Every residential place inevitably faces sewerage blockages, which create unpleasant problems. Homeowners generally encounter difficulties with water drainage and unpleasant smells or complete pipe blockages in their properties, at least occasionally. Can any homeowner fix a blocked sewerage system without engaging a plumber for help? The success of clearing sewer blockage depends on the blockage type, together with pipe accessibility and selecting appropriate products. The article examines which clogs people can handle alone, the best products to use, and the errors that might worsen the situation.
Which clogs can be cleared by yourself?
Not all clogs are the same. Superior Plumbing and Heating is a reliable sewer cleaning specialist that uses modern equipment and effective methods to remove blockages. The company’s experienced plumber Kitchener provides fast and safe solutions to pipe problems, guaranteeing long-term results. Self-maintenance professionals can handle specific clogs without expert tools, but they need to take action on others. Here are the main types of clogs that can be cleaned by yourself:
1. Localized blockages in the bathroom and kitchen
Clogs caused by hair, soap, grease, and food residue usually do not block the pipe completely but can impair water flow. To remove them, using a mechanical cable to remove debris, hot water with baking soda and vinegar to soften grease, or special gels to dissolve it is effective. However, plastic pipes should not be treated with aggressive chemicals to avoid deformation, and boiling water should not be poured into old metal pipes to prevent the creation of microcracks.
2. Partial blockages in the siphon
The siphon is the first point where food residues, soap, and grease accumulate, slowing down water drainage. If water is still coming through but slower, this is where the problem is. The most effective way to clean it is to disassemble and manually clean the siphon. If it is plastic and you don’t want to disassemble it, try a hot solution of baking soda and vinegar to help dissolve fatty deposits. However, do not use strong chemicals unnecessarily, as they do not always work quickly and, in some cases, can contribute to the formation of even denser deposits.
3. Grease plugs in kitchen pipes
Kitchen pipes are most susceptible to grease blockages that form gradually, so you can notice the problem early if the water starts draining more slowly. Hot water with liquid soap or baking soda that dissolves grease will help to remove fresh fat deposits. If the dirt has accumulated, a mechanical cable with a brush attachment that cleans the pipe walls is an effective method. You can use the hydrodynamic method with a household pump in case of heavy deposits. The main thing is not to pour hot grease down the drain, as it quickly solidifies in cold pipes, contributing to an even greater accumulation of deposits.
Clogs that are best left to professionals
Not all clogs can be cleared on your own. Here are some cases when you need to call a Kitchener plumber:
- Complete clogging of the riser: If water does not pass through at all, even after using a cable and chemicals, the blockage is located in deeper parts of the system.
- The sewer is constantly clogged: If the pipes are regularly clogged, it may be a sign of serious deposits or improper system design.
- Unpleasant odour from the drain, even after cleaning: If the odour persists after all cleaning attempts, the problem may be in the ventilation pipes or deeper deposits.
- Water appears in other drains: If water rises elsewhere after flushing the toilet or bathtub, this indicates a blockage in the main sewer line.
What tools should you use?
The right choice of tools and products is the key to successful sewer cleaning.
Mechanical means:
Kitchen pipes are often clogged with grease that accumulates gradually. If the water drains more slowly, hot water with soap or baking soda, a mechanical cable with a brush, or hydroflushing with a household pump will help. Do not pour hot grease down the drain—it hardens and makes the problem worse. A plumbing cable is effective against hair and mechanical blockages, hydro flushing is effective against grease, and a plunger helps with light blockages.
Chemicals:
Alkaline sodium hydroxide-based products effectively dissolve grease deposits, making them one of the best options for kitchen pipes. Acidic products work well with organic residues but need to be used carefully to avoid damaging the pipes. Biological enzymes are safe for prevention because they do not contain aggressive substances, but they are ineffective for heavy blockages.
What should not be used?
- Combine acid and alkaline products – this can cause a chemical reaction with dangerous fumes.
- Use hard metal cables in plastic pipes – they can be damaged.
Main warnings for self-cleaning
Do not immediately use chemicals if the exact cause of the blockage has not been determined, as aggressive substances may fail to solve the problem and complicate it by damaging pipes or creating dangerous chemical reactions. You should use mechanical cleaning methods or biological enzymes to clean older sewer systems and protect pipe walls from damage. Safety precautions must be followed when using chemicals because exposure to vapours can irritate the skin, while skin contact or vapours inhaled through breath can lead to burns or irritation. Different cleaning agents should not be mixed simultaneously since their chemical interaction creates dangerous fumes and sediment. Suppose the blockage persists after all attempts to clean the pipes. In that case, you shouldn’t take risks and waste time experimenting – it’s better to contact a professional plumber, such as a Kitchener plumber, who has the necessary equipment and experience to fix the problem quickly and safely.
Conclusion
Self-cleaning of the sewage system is possible regarding localized blockages in the bathroom or kitchen. Proper use of mechanical tools and safe cleaners can significantly improve the condition of the pipes. However, in case of complete blockage, regular problems, or riser clogs, it is better to contact professionals, such as a kitchen plumber with the special equipment and experience to clean the sewer system safely and effectively.
We recommend that you contact qualified professionals to remove blockages safely and effectively, as improper use of products or methods can lead to damage to the pipes. This article is for informational purposes only, and we are not responsible for the possible consequences of independent actions.