Modern plumbing cable

Varieties of cables

Cables have a common name in all cases. They differ in thickness, length and the type of tip that helps to remove blockages. Starting from the smallest, cords are divided into several types.

Galvanized steel wire rope

Thickness 6 mm, length 5 m. Popular among residents of apartments and private houses, it solves problems with most blockages. It is lightweight, durable, even an inexperienced person can use it.

Steel cable 25 m long and over 13 mm thick

It is made in the form of a spiral, the material for which is a wire with a diameter of 1.8 mm.

One end is made in the form of a curved handle. It is considered a professional tool, it cracks down on even the most difficult operational and mechanical blockages.

60 meter steel cable 16 mm thick

A 3 mm thick wire wraps around a strong rod. The design allows you to adjust the rigidity of the rod, which allows it to get into the most inaccessible corners of sewer pipes. Manual rotation is physically impossible, so these options are equipped with an electric motor.

Rope for cleaning plumbing pipes

Plumbing cable: instruction manual

There are three stages plumbing work. Preparatory work.

This stage comes before using the cable. It includes the following items:

• Tool View. This makes it possible to identify possible product defects;
• It is determined whether the handle is securely fixed;
• If necessary, the sleeve that is on the handle is lubricated;
• If there is an unsuitable replacement nozzle, it must be replaced with a new nozzle.

Pipe cleaning work. In order for all the work to be successful, you must use some instructions:

• Remove the siphon from the sink;
• One end of the cable is lowered into the sewer pipe, and the other, twisted into a ring, is held tightly in the hands;
• Gently press down and scroll the cable simultaneously through the pipe. In this way, it will be possible to quickly overcome the bends of the system. However, the cable can be rotated as soon as it is convenient. But you should not change the direction of the cable until the very end of the work;
• Occasionally, it is necessary to pull the cable out of the pipe and clean it of debris;
• If you feel that the cable has come across a blockage, you need to increase the speed of rotation of the cable. If there is a hook, you can pry off the garbage and pull it out;
• When the debris is removed, it is necessary to turn on hot water and flush the sewer, first with a small, and then with a strong pressure of water.

Rope sewer cleaning

What is the reason that the pipes are clogged?

Depending on the type of drain and how long ago you installed the new sewer system, it can become clogged at any time. Even if you are very careful when draining water and washing dishes, there is no guarantee that a neighbor's child will not drop a toy, ball, or something else into the plumbing. Some housewives, pouring water into the toilet, drop a rag there

That is why it is very important that every home has a plumbing cable. It is with this device that you can professionally clean pipes for excellent water drainage.

Important! Despite the great abundance of various products that are sold in hardware stores for cleaning pipes, like "Mole", they do not give the same guarantee as a plumbing cable. Causes of blockage in pipes:

Causes of blockage in pipes:

• Reducing the diameter of the pipe due to the appearance of grease, dirt and limescale on the walls of the inner diameter. This disadvantage is often found on cast iron products.
• Disposal of items through a sewer pipe that are not intended for this purpose. Simply put, you have drained some part that is stuck in the pipe, has formed a plug and prevents the passage of water into the main.

Clearing the blockage

If water does not drain well (or does not drain at all) into the drain hole, it is necessary to clean the sewer pipes

What types of cables are, we figured out, it remains to understand how to use them. If the water does not drain well (or does not drain at all) into the drain hole, it is necessary to clean the sewer pipes.

All sanitary appliances in houses and apartments are connected to the sewerage system using siphons. To clean the pipeline, it is necessary to dismantle the siphon. However, there are cable models for which you can not dismantle the siphon. In addition to it, the sealing plug is removed from the outlet pipe. These parts should be washed, after which you can start cleaning in the following sequence:

