Sewer pipe cleaners
From time to time, problems arise with the sewage system - the water passes through. You won't call a plumber every time - you have to wait a long time. In this case, the solution is to periodically use a remedy for blockages in the pipes. Processing takes a little time, and in return you get a properly working sewage system without unpleasant odors. This is like a bonus you get when you work with the "right" formulations. They also disinfect the insides of the pipes.
The content of the article
Forms of release and purpose
A remedy for blockages in pipes can be found in the following forms:
- liquid;
- thick gel;
- in powder form;
- granular.
The release form does not affect the properties. It has more impact on usability. If the drain is filled with water, it is more convenient to use gels. They are specially made dense, poorly soluble in water. If you squeeze such a gel into a drain filled with water, it will gradually settle down. And it will be just in the area where you need to act.
Which tool is more convenient
It is more convenient to pour a liquid remedy for blockages in pipes into the drain holes. It can be carefully poured inside without splashing. There are simply very caustic compounds. They damage enamel and ceramics. They can even harm the stainless steel.
It is also convenient to use granules - they are sufficiently loose, evenly distributed over the surface. They are often more convenient to use than powder formulations. All this is true, but when choosing a sewer pipe cleaner, pay more attention to its properties. The release form is secondary.
By appointment, there are three groups of compositions:
- For dissolving fat plugs. They should be used if the kitchen drain does not work.
- For dissolving hair. This is an ideal choice if your bathtub is clogged.
- Universal. They are good in situations where it is not possible to identify what the blockage can consist of. It is found in a common sewer pipe and most likely contains oil and hair.
It is these properties that should be paid attention first of all. How quickly you get rid of the problem depends on the right choice.
Most popular remedies
There are many different products on store shelves. One is more expensive, others are mere pennies. In this case, more expensive - not always - better. There are very budget options that do a very good job of cleaning sewer pipes.
Flop
Powder packaged in 60 gram bags. There are two types - filled with cold (green packaging) and hot (red bags) water. It is a universal pipe cleaner, it corrodes organics, fats, copes well with hair plugs. It is forbidden to use it for toilets.
Pour only into the drain, being careful not to get into the sink, bath or sink. The powder is very toxic even when dry. It is necessary to work with it in gloves and protective clothing. After pouring out the bag, add water, wait 15 minutes. During the reaction, turn on ventilation, do not bend over the drain, do not inhale vapors. Then rinse with cold water. The cork should dissolve. In extreme cases, it is possible to reuse the product. The third time is not recommended to use.Reviews of Flup are positive, high efficiency, low cost, ease of dosage are noted - usually one sachet is enough. Among the shortcomings - poisonous fumes, also in some cases corrodes plastic siphons (far from always, apparently some kind of plastic).
Bugs "Pothan"
Granular universal remedy for blockages in pipes. Very active and concentrated. It is necessary to remove water from the drain so that there is about 5 cm of dry pipe. Granules are carefully poured inside, pour a small amount of water. Do everything with an outstretched hand, turn your head away from the drain. Wait 3 minutes, then rinse with water.
The reaction is violent with the release of foam and poisonous gases. Effectively dissolves blockages located near the drain. The granules simply do not get deep into it. Among the shortcomings, it is noted that it is high in comparison with other means of price and a very poisonous smell.
Mole
A universal tool for cleaning blockages of pipes, granules are produced in bags, liquids or gel in a plastic bottle, poured / poured into the drain. The granules are filled with water (turn away during work and do not inhale). Leave on for 1-2 hours, then rinse.
In many reviews, the "Mole" pipe cleaner is called the most effective. It will dissolve most of the blockages, and at the same time has the lowest price in comparison with analogues. The disadvantage is the long exposure time, which is not always easy to organize. This tool is one of the leaders in its field, many of the consumers consider it the best.
Tiret Turbo
Liquid, gel or granules in a bottle. One bottle is enough for 2-4 times. It is poured into the drain, the manufacturer recommends leaving it for 5 minutes, then rinse with plenty of water. When it comes to reviews, they are mixed. The remedy helps some, but absolutely not. Reviews are divided approximately in half.
What everyone notes is a very unpleasant smell that is emitted in the kitchen. Perhaps this is due to the dissolution of fat or organic matter. Another thing that everyone notes is the high price and high expense of funds. Advantages include only a childproof lid (you can open it only by pressing the lid hard).
