Removing Blockages in Pipes

An efficient drainage system is key to preventing leaks and foul odors. However, in reality, drains often become clogged with solid waste, causing plumbing fixtures to drain poorly.

Whether it’s the kitchen or the bathroom, a clogged pipe situation can cause real panic. Usually, the cause is neglect of small everyday problems that, if left unattended, can have serious consequences. What are the ways to clean sewer pipes and keep them clean in everyday life?

Which areas get clogged most often?

In smooth channels without drops and changes in shape, deposits are unlikely. Blockages usually occur where the configuration is complex. If the drains are not draining well, the following areas are most likely to blame:

• A device with a water seal designed to prevent odors from entering the sewer. It has a significant bend that can become clogged – fat, hair and dirt accumulate there.
• Curves and branches in the drainage system. Grease deposits, toilet paper and other debris can settle at these points. If the flow is weak, it will eventually create a blockage that is difficult to clear.
• Horizontal pipe sections: If they are level or slightly inclined, the flow rate is slowed down, which can lead to waste accumulation.

Sewage systems in multi-story buildings are designed to prevent clogging. Often, problems arise due to design or installation errors, as well as design changes during use. For example, lack of slope, deformation of pipes, and other damage often serve as a place for dirt accumulation.

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Common Causes of Blockages

Wastewater drainage problems can be a real headache for homeowners. Solving these issues requires careful analysis and understanding of the causes of blockages. The main factors that cause them in different parts of the system are:

• The area around the kitchen sink and dishwasher drain is where fatty deposits accumulate from washing dirty dishes, as well as food and packaging debris.
• Washing machine drain outlet – checking the filter and pump inside the device is a priority. If it is clean, then the search should be continued in the pipeline system.
• Sink or bathtub drain – most often clogged due to accumulation of hair and small objects in the siphon.
• Toilet – Rarely a problem, but may become blocked by foreign objects or toilet paper.
• If the problem is observed at all points simultaneously, you should pay attention to the condition of the sewer pipes as a whole.

Once the source of the problem has been identified, you can use one of the available methods to independently eliminate the blockage in the pipe. However, if it is serious or difficult to remove, it is better to call professionals with the appropriate equipment to your home to avoid damage to the sewer system.

Self-cleaning

When faced with everyday difficulties, their solution is often possible without involving specialists. The following actions are used:

It is necessary to prepare a container to collect the waste that will flow out when dismantling the siphon. Disconnect the device from the utilities by unscrewing the clamps. Carefully remove it and empty the accumulated liquid into the prepared container. Seal the sewer hole using available materials to prevent unpleasant odors from entering the room. Remove dirt using a rag, sponge or stiff brush. It is permissible to use chemical household cleaning products for home sewage systems. Thoroughly rinse the siphon under running water or in a container with clean water.

Using a plunger requires precision and accuracy. It is necessary to pour water through the drain. Then you need to install the tool so that it completely closes the hole. After that, you should press it tightly to the surface and press the handle with force. A sharp jerk is made upward, separating the plunger from the plumbing. The appearance of debris indicates that the clog in the pipe being removed is partially destroyed. The actions are repeated 5-10 times. Sometimes they resort to the help of a vacuum cleaner. 

Mechanical blockages in pipes cannot always be eliminated by conventional means, such as a plunger. In such cases, the intervention of chemical reagents that can combat old deposits inside sewer systems will help. These substances produce a gas-forming effect, which leads to the separation and dissolution of dirt in pipes and other elements of plumbing networks. Popular cheap and safe options include mixtures of baking soda with vinegar, solutions based on citric acid and vinegar, as well as specialized products such as “Mole” and its analogues, which allow you to eliminate problems.

Classic hot water cleaning is suitable mainly for kitchen plumbing. First, you need to prepare boiling water in a kettle or other container. Then you should pour it into the sink drain hole and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, it is recommended to flush the sewer and siphon with running water. It is necessary to take into account that hot water can lead to deformation of plastic elements and breakage of the siphons themselves. 

Cleaning the sewer system using mechanical means. If the plumbing in the apartment has been checked for blockages in the siphons and other elements, but the water still drains poorly, most likely the problem lies in the blockage of the pipes. In this case, a plumbing cable will be an indispensable assistant. Before starting work, you should get protective gloves and a respirator. It is necessary to dismantle the siphon or disconnect the corrugated hose from the toilet to provide access to the sewer system. Insert the end of the cable into the hole and move it forward until you encounter an obstacle – a bend in the pipe or the plug itself. Then try to destroy the blockage using rotational or reciprocating movements.

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Professional Cleaning Methods

Plugs that are resistant to conventional cleaning agents and hard-to-reach bends in pipes make it difficult to use a cable system. To prevent damage to the system and effectively remove the obstruction, it is recommended to seek help from a specialized service that will perform the work efficiently and in a short time. Professional methods for cleaning sewer systems include:

• Internal and external mechanical cleaning is carried out using powerful electrical equipment that can easily cope with solid deposits inside pipes.
• Hydrodynamic method – involves the use of water under high pressure to clean the system without harming its elements and effectively combat blockages.
• Chemical drain cleaning is based on the use of specialized chemical reagents, unlike household detergents, which only bind fat on surfaces.
• Thermal steam cleaning – involves the use of heat treatment units of varying power.

Benefits of professional cleaning

Thorough inspection. Clogging of pipes can be caused by many factors: foreign bodies, improper installation of plumbing or deformation of pipes. Using video monitoring or other inspection methods used by specialists, it is possible to identify the source of the problem and select the optimal cleaning method, as well as accurately localize the location of the clog.

Wide range of equipment. Craftsmen use chemical reagents, devices for hydrodynamic cleaning, a set of plumbing cables and other devices in their work. This ensures the efficiency of work and reduces the time to eliminate the problem.

Professionalism. Amateur attempts to clear a blockage in plastic pipes can lead to damage and the need for expensive repairs. Professionals handle the sewer system carefully, ensuring its cleanliness without harming the pipe material.

Efficiency. Finding a solution and suitable means can take a considerable amount of time, during which time the use of plumbing becomes impossible. A specialized team quickly arrives at the scene of the call, which significantly reduces the discomfort from a malfunction of the sewer system.

Conclusion

Clogged sewers are a serious problem that requires special attention. It is recommended to contact sewer service specialists who perform scheduled inspections and clear blockages under a contract. By handing over the care of plumbing to qualified workers, the homeowner will get clean pipes without the need for personal involvement, wasting time and nerves.