1. The working end of the device is lowered into the drain hole of the sink or toilet bowl. If required, a special tip can be used.
2. The product is gradually pushed deep into the pipeline with gradual unwinding. In this case, it is necessary to rotate the handle of the device in one direction.
3. When the product reaches the blockage, you will feel that it has become more difficult to push through. To destroy the cork, perform pushes with the device, periodically pulling it out and cleaning it of dirt.
4. The blockage will gradually begin to break down. You will notice that the cable will be able to move further freely. In this case, you should continue to rotate it for some more time in order to completely eliminate all remnants of clogging. So you insure yourself against pushing the plug further into the system and blocking it in a new, deeper location.
5. You can check the quality of cleaning by draining a large amount of water into the sewer. If you use hot water for this, then at the same time you can flush the pipes from fatty deposits, which can lead to new blockages.
6. If the water drains well, then you can collect the siphon and install it in place. And the wire fixture must be prepared for storage. To do this, it is thoroughly washed, lubricated with an oily substance, carefully folded and packed in thick paper.

Important: do not store the cable in sealed plastic packaging so that it does not deteriorate. Video instructions for using a cable to clear a blockage in the sewer system of an apartment:

Video instructions for using a cable to clear a blockage in the sewer system of an apartment:

Types of blockages and their causes

Elimination of mechanical blockage

• Mechanical blockage. The reason for the occurrence of such blockages is carelessness or ignorance of the rules for operating the sewer. Such an emergency situation arises if some large thing is thrown into the toilet, which gets stuck in the pipe and interferes with the normal flow of sewage. As a rule, to eliminate this type of blockage, you have to disassemble the pipeline in order to find and remove the object, since the plumbing cable for cleaning the sewer is unlikely to destroy it, and the water will not be able to wash it off.
• Operational blockage. This type of clogging is due to the fact that during the normal operation of the sewer, grease, small food particles, hair, animal hair, fabric fibers, sand and other debris enter the pipes. All this can contribute to the fact that deposits will grow on the walls of the pipes from the inside. If this type of blockage has formed, then using a cable for cleaning sewer pipes, you can fix the problem.
• Technological blockage.This is the most problematic option, the cause of such blockages is either pipe wear or errors made during the design or installation of the system. Cleaning the sewer in this case is useless, blockages will form with enviable regularity. The only effective way out is to replace pipes or eliminate mistakes made.

Criterias of choice

Each cable is designed to clean sewer pipes in which a blockage has formed. On the modern market there is a fairly diverse range of these products, which differ in individual parameters and purpose.

To make the right choice, it is recommended to take into account their technical features.

Diameter. Based on the parameters of the sewer pipes, it is necessary to select a cable

At the same time, it is important that this device moves freely through the system, pushing through the resulting plug.
Length. The length of the spiral will directly determine how deep the device can descend.
A pen

It can have an L-shaped or Z-shaped handle.
The presence of a braid. The plastic braid protects the pipes from damage during the process of clearing blockages. It is especially relevant in the sewer system, which consists of modern plastic pipes.
Material. The best option is a stainless steel cable, which is characterized by durability and resistance to adverse factors. This material perfectly retains its qualities even after repeated use, as it is characterized by increased wear resistance.
Rigidity. The higher the level of rigidity of the product, the more convenient it is to use it during cleaning.
Device type.It is recommended to choose a cable taking into account the peculiarities of its further operation.

When purchasing a cable, it is worth carefully choosing its cross section. In most cases, it is the right section that ensures the quick and effective removal of blockages, as well as maintaining the integrity of the sewer system.

For each pipe diameter, an individual version of this device is provided:

• up to 50 mm - cross section no more than 10 mm;
• 50-110 mm - section within 11-15 mm;
• more than 100 mm - section from 16 mm.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that a too thin cable with a cross section of about 4 mm can break during use, so this option can only be used to remove hair in plums. A spring cable is considered more professional. Its length starts from 25 meters and can reach 60 meters. The diameter of this specimen is 13 mm. This option is more functional and efficient, due to which it has a wide range of applications.

