How to remove fat from sewer pipes: industrial and folk remedies

• How to clean a pipe with your own hands
• Causes of blockages
• Dry cleaning
• Mechanical cleaning
• Hydrodynamic flushing
• Traditional methods
• Conclusion

Recently, plastic pipes have been widely used for water supply and sewerage in houses or apartments. This is not surprising, plastic material does not rust, it is resistant to temperature changes, quite durable, and, most importantly, working with plastic pipes is much easier than with metal ones. But, as always happens with sewerage, over time it becomes clogged, and a blockage in a plastic pipe is not something out of the ordinary.

Causes of blockages

The sewer pipe is susceptible to blockages in almost all places in the kitchen or bathroom. But some of its sections are located in an area with a particularly high risk. The latter includes:

• Kitchen sink outlet. This is due to the fact that food residues often end up in the drain after washing dishes. They quickly accumulate in the exhaust pipe, subsequently causing the pipeline system to instantly become clogged.
• Siphon in a private house. Various debris (including rust) gradually accumulates at its bottom, which is why the liquid level in the tube often exceeds the norm.
• Toilet release.
• The connection point between the sewer pipe and the riser.

All causes of blockages can be divided into 2 groups. The first is directly related to the human factor: accidental entry of foreign elements and food debris into the sink. If a blockage in the pipeline occurs suddenly, then it is worth checking for large objects (for example, a washcloth) in it. Sometimes the drain becomes clogged from the toilet if there is no retaining mesh in its opening. In addition, it is worth mentioning the unprofessional installation of the pipeline system: incorrect slope, use of cement when installing the toilet.

The second group of causes of blockages are natural, which do not depend on human activity. The most common among them:

• soil shrinkage;
• rust accumulation;
• depreciation of equipment;
• severe freezing of the sewer system;
• mechanical damage to the pipeline.

Fat film is an excellent substrate for the development of microorganisms and molds Source strojdvor.ru

Conclusion

All of the above remedies cope quite successfully with blockages in pipes, and which method to use depends only on how complex the blockage is. But you need to keep in mind that if water stagnates in the sink, it does not necessarily have to be a clog. Perhaps the strainer is simply clogged, which can be cleaned by hand from accumulated debris, or there is an old siphon on the sink that has accumulated too much plaque - then it just needs to be replaced.

It is also a good idea to periodically carry out preventive procedures. Just buy a couple of packets of chemical drain cleaner powder and follow the instructions. By carrying out this procedure 3-4 times a year, you can completely avoid problems with blockages. Then the excess deposits on the smooth surface of the plastic sewer pipe will be corroded, and all accumulations of fat and debris will go away with the water. And remember, if you are not confident in your abilities or are afraid of damaging something, it is better, of course, to call a specialist to your home.

What indicates the formation of a fat plug

The formation of a blockage in a sewer pipe can be suspected when common signs appear:

• The water in the washbasin, sink or bathtub drains too slowly;
• there was a stench coming from the drain hole.

Solving the main problem is possible only by eliminating its root cause. Most blockages in the pipeline are caused by the accumulation of grease remaining after washing dishes. A viscous mass accumulates on the pipe walls. Over time, various particles (mostly food residues) stick to the top. As a result, a strong plug is formed inside the pipe. It blocks the free passage of liquid through the pipeline system.

Helpful information! The rapid accumulation of fatty deposits inside the pipeline is facilitated by the minimum temperature of the water that flows in the pipes. In addition, the latter clog much faster if you periodically pour excessively greasy liquid down the drain and wash pots and other kitchen utensils with cold water (without using detergents).

Fatty deposits on the walls of the sewer system become denser over time and become overgrown with small debris and food debris Source konstanta.ru

Cleaning the outer and inner layers: eliminating all unnecessary

To perform the work, in addition to the trimmer or stripping device, you will need additional tools - a pencil (marker), a ruler (tape measure), a knife for cutting polymer pipelines. Stripping for reinforced pipes is carried out only after drawing up an installation diagram and preparing the workpieces.

Work order.

1. End trimming. The cut must be strictly perpendicular to the plane.
2. Degreasing. The surface can be cleaned with a weak solution of cleaning agent.
3. Before stripping, you need to measure the fitting depth. This can be done with a ruler or tape measure. There is an external depth indicator on the surface of the fitting.
4. Mark the processing height on the pipe; it should be 1-1.5 mm greater than the depth of the fitting.
5. Trimming is performed by rotating the tool so that it is fixed on the outer plane of the pipe. The blades should be parallel to the end.

