How to clean a sewer pipe

Sewer clogs are a fairly common problem. Calling a plumber is usually expensive, but in many cases you can solve the problem on your own. Blockages are caused by various types of contamination, improper installation of pipes, and even their incorrect inclination. In addition, the cause may be a lack of proper pipe maintenance.

Sewers become clogged especially often in summer and autumn. This is due to the fact that a lot of water is consumed during this season, and much more garbage gets into the pipes. Therefore, it is better to prepare in advance and have tools on hand that will help remove the blockage.

How to break a pipe

The sewer pipe is used very intensively, so it often has to be repaired and cleaned. In order not to overpay for repairs, you need to know how to break a pipe yourself. This can be done using several devices:

• Metal drill. They are usually used to clean sewers or large outdoor drains.
• A small size hand rope that is suitable for removing clogs in the bathtub or sink.
• Cable hook. It may be required in cases where an object is stuck and cannot be pushed out.

In addition, for work at home, a simple object is often used - a plunger. It is indispensable in cases where the blockage is minor, for example, water in the sink or bath has stopped flowing due to a slight accumulation of small particles in the pipe. This device must be placed over the drain hole and pressed sharply vertically several times.

However, sometimes the use of these devices is not possible. Then the only option left is cleaning with chemicals.

The chemical can be alkaline or acidic; under no circumstances should they be mixed. The selected product is poured or poured into the pipe, left for about 20 minutes and washed off with hot water. Detailed instructions are usually indicated on the product label. All this must be done with glasses and gloves, since most of these substances are very caustic. However, many housewives use ordinary soda for cleaning.

How to clean sewer pipes in a private house

Blockages in private houses occur no less often than in apartments. There are different reasons: toilet paper, hair and animal fur that has fallen into the sewer, as well as accumulated fats. Moreover, this is not only grease from dishes, but also soap residues that gradually accumulate on the walls of the pipes. Sometimes, due to clogging of the drain, a damp smell.

There are several ways to clean communications in a private home. Chemical is convenient because the system does not need to be disassembled and the result is achieved quite quickly. However, if the large central pipe is clogged, this method will not work.

The mechanical method is universal, although more labor-intensive. It can be divided into two types: in the first case, the siphon is completely disassembled, in the second, special cleaning devices are used (for example, a cable or a plunger).

In private homes, a problem such as blockage due to frozen water often arises. Some people try to pour hot water inside, which in no case should be done: as it cools, it can only make the blockage wider. It is better to wrap a blanket around the sewer pipe and pour boiling water on top. This procedure is quite lengthy, but effective.

So it’s quite possible to deal with the blockage without the help of a specialist. Good cleaning products, a little skill - and the pipe will shine clean again.