What types of blockages are eliminated

There are several ways to deal with blockages. But mechanical, with the help of a cable, is the most reliable. Chemical struggles with simple blockages, while you need to know the nature of the blockage, otherwise the reagent will not work

This is important when working in enterprises

Mechanical blockage

Occurs when a large clod of dirt gets inside the pipe. It can be as a separate item, such as a child's toy, clothes, dishes. So are products thrown away in a large piece. The sewer opening is clogged deep inside the pipe and the rest of the debris is stuffed on top. The more of the pipe is clogged, the more difficult it will be to clear it.In rare cases, the dismantling of the pipe is required, but most often, a sewer cable copes with this problem.

Operational blockage

Over time, the sewer pipe is overgrown with the accumulation of various fatty deposits. Sometimes the opening for the passage of waste becomes very narrow and the water begins to stagnate in the sink or toilet. Over time, she leaves, but this is a serious reason to call a plumber or clean the pipes on your own.

Technological blockage

They often occur when the sewer system is not properly installed, when non-professionals are engaged in the installation of plumbing equipment. This may not be the correct connection, the wrong slope of the pipes, the incorrectly calculated diameter of the drain holes. Cleaning with a cable will save for a certain time, but over time, it is better to redo the water supply and sewerage system.

What else do you need to know about plumbing cable?

Since you did not buy the cable to use it once, after cleaning it, prepare it for further storage. To do this, you need to properly clean the cable from dirt, hair and other contaminants.

Do not use a plastic bag for storage. Rolled up on a shelf near the rest of the tools will be the best option.

Also plumbing cables are made for cleaning chimneys and ventilation. Necessary nozzles are sold in the kit. By making the tool versatile, they save you time and money.

Buy a plumbing cable if you don't already have one. Clogging is common and can occur anywhere, and even where there was proper pipe care.It will be smart to purchase a proven device in advance. With a plumbing cable, you will quickly fix the problem.

Take your time and effort, choose the look you need on our website and order right now. In our assortment only high-quality products from reliable manufacturers.

Care and storage

The cable is bought for long-term operation. Metal will last for years, but like all iron, it comes with a risk of rust. Modern cables are treated with anti-corrosion compounds, but this does not save, since the main work is in the aquatic environment.

Basic care rules:

After finishing work, wipe the cable with a dry rag from the main contamination. Next, rinse in the tub with hot water. Be prepared for the fact that there will be a lot of dirt and then you will have to wash the bath, besides, a specific smell spreads.

Dry in an open space, you can on a balcony or a special room. It is advisable to periodically turn over to dry evenly.

For storage, place in a cardboard box or wrap in paper. The plastic bag should not be tightly rolled up, the rope is best stored outdoors.

You can store at sub-zero temperatures, but if the device is needed in winter, it must be kept in a warm room for 40-60 minutes for better flexibility. The best place is an insulated balcony or an interfloor pantry. Professionals store their tools indoors with all the equipment.

Varieties of cables

Depending on the purpose, and the complexity of the blockage, there are a couple of types of sewer cables.

Cable.The diameter for the tool is 6 mm, galvanized steel is used for manufacturing, and the optimal value does not exceed 5 meters (this is quite enough for an apartment sewer). The factory in most cases crimps the end to the cable, but it is practiced among plumbers to give it the shape of a brush, as this helps to extract wool, hair and other clogging conditions. This design is characterized by good characteristics, in particular, great strength, durability, excellent elasticity and flexibility. Thanks to these qualities, the cable passes freely into the pipe, bend or sewer joint. But there is also a significant minus - the rope cable is too soft, which is why it is unlikely to be able to cope with an important blockage.

Flexible plumbing cable, and flexible shaft or flexible hose. Such a device is much more ergonomic and efficient than a rope cable. The design is as follows: an iron spiral is wound over the steel core in 1 or a couple of layers. The permissible length of the product is 60 m, and the diameter is up to 28 mm.

Iron tape is also one of the types of plumbing cable. Available in a set with a tip and a handle. The length of the product reaches thirty meters, and the width - up to 25 mm.

Spring. The length of this type of cable is 6 meters, and the diameter is 9 mm. In accordance with the discharge, it can be called household, and its design is based on a hollow steel spring.

