Overview of professional sewer cleaning methods

Classification of chemicals for sewage

Chemicals for cleaning the sewer system differ in the form of release and chemical composition.Depending on what result you want to get, as well as the severity of clogging, a chemical is selected.

Different forms of release of drugs

According to the consistency of the means for cleaning sewer pipes can be:

• liquid;
• gel;
• powder (granular).

Powder products are concentrated and very caustic. It is extremely dangerous to use them without gloves. Previously, such substances were poured into the sewer drain and left overnight, and washed with boiling water in the morning. Such a procedure can only make things worse.

Aggressive chemistry, if the rules of use are not followed, can corrode the gaskets and add another problem to cleaning the drain - the complete replacement of the sewer pipeline.

Always follow the method of application indicated in the instructions for chemicals. Modern powder products need 2 hours to fix the problem.

Liquid sewer cleaners are less concentrated and aggressive. The main disadvantage of liquid products is that if water remains in the system, it will reduce the concentration of the substance and it may not work.

The bottle contains a ready-made solution that does not need to be diluted in any way. It is easier to use chemistry in liquid form, it is impossible to make a mistake with the proportion

Gel products are used in the same way as liquid ones. Thanks to the gel formula, the substance does not mix with water so quickly, it reaches the site of clogging faster and more efficiently and eliminates it.

Chemical composition - division by active ingredients

The chemical method of cleaning pipes consists in an aggressive effect on the blockage and decomposition of the organic substances that make up its composition. Simply put, cleaning products dissolve the cork.

For this, active substances such as:

• alkalis - caustic sodium, caustic potassium;
• acids - acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, etc.

Mass-market chemicals often include surfactants (surfactants), fragrances, and even dyes for a more dramatic color.

Alkalis and acids are able to react with organic matter, which slows down the draining of water. Pipes after a kitchen sink are often clogged with grease. In such cases, caustic alkali-based products are more effective.

The cause of blockage in the bathroom is often hair, animal hair. They consist of collagen protein and dissolve well under the action of acids.

Preparations also differ in the concentration of chemically active substances. To understand which product is more effective and contains less water, just look at such an indirect indicator as the exposure time.

Most likely, the amount of a particular component on the package will not be indicated. The less time it takes to clean, the more concentrated the product is in front of you

Manufacturers also mask less active compounds under the label "for prevention." This means that the tool is unlikely to cope with a real clogging, and it should be used only if there is a drain slowdown and quite regularly.

Perhaps there is logic in this, but people begin to use such means only after they encounter a real blockage and resort to a more “vigorous” enhanced chemical.

How to determine the problem area if the pipe is clogged

The sewer system in a multi-storey building is arranged as follows.Through all the apartments, located along the same vertical line, there is a central sewer riser from the roof outlet to the basement, where it is connected to the general house sewerage system. Plumbing fixtures in the apartment are connected to the sewerage system in series-parallel. Usually in typical apartments, the first device along the drain and the farthest device from the central sewer riser is the kitchen sink, then there is a sink in the bathroom, then the bath or shower itself, from which the drain goes to the riser. The toilet is usually connected directly to the riser. In this line, a dishwasher is possible.

It is necessary to check the system and look for a blockage point from the riser. If water drains from the bath normally, then you need to check the sink in the bathroom. If it is clogged, then there will be no normal drain from the kitchen. If everything is in order in the bathroom, then the blockage is in the kitchen drain or immediately after it.

The plug itself can form in a siphon (water seal) clogged with debris or in a sewer.

Mechanical impact

If it is not possible to get rid of the blockage with the help of chemical compounds, then mechanical cleaning of the sewer is used. When carrying out work, both manual devices and mechanical devices that work from electricity or even on petrol.

In the photo - professional equipment

Advantages of the method

• Maximum efficiency when breaking through blockages, because mechanical contact occurs during cleaning activities;
• The tools and devices used are quite compact in size, so they can be stored in small rooms;
• Cleaning sewer networks mechanically usually happens quite quickly.

Domestic sewerage: cleaning with a flexible shaft.