Before starting work, it is recommended to do several test solderings. To do this, you can use PPR pipe cuttings. Fittings must be the same brand as for the entire mains system. After welding, the position of the pipe relative to the plane of the fitting and the tightness of the connection are checked. Due to the peculiarities of the location of the foil layer, universal stripping devices are not always suitable for pipes from a specific manufacturer. The solution is to buy trim from the pipe manufacturer or its official representative.

How to get rid of fat in pipes

A blockage in a pipeline is an extremely unpleasant phenomenon that creates great inconvenience when using your own home or apartment. This problem can be solved using different methods: using special compounds, improvised substances, professional hydrodynamic washing, mechanical cleaning. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and is more suitable in one case or another.

Chemicals

In difficult situations, cleaning sewer pipes from grease is carried out with special preparations designed for such a procedure. They come in different forms (tablets, powders, liquid), but they always contain an alkaline component. During the interaction of such compounds with fat deposits, a violent chemical reaction is observed, which over time leads to the complete dissolution of unnecessary accumulations. The remains then go down the drain under strong water pressure after turning on the tap.

Particular attention should be paid to products with a pronounced antiseptic effect. Their packaging usually contains o. Such mixtures contain beneficial bacteria that eliminate the real cause of bad odor.

"Mole"

Cheap, highly sought after grease breaker for sewerage. It is produced in powder form (with an antibacterial effect) and also in liquid form. On the market of modern household chemicals there are many products (from different manufacturers) with the name “Mole”. Therefore, the results of their use vary slightly. However, many users prefer to buy this particular drug.

Method of use:

• Pour or pour the contents of the package into the hole.
• Wait two to three hours.
• Rinse the pipeline generously with hot water.

The popularity of using the Mole cleaning product is due to its ease of use and affordable cost Source montagtrub.ru

"Bagi Pothan"

Belongs to highly effective products that can eliminate food waste, paper inclusions, limescale or grease deposits. Using this composition, you can clean the sewer in just a couple of minutes. But it is extremely important to adhere to safety measures.

How to use:

• If possible, open the windows and completely remove the liquid from the sink.
• Holding the drug at arm's length, open the package and quickly pour in the contents.
• Pour 300 ml of heated water into the drain hole.
• Wait a few minutes.

If this chemical does not work immediately, it can be reapplied.

The powerful and effective remedy “Bagi Pothan” clears most blockages without much physical effort or the use of a plumbing cable Source netzasory.ru

"Mister Muscle"

It is produced in the form of granules or thick gel. The latter is able to penetrate into a problem area, even if the sink is filled with liquid. The blockage is usually cleared within 15 minutes.

Mode of application:

• Pour half of the packaging capacity into the pipeline.
• Wait a quarter of an hour.
• Thoroughly rinse off any remaining fat deposits with hot water.

Attention! “Mr. Muscle” is a fairly caustic chemical; if it comes into contact with unprotected skin, it can cause a severe burn.

The “Mr. Muscle” product completely cleans clogged and poorly flowing drain pipes, destroys microbes, and eliminates unpleasant odors Source chocomart.kz

Features of the material

When choosing a stripping method, you need to consider the end of the pipe. In standard wiring for cold and hot water supply and heating, the reinforcing layer is located in the middle, between the outer and inner layers. In older models it is located closer to the outside, protected from external influences by a thin layer of polymer. Its main function is not to increase reliability, but to reduce the thermal expansion of the pipeline.

Based on this, the following features of stripping for polypropylene pipes can be distinguished:

• The internal reinforcing layer will not be removed, but only the ends will be cleaned. This is necessary for soldering polypropylene.
• With an outer layer of aluminum, complete cleaning of the surface to a depth of 2 mm is necessary. The foil layer at the junction with the coupling is completely removed.
• Pipes without reinforcement do not need to be stripped or trimmed.

Removing part of the aluminum foil is necessary for all types of coatings - uniform and perforated. The reason is that metal heats up and cools down faster than plastic. In the contact zone, inhomogeneous crystallization may occur at the boundary with aluminum, which will lead to loss of mechanical resistance.

Video description

Do-it-yourself sewer cleaning.

Biological products

They are produced in the form of mixtures and contain live microorganisms. The latter decompose various organic compounds into carbon dioxide and water. Using such preparations, you can destroy most of the fat accumulations in the grease trap. Additionally, biological agents remove unpleasant odors. Moreover, the bacteria included in their composition are absolutely safe for humans and the natural environment.