Stretch. The design of the plumbing spring cable is represented by a flexible shaft wrapped in spring-type wire. It was called tension due to the fact that during the turn of the handle it becomes hard, like a rod.This tool is experienced, because it can cope with difficult blockages, which turned out to be beyond the power of a conventional cable. A special drum is used to carry and store all-metal and steel cables in a vinyl sheath.

Electric cables, externally similar to a whole installation, are used to clean a sewer pipe of enormous diameter. The electric model from the outside looks like a cable, equipped with a tip and a pistol grip, wound on a special drum. Such a tool is able to clean any pipe, except for the most severe blockage.

The price of a plumbing cable for clearing sewer blockages is mostly influenced by the model and the selected manufacturer.

Causes and types of sewer blockages

Blockages are caused not only by gross violations of the rules for using plumbing (removing rags, polyethylene, paper, sand, and other foreign objects into the drain), but also by ordinary use, in which hair, wool, threads, food debris, etc. get into the pipes.

In addition, fatty deposits form plaque in communications, regardless of compliance with the rules for using plumbing and the type of waste being disposed of.

Owners of new plumbing systems made of plastic (PVC) elements are not immune from clogging either - with the ideal smoothness of the internal surfaces of such pipes, even plaque and deposits form in them.

If it is not possible to eliminate the blockage with the help of special chemistry, and it is not possible to call a plumber, you have to use a plumbing cable.

In both cases, the use of a plumbing cable is necessary to clean the sewer.

Types of plumbing cables

There are three main types of equipment for cleaning sewer pipes:

• rope cable;
• spring-wound cable;
• spring cable.

Rope rope

certain weedy areas

These qualities help the cable to pass almost unhindered through all pipes, bends and joints of the sewer, which is connected to the plumbing equipment of the apartment. The end of the cable rope is crimped to prevent the possibility of wire unraveling. Usually, the tip of the cable is broken, and a brush-like shape is obtained, it helps to pull hairballs out of the pipeline, which are the main source of clogging. When using a rope cable in your apartment, it is better to give preference to a cable that has a length of 2.5 to 5 meters. More length is not needed, due to the fact that the riser rarely exceeds 5 meters in length. Due to the excessive softness of the wire rope, it is less effective in dealing with more difficult blockages.

Spring-wound cable

A spring-wound cable is a device with a diameter of at least 9 mm. It is a spiral wound structure, and the spiral is necessarily hollow inside. Also, the cable is equipped with a handle having a curved shaft design. The purpose of the spring-wound cable extends to cleaning the sewer pipelines of an apartment or house.

Due to the fact that the spring-wound equipment is very elastic, it easily copes with all obstacles in its path. Basically, such steel cables for household use are not equipped with special nozzles.The cable ends with a tip or bend, with which it is easier for it to move inside the sewer pipes.

spring cable

The spring cable is professional equipment and should only be used by plumbers. It is used to punch through very difficult blockages. The material for the manufacture of this cable is a spring-wire. The cable can have a diameter of 13.5 mm and 16 mm. Its length can be from 25 to 60 m. The material for spring equipment with a diameter of 13.5 mm is non-galvanized steel wire with a cross section of 2 mm. A cable with a diameter of 16 mm is used exclusively by professional professionals to eliminate serious blockages.

The spring cable must be equipped with a handle, which is used as a tensioner. When tensioned, the cable spring becomes especially rigid, due to this, it is possible to achieve effective punching of blockages and cleaning of sewer communications.

clogging of sewer pipestoilets

Before going to the store

Blockage is temporary, but it occurs regularly. It will be necessary to punch periodically even with proper operation of plumbing. The cable does not take up much space, it can be stored on a glazed balcony or a pantry on the floor. But if there is no desire to store the cable, call the plumbers - they will come with a professional tool.

How to choose a device for cleaning pipes? What you need to know before going to the store:

• the approximate length from the kitchen sink to the riser, more often it is 5-6 meters;
• the diameter of the pipe, the larger it is, the wider the cable;
• pipe bends, not all cables go through turns well;
• consult a plumber, especially if the house is private and self-built.
• the weight of the cable, with the same parameters, choose the one that is lighter.