Candidate for the title "Best remedy for blockages in pipes" - "Mister Muscle" in granules
According to reviews, it is very effective, it works even with very difficult plugs in pipes, it corrodes everything except metal (fat, hair, organic matter), but does not damage pipes and siphons. On the positive side, there is no strong smell. It is almost imperceptible and while the granules are dry, and then during the reaction it remains unnoticeable.
Granules are poured into a pipe without water, filled with cold water. According to the recommendations, it is necessary to withstand them for 1-2 hours, but often the period is significantly increased (left overnight, for example).
Powder cannot be replaced by mechanical cleaning
As plumbers say, all chemicals are preventive. In this they have no equal. Regularly, about once a month, clean it with the composition you like, and the sewage system will work without problems. From the experience of other users, it must be said that processing should be carried out even when the flow deteriorates. If you notice that the water leaves more slowly - add / pour the product. The problem will go away and there will be no need to call a plumber.
Sometimes remedies for blockages in pipes can help with severe blockages, but not always. And this is not because the composition is bad, but because this type of blockage simply cannot be dissolved.For example, blockages after repairs, rags that have entered the sewer (sometimes they can corrode, but rarely), pieces of metal (beer cans, spoons, forks, etc.). All this can only be obtained by mechanical means, and it will be very difficult. If, in the presence of a similar plug, one of the chemicals is poured into the pipes, it will dissolve the fat deposited on the pipes, it will settle on the plug and turn it into a monolith. It is very difficult to remove such contamination. Only by long-term "picking" with a plumbing cable.
Terms of reference
All sewer pipe cleaners are active chemicals. They must be handled very carefully. Before use, be sure to read the instructions on the package. It usually contains all the required measures to protect your health. They may differ slightly but are generally standard:
- Turn on ventilation, open windows / doors.
- Wear rubber / plastic gloves, safety glasses.
- Avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes.
- Pour in powder / granules, pour in liquids and gels, keeping the product in an outstretched hand. Try to become so that the head is as far away from the drain hole as possible, into which you pour the active substance. If you are not wearing a respirator, try not to breathe. If, according to the instructions, you need to add water, add it by stretching your hand out and not breathing.
- Do not lean over the drain during reaction. It is advisable to leave the premises.
- First flush the pipes with water, opening with a thin stream - to avoid splashing the composition.
All of these recommendations are mandatory. Also, all these funds must be kept in a place where children cannot reach. Even containers (bags or bottles) emit a very strong chemical odor, so if possible they should be taken out immediately.
How safe is it for pipes
Recently, cast-iron sewer pipes have been installed less and less, plastic water supply and sewerage are widely used. Manufacturers of pipe blockages are aware of these trends and are developing formulations so that they do not damage plastic. Of all the above compositions, only Flup in some cases dissolves plastic parts (siphon glasses or corrugated hoses), with other brands of similar troubles do not happen. Although, it is possible that the destruction of plastic occurs with an increase in the recommended exposure period (for Flup it is 15 minutes).
To keep the elements of your sewer system safe, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. If after the first treatment the plug has not gone away, you can try to do the same a second time, and then, if there is no manufacturer's prohibition. Sometimes a blockage in a pipe does not dissolve because it is far away in the pipe. Then you need to either use a rope, or try to "push" the active substance further. To do this, after pouring the product into the pipes, take a plunger and “pump” the contents several times. During the "pumping" we focus on pushing further (press the pear down more sharply).
How to be the owners of private houses with septic tanks
What is the difference between the sewage system of a private house? The fact that the drains go to septic tanks or local treatment plants, and in them the processing takes place with the help of bacteria. After a large amount of active chemistry is released into the sewer, microorganisms die. After that, the cleaning quality drops significantly. We have to fill up the bacteria again and wait for the colony to multiply. It takes a month or more. What if during this time the sewer is clogged again? Repeat all over again? Overhead, and the smell on the site appears characteristic.
There is another solution. Do not use a traditional pipe blockage remedy, but pour bacteria into the sewer for cesspools. Prepare the solution according to the instructions, after which it is poured into the sewer.Do not use it for a day, if possible - more. During this time, bacteria recycle fats, plant residues and other deposits in pipes and wherever they (bacteria) are. In this case, neither plastic, nor metal, nor other materials are affected.
After such a cleaning of the sewage system of a private house in a septic tank or an autonomous sewage system, there are no problems. The bacteria live there similar, so this is a wonderful way. A major blockage may not take, but it will cope with a deterioration in the flow for sure. One important point: bacteria work at positive temperatures - from + 5 ° C.