The principle of operation of machines for cleaning sewer pipes

Nobody remembers the sewer system until it breaks down for various reasons. Depending on the type of blockage, an appropriate tool is used to clean the sewer pipes.

Types of equipment for sewage cleaning

If a blockage occurs due to a violation of the technology for laying sewer pipes: non-observance of the angle of inclination according to SNiP, making turns at an angle of 90 degrees in the horizontal plane, insufficient permeability of pipes or wear of the system, the measures taken will be temporary. The only way out is to redo the drainage system, since equipment for cleaning the sewage system will not help with technological blockages.

Mechanical blockage occurs when rags, diapers, cell phones and other foreign objects get into the pipes. In this case, removal of the foreign element is required.

Another type of blockage - operational - arises from deposits on the inner surface of the pipe system, as a result of which the through hole narrows, the drain of contaminated water is difficult. The cause of the resulting deposits are particles of fat, which solidifies in the cooled wastewater and settles on the surface of the pipes, capturing other impurities.

Several methods are used as improvised means to eliminate blockages:

• mechanical - using a plumbing cable or plunger;
• chemical - using home remedies, soda and vinegar, or special compounds, for example, Mole;
• thermal - supplying high temperature water, while adding salt or soda;
• hydrodynamic - with the help of professional cleaning machines supplying a jet of water under pressure.

In order to prevent an operational blockage, periodic cleaning should be carried out with the help of chemicals, without waiting for a sewer collapse.

Mechanized cleaning

In the event of blockages in hard-to-reach places, complete blockage when the pipe system is silted up, or at a sufficient distance from the house, a sewer cleaning machine is used. It works on the principle of a plumbing cable. The structure consists of a flexible rope with a spiral section, wound on a drum, and has a tip. The engine feeds the cable into the sewer pipe. With the help of such a device, blockages are eliminated in areas up to 150 m in length.

Characteristics of mechanical machines:

Simple technology allows you to deal with the blockage alone. For work, special gloves with metal pads are required. Algorithm of action:

1. Locate the blockage and locate a nearby inspection well.
2. Select the appropriate tip to eliminate the suspected subject.
3. Manually insert the cable into the pipe at arm's length.
4. Anchor the location of the machine.
5. Press the start button, turning on the feed and rotation of the cable.
6. Try to push the object in the pipeline to another inspection well.

Tips made in the form of a cone spring or collet grip are used for narrowing and bending of sewer paths, encountered hydraulic locks and check valves. With these tips, you can grasp and pull out a jammed object. If the blockage is formed from sand, silt or fatty deposits, take a tip in the form of a spiral cutter with serrated notches. The section of the cutter is selected with a slightly smaller size than the diameter of the sewer pipe.

When the cable moves, it is necessary to constantly add hot water; a soapy or slightly alkaline solution can be added to it in order to soften the fat.

To clean the internal sewage system, drum machines are used, in which the cable is retracted into the drum after work. One of such devices K-45 is driven by a drill and allows you to clean pipes with a diameter of 20-75 mm up to 15 m. The cost of the product is 32,543 rubles.

(RD-E) is used for cleaning external networks. In the rod version, the diameter of the pipes to be cleaned is 75-600 mm for a maximum length of 150 m. The spirals are 32 mm thick. The device has more than 30 attachments. Indispensable in winter, when the use of washing machines is difficult. Can remove roots and foreign objects. The advantages are simple and convenient operation, compact size and high power. Cost 330,000 rubles.

Hydrodynamic cleaning

Professional plumbers use high-tech equipment to remove blockages with cleaning with a powerful jet of water. Advantage in device safety and efficiency.

In the plumbing market, the manufacturer Karcher offers two lines of devices for cleaning sewer pipes: for the home craftsman and for professionals. Their advantages are compactness, efficient operation without damaging the sewer joints. Allows you to flush complex drainage system wiring. The hydraulic mini-washer is intended for car owners, but it is successfully used for flushing sewer pipes in an apartment and in a country house. The machines work without the use of special chemical solutions and remove ice plugs.

When the device is operating, a jet of water under controlled pressure is supplied to the sewer pipe. All elements of the blockage are discharged into the drain. Different types of nozzles are used, since the reasons for stopping the sewer flow can be different.

Alternative options

In order for the company not to spend money on the purchase of expensive equipment for cleaning the sewage system, it can be rented. In this case, the purchase will not be idle, and the sewer drains will be professionally cleaned. The cleaning device is based on KAMAZ. Benefits:

• quickly leaves the place of blockage;
• large reservoir.

Powerful installation solves serious problems and works where the plumber cannot cope. It is used for industrial sewerage and private utilities.

The Typhoon pneumatic gun is used to clean heating systems and sewer pipes up to 150 mm in diameter. The piston inflates the pressure in the cylinder, which is connected to the bell of the sewer system through a rubber nozzle. The trigger allows you to direct a powerful jet of air into the pipes and push through the blockage. Cleaning length up to 50 m.

Recommendations for the selection of equipment

The price of the Karcher apparatus in the professional version, despite the excellent characteristics of the equipment and the quality of cleaning, which is enough for several years of operation, is quite high - about $ 500, which reduces the use of the machine for domestic purposes.Household appliances are guaranteed for 1 year.

Russian manufacturers offer several options for hydrodynamic machines.

For each model, prices are indicated taking into account the increase in the functionality of the devices: the use of longer hoses, a cleaning and punching nozzle, a passage on the drum. The last representative is shown to compare devices for use in the home and as professional equipment. Hose length up to 90 m, passage on the drum 12 mm, equipped with 2 nozzles.

Appliances with an electric wire require an electrical network, so a gasoline engine is more convenient to use in the country and in the garage.

Cost of pipe cleaners

Prices vary depending on the purpose, design, materials and power:

• household appliances from 10.5 to 87 thousand rubles;
• professional mechanical cleaning machines up to 330 thousand rubles;
• with hydrodynamic cleaning up to 195 thousand rubles. for the Poseidon brand.

A wide range of products will help to make a choice even for an inexperienced novice plumber. A clean sewage system improves living conditions in an apartment and a private house.