Using a plumbing cable

The device is a flexible shaft, made from steel wire. On the one hand there is a special handle, and on the other - a spiral designed for attaching all kinds of attachments. That is, a ruff, a hook, a scraper and other elements can be attached to the cable at any time.

In the photo - the use of a modern cable

1. Immediately before use, it is recommended to carefully inspect the cable for damage and check the quality of the fasteners. It is necessary to lubricate the bushings included in the handle mechanism;
2. A siphon is removed from the sink or an inspection is opened in a certain section of the pipeline. One end of the shaft is inserted inside, and the other is clamped in the palm of your hand, while it must be rolled into a ring;
3. The device makes clear translational movements with a slight rotation in order to overcome the bends. Periodically, the cable should be taken out and cleaned of contaminants;
4. If a blockage is detected, the shaft rotation speed should be slightly increased. Thus, the accumulated debris can be pushed forward. After removing the blockage, the tool is completely removed.

This is what a plumbing cable looks like.

The use of special devices

You can simplify cleaning activities if you use the same cable, but with an electric or gasoline drive. A similar sewer cleaning technique can be of a drum or sectional type.

In the first case, the flexible shaft is folded in a special compartment, and in the second case, it is assembled from separate parts.

Rating of the best gel pipe cleaners

Tiret

"Tiret" is an effective and popular gel that penetrates the structure of a strong blockage even with stagnant water. It is active in organic and inorganic blockages, and does not affect the composition of pipes made of both metal and plastic material. The tool has a special formula that does not damage the inner walls of sewer pipes.

The gel has a thick consistency, which allows you to pour the right dose. After application, the product begins to act within a few minutes. Of course, with complex obstruction, more time is needed for exposure.

In addition to removing blockages, "Tiret" relieves the sewer system of a fetid odor for a long period.

How to apply "Tiret":

1. First of all, the solvent is poured into the drain hole (the required dose is in the product instructions);
2. For prevention and light blockage, you need to wait about 5 minutes, and for difficult situations, it will take 30 minutes;
3. After the required time has elapsed, the pipe is flushed with 2 liters of hot water.

For complete elimination, you need to repeat these steps up to 4 times in a row.

Tiret for cleaning
Advantages:

• fast action of the remedy;
• effective for organic and inorganic deposits;
• the possibility of using for pipes of any material;
• elimination of an unpleasant smell.

Flaws:

• inefficiency;
• high price;
• violent reaction.

Sanfor

Sanfor is an inexpensive alternative to Tiret gel that has similar capabilities. This tool copes with severe blockages of any nature in a short period of time. The solvent can also be used for prevention.

The main qualities of the Sanfor pipe cleaner are the disinfection of the kitchen and bathroom piping, getting rid of bacteria and eliminating unpleasant odors.

The solvent has a dangerous content, but effective, as:

• surfactant;
• hypochlorites;
• salts of ADTA;
• sodium hydroxides.

It takes 5-10 minutes for the gel to completely clean the sewer from hair, food sediments and fat, even if the pipeline is filled with water. True, in stagnant water, the reaction takes longer. When performing cleaning actions, it is worth adhering to safety rules.

The tool quickly copes with the problem that has arisen, while not damaging the surface of the sewer pipes, and thanks to the narrow and comfortable dispenser, getting into the drain hole with accuracy is not difficult. Thick consistency allows you to determine the required amount of gel.

Sanfor for cleaning
Advantages:

• effective for complex blockages;
• elimination of an unpleasant smell;
• pipe disinfection;
• quick impact with severe congestion;
• convenient dispenser;
• safe for the pipe surface;
• budget price.

Flaws:

• dangerous composition;
• inefficiency.

The best pipe cleaners

Liquid products are used for complex pollution, as they quickly penetrate deep into the cork and effectively dissolve it. Most often, liquids are bought to combat fatty deposits in the pipes.

However, due to the low concentration of active ingredients, such products are not suitable for punching blockages in stagnant water.

