Sewer plug - a device that covers the entire riser or its individual branches. Waste pipes are blocked in whole or in part - only solid waste is retained. The shut-off device can be installed both at the stage of the primary laying of the sewage system and during its operation.
Purpose of the plug for the sewer pipe
Plugs are made of metal, plastic and rubber. Polypropylene products, PVC and cast iron models are very popular. Many blocking devices have a smooth surface to prevent the accumulation of fat deposits on the side of the riser.
The installation of a valve or other locking device is carried out unscheduled or in advance. The procedure is aimed at achieving the following goals:
- completely block part of the riser for its repair or partial replacement;
- block the channel lumen to drain and clean the clogged area;
- connect the drain hoses of sinks and household appliances;
- inspect and service the joints of pipes of different diameters;
- block the drains during the planned repair of the riser at the entrance of the apartment wiring.
The legality of installing the plug is confirmed by Art. 21 ФЗ No. 416 dated 07.12.2011
Operating principle
Plugs are installed at the entry points of the sewer branches from the riser into the apartment. Since, on average, 1 person produces up to 100-150 liters of liquid waste per day, water will rise quite quickly from the established barrier to the riser. As a result, residents will not be able to use plumbing fixtures in the kitchen, bathroom and toilet.
Sewer barriers are installed in such a way as to drown out the drainage system of non-payers. Waste channels of neighboring apartments are not affected.
Types of plugs
Sewerage shut-off elements are classified into several types:
- Permanent. Their installation is carried out for a long time. Such structures are installed for several months or years. Usually used if a full-fledged sewage system is being formed. Elbows and tees are installed at certain points in the pipeline. In the future, they are used to connect new objects. Permanent plugs are made of high quality polymer or metal. Typically, such elements are represented by a convex lid. Seals are placed inside the devices to seal the structure and reduce the pressure on it. Many permanent plugs are threaded.
- Temporary. Provide short-term limitations in the sewerage functional element. Outwardly, they resemble permanent stubs. The need for temporary plugs appears when an additional riser is created in the apartment.
- Inflatable. To install them, use a special device equipped with a long hose. The pneumatic plug for sewer pipes (PZU) is represented by a rubber ball with teeth, which is connected to the hose. The hose has a camera and several handles, due to which it is convenient to use. The inflatable plug is lowered into the riser, usually through the top access point on the roof.The presence of the camera allows the operator to inspect the inside of the pipeline so that the location of the multi-size pneumatic plug can be quickly identified.
- Mechanical. Locking elements of this type are equipped with shields and have a complex design. Such plugs are installed in a certain sequence - a hose with a camera is prepared, the plug is placed in the riser, then it is advanced to the desired place and an electrical signal is given to unfold the element. After installation, the panels of the device are fixed to the walls, which provides automatic blocking of the outlet. Usually mechanical products are represented by plastic plugs for sewer pipes.
Blocking devices "Sprut" are often used to close sewer branches for non-payment. This type of device has a built-in video camera. With the help of such equipment, you can plug the pipe partially or completely. In the first case, the system is configured by specialists.
Onyx plugs are a complex system consisting of a sleeve and a probe. The latter is installed using a manipulator. The blocking device housing contains LEDs and a video camera.
Plugs "Polytron" for internal and external sewerage are used for temporary or permanent blocking of open ends of pipes. They are made from polypropylene.
Installation features
For the correct installation of the blocking element, you need:
- manipulator;
- remote control video camera;
- fiber-optic wire that provides illumination of the structure.
The plug in the sewer is installed in the following sequence:
- Study the structure of the drainage system, understand what material it is made of, check for additional drainage from the defaulter's apartment.
- Determine the installation location for the locking device. Install it using an intra-apartment pipe leading from the toilet to the common riser.
- Find the entry point from which the equipment will be launched into the system. For this purpose, a fan pipe located on the roof is used.
- Insert the manipulator into the water supply channel and gradually lower it down. The camera fixed on it allows you to find the installation location.
- When the installation point of the blocking element has been reached, lower the plug and insert it from the side of the in-house sewage system.
- Fix the plug.
To install a drain blocker, it is necessary to undergo training, so this work is performed only by employees of housing and communal services or a service company.
Removal methods
Removing the toilet is one of the most effective ways to remove the plug. It will be practical if a modern hygiene product is installed in the toilet, bolted to the floor. Old versions are filled with cement, so it is better not to touch them, otherwise further installation in place will be impossible.
Before removing the toilet, you must:
- shut off the water;
- remove the tank and turn off communications;
- unscrew the bolts fixing the ceramic element and disassemble the socket to the first connection;
- carefully pull the plug into the apartment using pliers;
- install the toilet in place and connect communications.
Do not push the shut-off device into the riser. This will clog up the pipeline and cause drainage problems around the house. Too much effort must not be applied when removing the obstacle, especially if the riser is cast iron - it may not withstand large mechanical loads.
To remove the plug through dismantling the toilet, you need to prepare wrenches, an adjustable wrench, a flashlight, gloves and pliers.A hammer and dowels may be helpful.
Revision
The revision is a kind of tee that allows you to clean the riser if necessary. In order to rip off the plug through it, it is important to prepare a stick with a hook in advance.
The process of dismantling the shut-off element:
- open the revision cover;
- push a stick or harpoon into the riser;
- hook on the plug and pull it towards you.
When removing the obstacle, you must wear gloves and heavy clothing so that accidental discharge of water (possibly boiling water) does not harm your health. The main disadvantage of the method is that the work is carried out blindly.
Other methods
Features of removing the plug depends on its type and material of manufacture:
- If the product is rubber, it is easy to pierce it with any cutting object. A plumbing cable and a sharp tool are lowered into the pipe. The cut ball is deflated and removed from the system.
- If the blocking product needs to be removed by the owner of the apartment on the upper floor, he can access the pipes through the attic or roof.
- It is allowed to remove the plug with chemicals containing hydrochloric or oxalic acid. The main disadvantage of the method is the high probability of damaging the pipes themselves. In addition, it has low efficiency. Chemical reagents take effect several days after the start of use.
Sewer plugs are effective tools for shutting off a riser in an emergency. So that they are not installed by housing and communal services employees, you should pay for utilities on time.
