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From time to time there are problems with the sewerage – the water passes through. You won’t call a plumber every time – you have to wait a long time for them. In this case, the way out is to periodically use a remedy for blockages in the pipes. Processing takes a little time, and in return you get a properly functioning sewer without unpleasant odors. This is like a bonus that you get when processing the “right” compounds. They also disinfect the insides of the pipes.
Forms of release and purpose
A remedy for blockages in pipes can be found in the following forms:
- liquid;
- thick gel;
- in powder form;
- granulated.
The release form does not affect the properties. More it affects the 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 zone where it is necessary to act.
Which tool is more convenient
It is more convenient to pour a liquid remedy for blockages in pipes into drain holes. It can be carefully poured inside without splashing. It’s just that there are very caustic compounds. They damage enamel and ceramics. They can even damage stainless steel.
It is also convenient to use granules – they are quite 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:
- To dissolve fatty plugs. They should be used if the drain in the kitchen does not work.
- To dissolve hair. This is the perfect choice if the bath is clogged.
- Universal. Good in situations where it is not possible to identify what the blockage may consist of. It is found in a common sewer pipe and most likely contains grease and hair.
These are the properties that you should pay attention to first of all. How quickly you get rid of the problem depends on the right choice.
Most popular means
There are a lot of 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.
Flup
Powder product packaged in bags of 60 grams. There are two types – filled with cold (green packaging) and hot (red bags) water. This is a universal pipe cleaner, corrodes organics, fats, copes well with hair plugs. It is forbidden to use for toilet bowls.
Pour only into the drain, trying not to get on the sink, bathtub or sink. The powder is highly toxic even when dry. It is necessary to work with him in gloves and protective clothing. Pouring out the bag, pour water, wait 15 minutes. During the reaction, turn on ventilation, do not lean over the drain, do not inhale fumes. Rinse afterwards with cold water. The cork should dissolve. In extreme cases, it is possible to reuse the tool. The third time is not recommended. Reviews about 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 (not always, apparently some kind of plastic).
Bugs “Pothan”
Granulated universal remedy for blockages in pipes. Very active and concentrated. Water must be removed from the drain so that there is about 5 cm of dry pipe. The granules are carefully poured inside, poured with a small amount of water. Do everything with an outstretched hand, turn your head away from the drain. Wait for 3 minutes, then rinse with water.
The reaction is violent with the release of foam and toxic gases. It effectively dissolves blockages located near the drain. The granules simply do not get deep. Among the shortcomings, its high price compared to other means and a very poisonous smell were noted.
Mole
A universal tool for clearing pipe blockages, granules are produced in bags, liquids or gel in a plastic bottle, poured / poured into the drain. The granules are filled with water (during operation, turn away and do not inhale). Leave on for 1-2 hours, then wash off.
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 compared to analogues. The disadvantage is a 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 for 5 minutes, then rinse with plenty of water. If we talk about the reviews, they are ambiguous. One tool helps, others – categorically not. Reviews are divided roughly in half.
What everyone notes is a very unpleasant smell that stands out in the kitchen. Perhaps this is due to the dissolution of fat or organics. Another thing that everyone notes is the high price and high consumption of funds. Of the advantages – only the lid with child protection (you can open it only by pressing hard on the lid).
Candidate for the title of “best remedy for blockages in pipes” – “Mr. Muscle” in granules
According to reviews, it is very effective, it works even with very difficult traffic jams in pipes, corrodes everything except metal (fat, hair, organic residues), but it does not damage pipes and siphons. As a positive point, the absence of a strong smell is noted. It is almost imperceptible while the granules are dry, and then during the reaction it remains hardly noticeable.
The granules are poured into a pipe without water, filled with cold water. According to the recommendations, they must be kept for 1-2 hours, but often the period is significantly increased (left overnight, for example).
Mechanical cleaning cannot be replaced with powder
As plumbers say, all chemicals are preventive. In this they have no equal. Regularly, about once a month, clean with the composition you like, and the sewer will work without problems. From the experience of other users, it must be said that the treatment should be carried out even when the flow deteriorates. We noticed that the water leaves more slowly – fill in / fill in the product. The problem will go away and there will be no need to call a plumber.
Sometimes pipe blockage products 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 got into the sewer (sometimes they can corrode, but rarely), pieces of metal (beer cans, spoons, forks, etc.). All this can only be obtained mechanically, and that will be very difficult. If, in the presence of a similar cork, one of the chemicals is poured into the pipes, it will dissolve the fat that has settled on the pipes, it will settle on the cork and turn it into a monolith. It is very difficult to remove such pollution. Only by prolonged “picking” with a plumbing cable.
Handling rules
All sewer cleaners are active chemicals. You have to handle them very carefully. Before use, be sure to read the instructions on the package. There are usually prescribed all the required measures to protect your health. They may differ slightly, but in general they are standard:
- Turn on ventilation, open windows / doors.
- Wear rubber/polyethylene gloves and goggles.
- Avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes.
- Pour powder / granules, pour liquids and gels holding the product at arm’s length. Try to stand so that the head is as far as possible from the drain hole into which you pour the active substance. If you are not wearing a respirator, try not to breathe. If, according to the instructions, it is necessary to add water, we also add it with our arms outstretched and without breathing.
- Do not lean over the drain during the reaction. It is advisable to leave the premises.
- Flush the pipes first with water by opening a thin stream – to avoid splashing the composition.
Wear gloves, be very careful
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 smell, so if possible they should be taken out immediately.
How safe for pipes
Recently, cast-iron sewer pipes have been installed less and less, plastic water supply and sewerage are widely used. Manufacturers of pipe cleaners 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), such troubles do not happen with other brands. Although, it is possible that the destruction of plastic occurs with an increase in the recommended exposure time (for Flup it is 15 minutes).
To secure the elements of your sewer system, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If after the first treatment the cork has not gone away, you can try to do the same a second time, and then if there is no manufacturer’s ban. Sometimes the blockage in the pipe does not dissolve because it is far away in the pipe. Then you must either use a cable, or try to “push” the active substance further. To do this, after the agent has been poured into the pipes, they take a plunger and “pump” the contents several times. During the “pumping” we focus on pushing further (press the pear down sharper).
How to be the owners of private houses with septic tanks
What is the difference between the sewerage of a private house? The fact that wastewater goes to septic tanks or local treatment plants, and in them processing takes place with the help of bacteria. After descending into the sewer a large amount of active chemistry, microorganisms die. After that, the quality of cleaning drops significantly. You have to fill in the bacteria again and wait until the colony multiplies. This takes a month or more. What if during this time the sewer clogs again? Repeat all over again? It is unprofitable, and the smell on the site appears characteristic.
There is another solution. Do not use the traditional remedy for blockages in pipes, but pour bacteria for cesspools into the sewer. The solution is prepared 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 process fats, plant residues and other deposits in pipes and wherever they (bacteria) end up. At the same time, neither plastic, nor metal, nor other materials suffer.
After such cleaning of the sewerage of a private house in a septic tank or an autonomous sewage system, there are no problems. The bacteria live there are similar, so it’s a wonderful way. It may not take a major blockage, but it will cope with the deterioration of the flow for sure. One important point: bacteria work at positive temperatures – from + 5 ° C.