NBT-Siberia "Krot" - a cheap liquid anti-blockage agent

5

★★★★★
editorial score

98%
buyers recommend this product

"Mole" is a well-known liquid against sewer blockages, which is produced in Russia.The composition copes well with the removal of food debris, hair and fat plugs. Due to the absence of odor and dyes, the product looks like ordinary water. However, in reality it is a caustic alkali, which must be used very carefully.

To clean the pipes, 250 ml of the product is enough - it should be poured into the sewer for 25-30 minutes. In case of severe blockages, the manufacturer recommends waiting a little longer. The liquid is sold in plastic bottles with a matte texture so that the bottle does not slip in wet hands.

There is a convenient dispenser-lock on the tip, which allows you to pour the product exactly into the pipe and spend it more economically.

Pros:

• low price (from 50 rubles per 500 ml);
• convenient bottle;
• without smell;
• small expense;
• clears most blockages.

Minuses:

hard to find for sale.

The manufacturer in the instructions indicates a half-hour time of action of the reagent. However, buyers recommend pouring the product for at least 3-4 hours. Mistresses note that in 30 minutes the product does not have time to corrode serious blockages.

Deboucher Active is a universal liquid for the prevention and removal of blockages.

5

★★★★★
editorial score

92%
buyers recommend this product

Deboucher Active removes grease deposits on pipes, organic dirt, food residues, hair plugs, paper. The tool is suitable for the prevention and elimination of blockages, does not damage pipes and enamel on plumbing. However, its formula effectively removes bacteria and odors.

According to the instructions, you need to pour 500 ml of liquid for at least 2-3 hours. For complex blockages, it is recommended to leave the product in the drain for a longer time. Deboucher Active is produced in 1 liter plastic bottles.The lid is safe and has child protection.

Pros:

• affordable cost (about 110 rubles per liter);
• sold in many stores;
• convenient bottle;
• corrodes a variety of pollution;
• suitable for all kinds of pipes.

Minuses:

• you need to wait a long time for the effect;
• may not be able to handle heavy traffic.

Buyers note that Deboucher Active breaks through hair plugs especially well. This liquid is suitable for owners of long hair and pet owners.

Sewer pipes for drainage systems

Experts say that the efficiency of the functioning of sewer systems is directly affected by the material from which the pipes are made. So quite recently, for laying pipelines for moving sewage, mainly pipe products made of cast iron were used.

Much less often, preference was given to products made of ceramics and asbestos cement. And only in some cases, ordinary concrete with waterproofing was used. Homeowners were satisfied with the long service life of such pipelines, but there were many complaints about the accumulation of deposits. Therefore, every homeowner had a tool for cleaning sewer pipes. Today, the above materials have been replaced by plastic.

True, plastic products have a number of disadvantages:

• low strength against punctures, cuts, compressive loads;
• ability to function at a certain temperature. Some types of polymer pipes are not subject to deformation during short-term heating up to 110˚С, while others become elastic even at plus 45˚С;
• pipe products for sewer systems made of plastic are characterized by a high degree of linear expansion.When too hot waste water passes through the pipes, they lengthen, and this can lead to depressurization of the sewer structure;
• polymer pipelines are very sensitive to sub-zero temperatures.

The cost of repairing and cleaning storm sewers

Repair of the drainage system is recommended to be carried out immediately after the discovery of the damaged area. Before starting the process, it is necessary to draw up an estimate for the repair of storm sewers. The study of financial issues allows you to determine all the costs, consisting of payment for the work of the master and the cost of purchasing materials.

The price of specialist services depends on such factors:

• Volume and nature of damage. The more destruction, the more difficult the repair technology. The cost of cleaning storm sewers depends on how they are eliminated. Manual work (mechanical) is expensive. The hydraulic destruction of congestion will cost a little cheaper. The cost of video diagnostics of the line increases, with the help of which the location of damage or the causes of blockage of the line is determined.
• Urgency of repair. Damage that can lead to flooding or washout of walls needs to be repaired as quickly as possible, so the cost of cleaning storm drains in this case will be high.
• Design features of sewerage. The simpler the device of the highway, the cheaper the services of the master will cost. A long, large diameter run is more difficult and more expensive to clean than standard pipelines. Removing garbage from open systems is cheaper. To clean closed systems, you will have to use special equipment, which also increases costs.The cost of work is affected by the number of storm water inlets, wells, sand traps and other drainage elements.
• Non-standard storm sewer systems. If the storm drain is combined with a household or drainage system, the master will have to clean it from pollution unusual for a storm drain.

