Various chemicals are used to unclog the sewage system. Finished products in brightly colored packages are expensive, and their effectiveness is not always high. To get rid of blockages, they use a proven budgetary tool - caustic soda. In addition, in the composition of advertised drugs, this substance is usually one of the main ones.
Useful properties for use in the sewer system
The use of caustic as a cleaning agent is based on the following qualities:
- destructive effect on fatty compounds;
- bringing organic matter to decay;
- disinfecting effect.
This substance must be distinguished from regular baking soda and soda ash. They are also used to clean pipes, but in case of small blockages. All three compounds are alkaline, but caustic soda is more caustic and effective.
Pros and cons of pipeline cleaning with caustic
- smoothing irregularities on the inner surfaces of pipe sections, which prevents the appearance of deposits;
- duration of exposure - the reaction continues after flushing;
- low cost.
As a preventive measure, it is enough to carry out one cleaning every 30 days.
A feature of the use of sodium hydroxide is that it is used for cleaning sewers in residential buildings and in industries - for cleaning pipelines and boilers. It is also often used after acid cleaning to restore balance and keep pipe surfaces intact. Additionally, caustic agents are suitable for cleaning main pipelines, including sewer ones, using the "shock wave" method.
The hygroscopicity of a substance has its pros and cons. It is not difficult to prepare a solution of caustic soda, but the soda should be stored in sealed bags so that it does not become saturated with moisture.
The disadvantages of using include the fact that soda is capable of destroying the enamel of baths and sinks. It is also difficult for her to remove dirt and dirt. If used carelessly, you can get a chemical burn.
Sewer cleaning methods
Using caustic soda at home is easy. The main thing is to observe the proportions of caustic soda and related components for cleaning the sewage system, and not to neglect safety precautions.
Application of the solution
To prepare the solution, you need to dilute the caustic soda with water to flush the sewer pipes. The proportions depend on the location and degree of blockage:
- for preventive washing, dilute 2 kg of caustic in 4 liters of water;
- to clean a clogged sink, you will need 150 g of alkali and two glasses of boiling water;
- a small blockage is removed with a solution of half a glass of soda for 3 liters of water;
- cleaning a heavily clogged drain is carried out with a composition of 4 kg of soda and 7 liters of water.
The technology of the procedure is the same for all cases. The composition is poured into the right place of the line, left for an hour, then thoroughly washed with hot water. Additionally, after flushing over the clogged pipe, it is worth working with a plunger.
Powder and gel cleaning
- 3 liters of hot water are poured into the drain hole, and then 20 g of powdered or granular soda are poured. Pour a glass of cold water on top and wait three hours. This is followed by a thorough rinsing with warm water.
- 20 ml of vinegar or the same amount of diluted citric acid is poured into the pipeline. Pour 40 g of dry caustic. The substances will enter into a reaction, which will be noticeable when a large amount of foam appears. When it subsides a little, plug the drain hole with a plug or a rag roller. After two hours, rinse with warm water under high pressure.
- Pour 40 g of dry caustic into the toilet. Pour a liter of warm water. An hour later, flush is performed several times. This is the most traumatic for pipes, but the most effective method. It is used for severe blockages in the sewer.
Dry methods are not suitable for cleaning plastic lines. The process will be too active: the alkali can corrode the polymer layer.
It is better to clean contaminated polymer pipelines with caustic in the form of a gel - this option is commercially available. Shake 250 ml of the gel-like substance and pour it into the toilet or sink, pour a couple of liters of hot water. After two hours, rinse with cold water. This method is inferior to the previous ones in terms of effectiveness, but it spares polymer lines.
Use for autonomous sewerage
Local sewer networks in private houses are also cleaned with caustic soda. To do this, follow the instructions below:
- Dissolve 3 kg of dry caustic in 7 liters of cool water and stir with a plastic spatula. Due to the interaction of substances, the composition will begin to warm up. In a few minutes it will reach 70 degrees.
- When the reaction stops, pour half of the compound down the drain through any drain and let sit for three hours. During this period, the sewer system cannot be used.
- After the specified time, pour in the remaining half of the composition and wait another three hours.
- Flush the pipes with cool water under high pressure.
In a similar way, you can clean and disinfect the cesspool in the country. In this case, flushing is also mandatory, especially if a plastic tank is used as a sump.
Precautions
- Wear rubber gloves and goggles to avoid contact with skin and vapors from burning your eyes.
- During the reaction, do not inhale the air near the container where the baking soda is dissolved. Better yet, wear a respirator.
- Perform cleansing procedures with windows and doors open.
- Take dry baking soda only with a spoon or spatula.
- Store the substance in an airtight container in a dry place out of the reach of babies and pets.
If the alkali still gets on the skin or mucous membranes, rinse the area thoroughly with water. If possible, treat a skin burn with a weak solution of citric acid, acetic acid, or 2% boric acid. If the damage is serious and your health worsens, you should call for emergency help.
With the correct work with caustic soda, you will return the sewer pipeline to its original passability and save the family budget on advertised expensive purifiers.