With the help of biological products, it is possible to quickly return the sewage system to normal. This happens due to the elimination of waste and improvement of the quality of their purification. Most of these products should be dissolved in warm water (within 25-30°C). The required amount of liquid is selected according to the manufacturer's instructions.

On the eve of the initial use of biological products, it is recommended to thoroughly clean the pipeline system using a hydrodynamic or mechanical method. A well-performed procedure will allow you to remove large inclusions and partially get rid of fat.

A solution from biological preparations is prepared immediately before use, since during prolonged storage it quickly loses its beneficial properties.

The main advantages of modern biological products are long-lasting, environmentally friendly Source vodograi.org

Folk remedies

When a problem arises with water draining into the sink, there is no need to immediately turn to expensive chemical compounds. At first, it is better to try to remove grease from the drain with home remedies.

Soda

It is moderately effective and can rid the pipeline of small fatty deposits. You need to pour a glass of soda powder into the drain hole, then pour in the same amount of hot water and leave for two to three hours. This method can be used even if metal pipes are clogged.

Soda is an excellent natural cleaner, antiseptic and disinfectant that does not irritate the respiratory tract and does not cause allergies Source azertag.az

Chlorine

Another way to get rid of grease from sewers is to use household chemicals containing a high percentage of bleach. Among such compositions, whiteness is considered the most popular. It must be poured into the drain, and after a couple of hours, rinse the pipes thoroughly. To perform this procedure efficiently, you will need a large volume of solution (about two to three liters).

Whiteness is a ready-made, effective product for cleaning sewer pipes and siphons; it is suitable for pipes made of different materials Source dezinsept.com.ua

Which product to choose for cleaning pipes

Most drain cleaners are universal, meaning they can be used for any type of clog. However, in some cases special chemistry is needed. There are two types of products on sale:

• Alkaline - to dissolve fatty deposits. These are most often used in the kitchen.
• Acid-containing - for splitting animal hair, hair plugs and removing soap scum. Good for cleaning bathroom drains.

Plastic pipes require more frequent maintenance - they should be cleaned at the first sign of blockage.

It is also necessary to follow the instructions for use and dosage of the reagent. Neglecting these rules can lead to the destruction of pipe walls.

In addition, drugs may have different concentrations of active substances. The shorter the recommended time indicated on the package, the more effectively the product works. Less active formulas are usually labeled “for prevention.” They are useless if there is a serious blockage.

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Video description

How to clear a clogged sink at home.

Mechanical cleaning methods

In situations where even strong chemicals will be useless against blockages in the sewer, you should resort to mechanical cleaning methods, in other words, independently put into practice various devices:

• Plunger. The rubber part of the device must be attached to the drain so that it fits snugly against the plumbing item. Then you should use progressive movements to increase the pressure in the pipeline. When it reaches a high value, it will help clear the pipe even from complex blockages. Such a small-sized instrument is convenient because it does not require much storage space.
• Plumbing cable. Its length can reach fifty meters. A hard brush is attached to one of its ends, the other is equipped with a comfortable handle. The device must be lowered into the pipe until it comes close to the plug. You can then begin cleaning by gently turning the handle. Performing such a procedure requires considerable physical effort. Remaining deposits are washed off with running water. To facilitate the described work, it is recommended to use an electric drill. This will significantly save energy and time.
• Steel tapes. They are used when large plugs form and allow you to get rid of blockages inside the sewer due to specific nozzles.

All mechanical methods only remove fat deposits. To properly disinfect pipes, you should use disinfectants.

The operating principle of a plunger is similar to a pump: it “pulls” water out of the pipe, destroying the dirt plug. Source cleanipedia.com

Why is cleaning necessary?

The principle of welding pprc pipelines is to heat the polymer material to a viscous state. Then the hot pipe comes into contact with the coupling, resulting in soldering of the joint. However, reliability may decrease if aluminum foil used for reinforcement is in the contact zone. There will be no contact of polymers in this place, which can lead to depressurization.

The solution is to clean the reinforced pipes. Its features are as follows:

• Removing the foil layer at the soldering site will not reduce the maximum pressure value.
• If this is not done, gradual destruction of the joint is possible. The risk increases with frequent water hammer in the water supply system.
• Older models of polypropylene pipes have an outer layer of foil. Their diameter is 1.8-2 mm larger than the standard one. Without stripping, the pipe will not fit into the coupling socket.

A similar technology is used for all types of polypropylene pipelines. An exception is the use of products with fiberglass reinforcement. When heated, it partially melts and does not reduce the reliability of soldering. But for such models it is necessary to increase the heating time depending on the diameter.

