fragments of pollution. Wash all parts thoroughly with hot soapy water.
4. We put the lower part of the siphon in place, twist the thread.

The use of household chemicals

A good result of cleaning blockages is given by special household chemicals. They are available in dry and liquid form.

When choosing a specific tool, you need to consider:

• price;
• exposure time;
• convenience of packing;
• release form;
• compound.

Disposable sachets are convenient in that you do not need to measure the amount of the drug - the contents of the entire sachet are poured into the drain.

Bagi Pothan

Bugs is a trademark of an Israeli company. The product is available in the form of granules. Use the drug by pouring the required amount (about 100 grams per drain hole). After that, hot water is poured according to the instructions.

Potkhan is effective, has an aggressive effect, dissolving not only food waste in pipes, but also hair, and even diapers. Used by Bagi to clear blockages in metal and plastic pipes. The exposure time is 3 minutes. It should not be exceeded.

The price for a container of 600 grams is about 700 rubles. Read reviews here, here and here.

Sanfor

The product in the form of a gel is designed for effective cleaning of sewer pipes. Thick in consistency, the gel easily penetrates to the site of blockage, despite the presence of water.Sanfor eliminates unpleasant odors, dissolves food contaminants, hair in the sewer.

For one application, 0.25 liters of the product is enough. The average exposure time is up to a quarter of an hour, with complex blockages it can be increased. If the first time the drug did not help, the treatment can be repeated.

A container with a volume of 0.75 liters costs up to 200 rubles. Read reviews here, here and here.

Synergetic

The product from blockages, like all products of the company, is biodegradable and hypoallergenic. In the process of exposure, it disinfects and eliminates unpleasant odors.

It should be used in its pure form, pouring into the drain. The exposure time is up to 20 minutes. The drug can be used as a prophylactic, in this case, 0.25 liters per use is enough.

Synergetic is suitable for all types of pipes and can be used in the presence of a septic tank. Price - up to 200 rubles per container. Read reviews here, here and here.

Causes of clogged sewer pipes

Understanding the causes of blockages will help to eliminate them promptly. Trouble is always easier to prevent than to solve the problems caused by it. Therefore, a practical owner will try to identify in advance all the weak points of his sewer system. In a multi-storey building and a private house, they can be different.

If the pipes are cast iron

In relatively old buildings, cast-iron pipes were used to divert wastewater. This material has many advantages, but it also has one significant drawback: susceptibility to corrosion. Since the inner walls of such pipes become uneven, over time, not only a layer of rust grows on them, but also plaque accumulates from drains.

The clearance in cast-iron pipes can be narrowed to a minimum, and it is almost impossible to guess exactly where the blockage is. But there are the most dangerous areas:

• a piece of pipe from the outlet of the kitchen sink to the outlet in the bathroom;
• the section from the outlet of the toilet bowl to the junction of the pipe with the sewer riser.

If the pipes are plastic

The main reason for the clogging of modern plastic systems is improper installation, which does not take into account the need for the recommended pipe slope towards the common sewer riser.

Most often, homeowners and tenants, when laying sewer pipes, independently remove them at an insufficient slope angle. In this case, plaque begins to form on the plastic.

Varieties and area of ​​\u200b\u200bclogging

To clean the cork, you will need to determine its location. The easiest way to spot the problem is to fill the sink with water to see how it goes:

• if the liquid drains slowly, then the blockage may be at a distance of 1 m from the drain hole;
• if the water stops at a certain level, then the plug is localized in the area between the siphon and the first knee;
• if the liquid does not leave at all, then the blockage problem in most cases lies in the siphon.

When water accumulates in several plumbing fixtures or in the entire system, a global congestion occurs. You can clean the pipes yourself if the blockage is local and not too tight. As for the types of blockages, they are mechanical, technical and operational.

Determining the location of the blockage

A clogged pipe is a fairly common problem that you should not panic and look for the plumber's phone number when faced with.You can often do it yourself, saving time and money.

Before cleaning pipes, it is important to understand exactly where the plug has formed. This directly affects the choice of method for solving the problem.

To determine the approximate location of the blockage, open the water and see how it will "leave":

• Water decreases very slowly - most likely, the cork is at a distance of more than a meter from the drain. With such a problem, the most optimal way would be to use a special metal cable.
• The water drops to a certain level, and then everything remains unchanged - the blockage is located in the area from the siphon to the first turn. In this case, it will be enough to use either folk methods or chemical means.
• The liquid does not go away at all - in 90% of cases, the siphon is clogged with fat deposits. The best option to deal with contamination would be manual cleaning of the pipeline.

These are the most common ways to identify the place where the problem has formed.

