How to dissolve fatty deposits in sewer pipes: methods of cleaning and prevention

Sewerage systems are located in every building, both multi-storey and in the private sector. Most people have had problems such as accumulation of fat (and other contaminants) in sewer pipes. Owners of private houses feel this problem especially acutely. Over time, any of the pipes becomes clogged, so it is important to regularly clean them to avoid disrupting the normal functioning of the sewage system, in addition, it is necessary to adhere to special preventive measures.

Why fat accumulates and why is it dangerous

Waste of various origins gets into the sewer system every day: pollution, human waste, hair, fatty products, substances of chemical origin. If during the installation of the sewer system any rules or norms were violated, for example, the angle of inclination of the pipes was incorrectly set, then the fat begins to settle on the walls of the sewer, forming a film and clogging the pipe. Often this problem arises if your house has cast iron pipes, as their surface is rough, which contributes to the deposition of fatty deposits.

Fat ends up in pipes with food, which people drain into the sewers. For example, it can be fatty broths, soups or dishes cooked with a lot of oil. Such blockages can form not only in the kitchen, but also in bathrooms, as some people pour waste containing fat into the toilet.

The main danger of "fatty" blockages is not only the poor performance of the sewer system, but also the threat of the emergence and reproduction of dangerous microorganisms. In addition, an unpleasant odor will be systematically observed from the drain hole.

To restore the usual functions of the sewerage system, it is necessary to get rid of the "fatty" blockages that appear on the walls of the pipes. This can be done even without analyzing the sewage system; it is enough to use well-known methods. They are divided into cleaning of sewer pipes using improvised means, using chemicals and mechanical methods.

Cleaning the sewer system using available tools

In every house, and in particular in the kitchen, there are objects with which you can quickly and efficiently remove blockages in the pipe. One of the most popular methods is baking soda. In order to turn it into an effective means of getting rid of blockages, you will also need water and vinegar. If we mix all this into a single solution, then we get a violent reaction, which is accompanied by a strong release of carbon dioxide. This is what helps in the fight against blockages, since non-standard pressure will be created in the pipe, which will help cleanse the pipe walls from "fat" deposits. This method is quite effective in dealing with small blockages, but if the blockage is severe enough it will not help.

Cleaning with boiling water

To use this method, you need to prepare a glass of baking soda in advance, which must be poured into the drain hole. Next, you need to pour warm water and close the hole with a strong plug.

Acetic acid can be used instead of water, but much less is required. If you add too much vinegar, you will get too violent a reaction, which can damage the protective layers of the sewer system.

In some cases, baking soda is mixed with citric acid in equal amounts.This mixture must be poured into the hole of the pipe, then pour in warm water.

In order to get rid of fatty deposits in the pipe, you can use substances containing chlorine in their composition. It can be both household chemicals and simple whiteness. The whiteness solution must be poured in a large volume into the hole of the sewer pipe and left alone for an hour. Next, the solution must be washed off with plenty of clean water.

Special drugs

Special preparations for cleaning sewer pipes include various chemicals. One of the best are drugs containing alkali in their composition. Such chemicals for combating fatty deposits in the sewage system include:

• Mole is a powder preparation that has a low cost price. It is convenient to use it in action, since the Mole is packaged in separate packages intended for single use.
• The Potkhan manufacturer produces excellent special preparations for dealing with severe blockages and allows them to be eliminated within ten minutes. However, these chemicals have a significant drawback - they are dangerous to human health and are quite expensive, while having a small volume.

When using special means to clean the sewer system, you must use your own protective equipment, such as gloves, to protect your skin from exposure to harmful chemicals. When using this method, a window must be open in the room for ventilation to take place.

As a rule, chemicals act very quickly and allow you to get rid of a blockage in a sewer pipe within a short period of time. However, you cannot use this method without a good reason, since chemicals are very aggressive and can destroy the protective surface of the sewer pipes.

In order for the fatty blockage to completely dissolve, it is necessary to wait a few hours and then rinse the sewer pipe with hot water. This will ensure you get rid of fatty blockages effectively.

Mechanical methods for cleaning sewer pipes

This method of cleaning pipes from fat deposits is no less effective. If you do not know how to use this method, then you can always use the services of a plumber.

When using a mechanical cleaning method, the most common use is a plumbing cable, which looks like a long piece of wire. At its end there is a handle, which is subject to rotation. The rope is very pliable and flexible and has high strength. At the opposite end of the wire there is a special tip, thanks to which the blockage in the pipe is removed.

Before resorting to using the method, it is necessary to prepare a special container for storing the blockage. Start by removing any water that has accumulated in the drain. Next, fill in clean water and determine how much of it leaves. The cable must be placed in the sewer pipe and begin to perform movements in a circle, turning it inside the pipe. After completing the procedure, the tip is treated with an oil designed to lubricate machine parts.

Prevention measures

To prevent clogging of the sewer system, the pipes must be regularly treated. For this, the funds that can be found in every home in the kitchen will go: soda and acetic acid. This method will not help if you have a strong blockage, however, it copes with minor problems perfectly, including the method is excellent for prevention.

Also, preventive measures include:

• Do not use cold water when washing dishes.After you finish washing the dishes, drain a small amount of hot water into the sink to remove any fat deposits from the pipe. It is best to wash the greasy dishes over a special basin, then drain the greasy water and separate containers so as not to clog the sewer pipe with grease again.
• Do not pour food containing fat into the sewer system. The best option would be to drain these foods into a separate container and take them out with your regular waste. This will help you avoid severe blockages in the pipes.
• Chemical and special means are used in cases of urgent need. They cannot be used for preventive purposes, as they are very aggressive and capable of destroying the protective coating that is located inside the sewer pipes.