We often need to evaluate such works:

• Replacement of large mass parts using a crane;
• Construction of additional elements of storm sewers;
• Attracting heavy equipment to dig a trench to replace pipes;
• Replacing the underground part of the storm drain without digging out damaged parts using special punches. The work is quite complex and requires the participation of a good specialist with high-quality equipment.

The price of cleaning storm sewers in Russia:

Type of work	Price
Cleaning the drainage system	From 180 rubles/p.m.
Storm sewer diagnostics with video report	From 4000 rub.
Cleaning of wells, grease traps, septic tanks (with sludge removal)	From 1500 rub. per 1 m3
Manual cleaning of wells, grease traps, septic tanks	From 3000 rub. per 1 m3
Removal of contaminated water from process tanks of the system	From 500 rub. for 1 cu. m.
Planned plumbing maintenance	From 150 rubles/p.m.
Defrosting storm sewer pipes	From 10000 rub.
Cleaning the line in a hydrodynamic way	From 6000 rub.
Cleaning of very long lines in a hydrodynamic way	From 100 rubles/p.m.
Mechanical removal of traffic jams, including old ones	From 4000 rub.

The price of cleaning storm sewers in Ukraine:

Type of work	Price
Cleaning the drainage system	From 80 UAH/p.m.
Storm sewer diagnostics with video report	From 1700 UAH
Cleaning of wells, grease traps, septic tanks (with sludge removal)	From 100 UAHper 1 m3
Manual cleaning of wells, grease traps, septic tanks	From 2100 UAH per 1 m3
Removal of contaminated water from process tanks of the system	From 180 UAH for 1 cu. m.
Planned plumbing maintenance	From 65 UAH/r.m.
Defrosting storm sewer pipes	From 4500 UAH
Cleaning the line in a hydrodynamic way	From 2800 UAH
Cleaning of very long lines in a hydrodynamic way	From 50 UAH/p.m.
Mechanical removal of traffic jams, including old ones	From 2000 UAH

How to clean storm sewer - look at video:

After arranging the drainage system, it must be remembered that competent maintenance of storm sewers significantly extends the period of its operation and increases the intervals between repairs. The main advice during the operation of the structure is not to forget about preventive work on the system.

Related article: How to remove a clogged sewer riser

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.

2How to choose equipment for cleaning the sewer system?

The choice of the type of cleaning equipment largely depends on the material from which the pipes are made. Thus, a hydrodynamic machine is most effective for cleaning work in plastic pipelines and, if necessary, a complete thorough cleaning of internal surfaces.

The process of hydrodynamic cleaning of the sewer system consists in supplying a powerful jet of water from the flushing head to the flushed pipeline under the influence of high pressure. This method allows you to completely clean the inner walls of the pipeline and remove almost any blockage.

For cleaning from mechanical blockages - in cases where it is necessary to remove various debris from the pipe - branches, leaves, rags and other clogging elements, it is more efficient to use a mechanical cleaning machine.

In mechanical installations, sewer pollution is removed using a cleaning cable. It can be made in the form of long metal rods (rod), a spiral twisted into a drum (drum) or a type-setting spiral consisting of various sections (sectional).

BY THE WAY. Additional nozzles are a guarantee of expanding the areas of application of the cleaning machine.

In addition to the scope of application, the nozzles of cleaning machines are also divided by size and materials used for their manufacture.

The essence of hydrodynamic cleaning

Cleaning the sewer in a hydrodynamic way is a mechanical method of processing the internal cavities of the pipe.In this case, special equipment is used to create a high-pressure water jet - up to 200 atmospheres.