Once you have figured out exactly where the blockage formed, you can begin to eliminate it.

Cleaning sewer pipes from rags

To clean the sewer in an apartment that is clogged with a rag, use a plumbing cable. If the rags got into the bed or riser, use a special hard wire having a cross section of 5-6 millimeters and equipped with a handle and a hook.

Its application has much in common with the use of a cable, but with some features:

1. Rigid wire can hardly overcome pipe bends, and above all at an angle of 90 degrees.If there is no revision or tee at the turn, it is advisable to undock the connection or make a hole in the pipe. After it was possible to clean the sewer pipe, the hole can be wrapped with a rubber bandage or a bicycle tube, which is cut along. A collar made of knitting wire is applied over the bondage.
2. The blockage in the riser must be cleaned from top to bottom, exclusively along the slope of the pipe.
3. To remove the wire, it continues to rotate in the same direction as when feeding. The rotation prevents the rag from slipping off the hook.

Mechanical elimination methods at home

There are three mechanical ways to clear blockages.

plunger

Many plumbers use plungers to remove blockages in sewer pipes. The main advantage of this tool is its ease of use. Even a person who has never used a plunger can handle cleaning pipes.

To clean it, you need to draw a little water into the sink, and then press the plunger to the drain hole. Then 4-6 progressive actions are done, and at the end of the procedure it is torn off from the drain. The actions are repeated 5-6 times until the water begins to drain well.

Plumbing cable

To eliminate a strong blockage, it is better to use a plumbing cable. This device is suitable for deep cleaning of sewer pipes.

Before breaking through the blockage, it is necessary to place a plumbing cable inside the drain. Then the fixture is slowly rotated clockwise and gradually pulled down to push the plug.

bottle use

Clean clogging can be done even with improvised meanswhich you can do yourself. For example, some use an ordinary plastic bottle for this.First, spiral marks are made on it, along which it will be cut. Then small cuts are made on the spirals at an angle of 40-50 degrees. After that, the bottle is pushed into the pipe and gradually removed along with debris adhering to it.

Blockage prevention

The most common cause of clogged drains is grease. It gradually accumulates on the walls of pipes after washing dishes, especially if you wash them in cold water or use a poor quality detergent.

The best prevention is to install a grease trap. It is a small structure with two sections, which is attached to the sink. The principle of its operation is that at first water with particles of dirt and fat enters the first section of the device, where the liquid is cleaned of debris.

In the second section of the structure, water is cleaned of fat and only after that it enters the sewer pipes, which ensures trouble-free operation of the water supply system.

Prevention of blockages also involves a number of other measures. Remove food particles from dishes before washing.

It is important to avoid getting leftover food down the drain. Sticking to the pipes, they later become the cause of all sewage problems. Also, do not pour the fat left after cooking into the sewer - it must be disposed of separately, otherwise problems with blockages cannot be avoided.

Also, do not pour the fat remaining after cooking into the sewer - it must be disposed of separately, otherwise problems with blockages cannot be avoided.

Make it a rule not to throw hair from combs, paper, various objects into the toilet. Additionally, install a special protective mesh on the drain.

Once every 2 weeks, turn on hot water at full pressure for 1-2 hours. Also, use a plunger regularly.

At least once a month, use one of the specialized products that are sold in the departments of household chemicals. This simple prevention will help to forget about traffic jams in the pipes.

Ways to remove paper cork

After you have independently discovered the place and cause of the blockage, you need to decide how to clean the sewer pipes at home in each individual case. If there is a paper cork that clogs the toilet, you can use a method such as the use of water hammer. As a result, a sharp increase in pressure on one side of the blockage will push a lump of paper through the narrowest section.

If sewer pipes are cleaned at home, water hammer is created using:

1. Plunger - with this device they cover a mirror of water and make several clicks on its handle.
2. Plastic bottle - use a product with a volume of 1.5 - 2.5 liters, cutting off its bottom and screwing on the lid.
3. Rags and sticks - before clearing a blockage in the sewer, a piece of rags is folded several times and covered with a mirror of water, and then sharply pressed on it with a stick. In this case, the main thing is not to overdo it, because too strong a blow can break the bowl of the plumbing fixture.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Modern ways to deal with blockages in pipes:

The main types of sewer cleaning at home:

Removing the blockage with your own hands is possible using different methods - it all depends on what exactly caused such a problem, at what distance from the drain is the plug.

In any case, everyone can cope with the blockage on their own.In the future, you should resort to preventive measures to avoid the recurrence of such a problem.

Do you know of other effective ways to clear blockages in pipes? Please tell our readers about them. Leave your comments in the box below.