Professional cleaning

If you cannot normalize the functioning of the sewer system on your own, then it is recommended to seek the help of professionals. In their work they often use a powerful hydrodynamic device. It is a large diameter rubber pipe with a special tip attached to the end. Water is passed through it under enormous pressure (minimum 190 MPa). It has a powerful effect on the traffic jam and quickly removes it. Such equipment allows you to wash the most inaccessible places, very long pipes, including yard sewerage.

Professional devices include a special machine for removing blockages. It can be sectional or drum type, providing the opportunity to efficiently clean any type of sewer pipes. A simple option is a powerful unit that runs on gasoline. It is easy to move around the building, as well as around the local area.

For professional cleaning of the sewer system, several methods are used, requiring the use of special equipment and the involvement of trained specialists Source 771001.ru

Differences in clogs

In buildings of the Soviet and post-Soviet period, cast iron pipes were mainly used. They have both pros and cons. The main disadvantage is that during operation they are subject to corrosion. Often, inside cast iron pipelines, the walls become uneven due to build-ups that form from rust and plaque.

Since a cast iron pipe can become too narrow in any part of the structure due to corrosion, it is very difficult to determine the location of the problem. Due to this, cleaning will be difficult.

Most often, cast iron products clog in the area coming out of the sink inside the kitchen, or the area coming out of the toilet. In a cottage, the sewer can become clogged in almost any area, but cleaning it in a hard-to-reach place is not so easy.

In plastic sewer systems this can occur due to incorrect installation. For example, the required angle of inclination was not taken into account. In this case, plaque forms inside, which needs to be cleaned to avoid further clogging.

Preventive measures

In order not to subsequently solve complex problems associated with clearing blockages in the sewer, it is better to take care in advance of their normal condition of the pipeline system. This requires regular (about once every two to three months) use of a package of an effective cleaning mixture. It is allowed to be left inside the pipeline overnight. This will enhance the effect of powerful chemical cleaning. The frequency of this procedure is determined by the frequency of use of the sink.

It is also possible to use available home remedies as preventative medications: vinegar, baking soda powder. When used regularly, they will prevent the formation of blockages in the sewer pipeline system.

Since at low temperatures fat forms a film and accumulates on the walls of the pipes, it is better to rinse the latter and wash the dishes with warm water. Also, large food residues should not be allowed to get into the pipeline; they contribute to its rapid clogging.

Prevention

As you know, it is better not to let a problem arise, but to take care of the condition of the internal sewer pipes in your home regularly. To do this, it is enough to use one sachet of the chemical every 1-3 months. You can even leave it on overnight for the substance to work most effectively. The frequency depends on the intensity of use of the sink.

Also, improvised substances, such as the above-mentioned soda and vinegar, are also a good way to prevent blockages. They cannot cope with serious congestion, but they can easily prevent their occurrence. And further cleaning of the sewer from grease will become much easier.

Since grease forms a film and remains on the walls of pipes at relatively low temperatures, it is best to wash dishes or flush drain pipes with hot water, this will help dissolve the grease. It is advisable to avoid getting solid food debris into the drain, as this will clog it much faster.

Whiteness is a real savior

Previously, I used the most common “Whiteness” to wash pipes, since it contains chlorine, which is a universal cleaner and disinfectant. All you had to do was apply bleach and chlorine to the pipes for a while, and then wipe off the product first with a wet rag and then with a dry one.

But if the dirt is strongly ingrained into the surface of the pipes, then simply wiping them with “Whiteness” is not enough. Therefore, in this case, I wet a rag with it so much that it drips from it, and then I wrap this rag around the pipes. So she remains hanging on the pipe throughout the night. And then, in the old fashioned way, you just need to wipe the pipes first with a clean wet cloth and then with a dry one.

Expert advice

Do not use sulfuric acid (such as battery fluid) to clean pipes - it is unsafe to use and produces toxic compounds that can leach into drinking and shower water.

A favorite remedy for home plumbers, vinegar and baking soda are not effective for cleaning pipes.

Before cleaning, you should try to determine whether the entire system is clogged or whether only part of it is clogged - that should be cleaned.

Water meters can only be cleaned by flushing. You cannot clean it with a cable or chemically - you can damage the meter.

If there is a lot of plaque and it cannot be cleaned, it means that the meter is already 12-15 years old and you should think about replacing it.

After disassembling and reassembling part of the network, it is necessary to carry out hydraulic tests - fill the network with water and carefully check all joints for leaks.