Hydrodynamic cleaning does not take much time

Under such pressure, the pipe becomes practically new, there are no raids left in it. Moreover, they do not form in the future for quite a long time.

The principle of operation of hydrodynamic equipment:

• A hose with a special nozzle is inserted into the beginning of the pipe;
• Turn on the power;
• A water jet under pressure pushes the hose with a nozzle forward along the pipe.

Thus, there is a complete and thorough cleaning of the pipe from plaque and other blockages. Moreover, the jets of water come out in two opposite directions, which allows you to clean the pipe in both directions. A person can only control the location of the hose. To do this, he must constantly hold it and contribute to its advancement, first forward, then backward.

What tools are used for serious blockages

Cleaning machines come in three different operating modes:

1. Mechanical with a gasoline or electric motor.
2. Hydrodynamic with the same engines.
3. High pressure machines are mostly electric.

There are also industrial vehicles, based on trucks, designed to clean the main sewer pipes of large diameter, but their operation does not affect residents.

mechanical cleaning

Mechanical cleaning of pipes is carried out using a specialized machine, the principle of which is in many ways similar to working with a manual cable to eliminate blockages. The difference is that the same cable, only of greater length, is wound on a drum hidden in the casing of the device.When the motor is turned on, the cable begins to rotate, and the drum unwinds. For greater efficiency, various clog-breaking devices are included with the machine - spirals and cutters.

Rotating, the cable gradually reaches the blockage and crushes it, the device is removed when the reverse mode is turned on. After this procedure, it is necessary to supply a large amount of clean water to the pipe, which flushes out the blockage. If necessary, the cleaning procedure is repeated several times.

Mechanical cleaning allows you to get rid of blockages caused by the germination of tree rhizomes through a drainpipe. A cutter is installed at the end of the cable. It gradually cuts through all foreign objects as the device works inside the pipe.

Hydrodynamic pipe cleaners

The principle of hydrodynamic machines is based on the impact of a powerful water jet on the inner walls drainpipe. The device is a durable long hose with a cap at the end, which has thin outlets - nozzles. The hose is connected to a powerful transfer pump, which is either connected to the plumbing system or to another source with plenty of clean water.

The free end of the hose is immersed in the pipe, after which the machine is turned on to start working. Under high pressure, water is supplied through a hose directly to the outlet nozzles of the handpiece located in the pipe. The design of the nozzles is such that powerful jets hit not only directly, but also behind them in several jets at an angle to the axis of motion. Thanks to this, the hose is pushed forward by itself according to the principle of jet propulsion, and powerful jets completely clean the inside of the pipe.

Electric devices for cleaning the sewer system

The machines listed above are designed for frequent professional use, so they have a powerful engine, most often gasoline, a large mass and high cost. If you want to get rid of the blockage on your own, you can do it quite effectively with the help of similar household electric machines. Owners of private houses often have their own electric high-pressure cleaners, which can clean the sewers just as effectively.

High pressure machines

The principle of operation of these devices is similar to the operation of hydrodynamic machines. To convert a high pressure washer to a pipe cleaner, you need to purchase a long hose with a nozzle nozzle and follow all the same procedures that are required for a hydrodynamic cleaner. The difference can only be a longer cleaning process due to a less powerful machine motor.

Advantages of the hydrodynamic method

Flushing of sewer pipes water has a lot of undeniable advantages. Of which can be distinguished such as:

• The pipeline is cleaned qualitatively, while any plugs are destroyed and plaque is removed.
• The process does not require a lot of time.
• Pipes are not destroyed - the process is carried out carefully, the integrity of the inner surface of the pipes is not violated, the service life is not reduced.
• Such cleaning is environmentally friendly, no chemicals are used during its implementation.
• The sewerage layout can be any.
• This method can not only remove blockages, but also defrost the pipeline.

After such cleaning of the pipe walls have pristine purity, that is, not a gram of dirt will remain on them.

On a note!

Clean pipes are not so prone to clogging, the thing is that deposits accumulate more slowly on a smooth surface.