For not difficult cleanings, an inexpensive option, spring or spring-wound, is suitable. These models are also suitable for complex sewer systems, with many bends. For complex blockages, cables with a core and various tips are suitable.

The best professional plumbing cables

Such models are characterized by a large diameter and high strength. They are designed for regular use, are not afraid of constant contact with aggressive media and are compatible with various types of nozzles.

Crocodile 50310-13-30

5

★★★★★
editorial score

100%
buyers recommend this product

The model is equipped with a universal nozzle with an anodized coating, which eliminates the possibility of corrosive media damaging the metal and causing corrosion. With its help, the owner can eliminate up to 80% of blockages. The main material of manufacture is high carbon steel.

The length of the cable is 30 m, the diameter is 13 millimeters. The kit includes a "floating" handle, providing comfortable operation regardless of the depth of immersion. The cable does not twist in the pipe, does not fold into a knot and retains its quality characteristics for a long time.

Advantages:

• high strength;
• protective covering;
• universal nozzle;
• comfortable grip.

Flaws:

high price.

The Crocodile cable is suitable for working on various sections of the pipe. The right solution for clearing blockages and removing foreign objects.

Spex STU-SN-16-15

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

95%
buyers recommend this product

The model has a steel core, which provides resistance to twisting and breaking. It is not afraid of a large mechanical load and is equipped with a universal mount.One of 19 nozzles can be fixed on the cable, which greatly expands the range of its application.

Rope diameter - 16 mm, length 15 meters. The device has a Spex-Handle, which, if necessary, can be moved along its entire length for more convenient work.

Advantages:

• high strength;
• many nozzles;
• comfortable grip;
• long length;
• steel core.

Flaws:

heavy.

Spex STU-SN-16-15 is designed to clear difficult blockages. The reliable choice for heavy duty applications.

Vibromash VGS-20

4.9

★★★★★
editorial score

93%
buyers recommend this product

The model has a dense layer-wound structure, due to which it is characterized by high strength and resistance to high tensile loads. The Z-handle allows you to properly hold the attachment and reduces fatigue during intensive use.

With a diameter of 20 millimeters, the length of the cable is 40 m. A special punch-type tip facilitates the removal of blockages. The cable retains its original appearance and properties for a long time, does not twist or unravel.

Advantages:

• high strength and durability;
• long length;
• drill tip;
• comfortable to hold.

Flaws:

very large weight - 80 kilograms.

The Vibromash cable is designed for cleaning industrial pipes and fighting old deposits.

Santechkrep 437678

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

88%
buyers recommend this product

The design of Santechkrep is a rigid spiral, mounted on a strong rod. The diameter of the spring wire is 3 mm. It is not afraid of high breaking load and mechanical damage. To improve the penetrating ability, a metal knob is provided.

The total diameter of the cable is 16 millimeters, but the length is only 2 m. A special handle allows you to increase the tension to the optimum. Adjustment is carried out using wrenches of two types.

Advantages:

• high strength and durability;
• protective covering;
• the presence of a tensioner;
• comfortable grip.

Flaws:

• small length;
• requires the use of additional tools.

Santechkrep is used to remove the most difficult blockages in short pipe sections. A good choice for regular professional use.

Wicavo 10/15

4.8

★★★★★
editorial score

87%
buyers recommend this product

The simple and robust design makes the Wicavo cable resistant to high mechanical loads and has a long service life. The extended handle makes it easy to grip, guaranteeing comfort during intensive use of the device.

The cable is 15 meters long and 10 mm in diameter. Reinforced tip easily removes foreign objects from the pipe. If necessary, you can quickly change the nozzle.

Advantages:

• good margin of safety;
• comfortable grip;
• reinforced tip;
• quick nozzle change.

Flaws:

thin handle.

Wicavo 10/15 is suitable for regular cleaning of pipes with a diameter of 50-75 millimeters.