A sanitary plumbing cable is a device that is used to clean blockages in pipes of plumbing fixtures and the drainage system itself. Blockages can occur for various reasons, so no one is safe from such an emergency. For some reason, even modern plastic systems can clog, not to mention steel, and even more so, cast iron pipes. A plumbing cable is an excellent solution that allows you to break through even dense and old garbage jams in any pipes.
Various types of plumbing cables are used to clean sewer pipes.
Content
Varieties of blockages
Blockages in pipes can occur for various reasons. Depending on the nature of the blockages, they are divided into three main types:
- mechanical blockage consisting of large objects;
- operational blockage consisting of small organic and inorganic particles;
- technological blockage that occurs due to problems in the structure itself.
Helpful information! Depending on the type of blockage, a cable model is selected with a nozzle corresponding to the operating conditions.
Mechanical blockage. Consists of large items (rags, plastic bags, etc.). This type of blockage is considered the most problematic. Using a cable to clean the pipes does not always help to cope with this emergency. If he did not help, as a rule, they disassemble plumbing equipment or sewers (depending on the location of the garbage jam).
Operational blockage. Such a blockage occurs during the operation of plumbing equipment and consists of various elements: fat, food waste, hair, etc. Such a garbage stopper, consisting of small particles, can be easily removed using a plumbing cable.
Technological blockage. Most often, such a blockage is formed in old structures due to worn pipes. However, technological blockages can occur in new, polymer pipes (if the pipes are not connected correctly and there are problem areas in the system where stagnation can occur).
The type and size of the cable is selected depending on the diameter of the clogged pipe and the type of blockage
In both cases, the cable for cleaning the pipes can solve the problem, but due to the fact that the design of the system is prone to clogging, clogging will appear again after a while. Only the replacement of the old pipeline will help to finally deal with this problem.
Features of plumbing cables
To date, the range of these products is quite extensive and each of them is used for a specific case. The design of the cable for cleaning sewer pipes can be different. Devices may vary in length, diameter, nozzle, etc. In size, there are different options for plumbing cables for cleaning sewer pipes, but the most common are products with a length of 5 m. This is due to the fact that this length is enough to clean the clogging of the sewer system in an apartment or private house.
A plumbing cable for cleaning the sewer can be made of different materials, but the most common products are made of galvanized steel. This material is characterized by high strength characteristics and, in addition, is resistant to the harmful effects of corrosion.
All products have almost the same specifications. The difference between the different device options is small. But there are professional devices that differ from ordinary household ones.
The cables are made of steel, often galvanized, such products do not corrode
The diameter of professional cables for cleaning the sewer, as a rule, is 16 mm. A significant difference between this device and others - it is entwined with a spring wire with a cross section of 3 mm. Such a product is used to clean not only domestic sewer pipes, but also with larger blockages in the manufacturing sector. The length of such a product is not less than 60 m, which allows you to clean the communication along its entire length.
Types of plumbing cables for cleaning sewers
As already mentioned above, the range of devices for cleaning the sewer is quite diverse. They can be simple, household and electrical models that are used to eliminate blockages in sewer pipes with a large diameter.
Rope type cables (rigging). The rope devices, the most common and, are used to eliminate garbage jams in household sewer structures and plumbing fixtures. Such a product is a tightly twisted rope. The ends of such a rope are crimped in order to obtain the necessary reliability. The length of the product varies from 2, 5 to 5 m, and the thickness, as a rule, is 6 mm. A cable rope for sewage copes with its functions perfectly, possessing the most suitable construction for this.
Helpful information! In order to improve the cleaning properties of the rigging plumbing device, you can "fluff" one of its ends. Thus, moving through the pipes, he will touch foreign objects, cleaning the surface.
Flexible plumbing cables. Such models are often called flexible shafts or flexible hoses. A flexible shaft is much more convenient than the cable version. It consists of a metal rod with a spiral tightly wound around it. Some of these products have several layers of spiral wire.
Flexible manual cable is easy to use, with its help pipes are easily cleaned at home
In addition, a flexible cable for cleaning is equipped with a handle, which simplifies the elimination of clogging. When the handle is scrolled (necessarily in one direction), the garbage stopper collapses and is pushed further along the pipe, up to the main riser. The length of such a device can reach up to 60 m, and the width - up to 28 mm.
The tape is metal. Such a device also refers to a variety of plumbing cable. It has in its design a nozzle that resembles a quadrangular peak at one end, and a handle at the other. They are available in lengths up to 30 m, and the width of such products can reach up to 25 mm.
Plumbing spring cables. Such products are very similar to flexible models, but unlike the plumbing cable of the “flexible shaft” type, they have a simplified design. They include a twisted steel spring and a handle. The length of such devices can reach up to 25 meters, and the cross-sectional dimensions are 13.5 mm. The spring cable has a fairly good performance and is able to clean pipes with different clogs.
Tension cables. This type of treatment plumbing devices is considered professional. Stretch models are used to remove the most complex blockages that other equipment cannot handle.Professional plumbing cables have a high coefficient of rigidity and can be completely metal or with a vinyl braid. For such devices, there are many different nozzles, which expands their operational capabilities. A professional cable is distinguished by excellent characteristics that put these products separately from others.
The cable can be equipped with a nozzle, which facilitates the elimination of blockage
Electric cables. This equipment can be represented by whole plants that are used to eliminate problematic blockages from pipes with large diameters. In addition, they are used in difficult conditions, if the use of other cleaning devices difficult.
Electric plumbing models consist of: a handle (pistol type), to which a drill, cable, tip is connected. To eliminate blockage, such a cable is immersed in the pipe, and adjusting the speed on the handle, include a drill.
Types of nozzles
Clogging of the sewer system can occur for various reasons: improper operation, inappropriate design, etc. Items that form garbage jams are also very different. In order to increase the operational capabilities of the product, special nozzles are used. The cable for cleaning sewer pipes can be equipped with the following tips:
- pipe cleaning from organic layers is carried out by a special nozzle, which is called "ruff";
- punching tips are used to eliminate long and problematic blockages;
- construction debris, which often ends up in sewer pipes, is removed using a special bottom nozzle;
- large foreign objects can be removed from the pipe with the help of an accessory made in the shape of a hook;
- nozzles in the form of loops are used to eliminate the water lock.
For some models of cables, you can purchase a set of nozzles for various purposes.
Nozzles differ not only in application features. Their size varies depending on the diameter of the pipe.
How to clean the pipe with a cable?
Many people do not know how to use a plumbing cable. In fact, there is nothing complicated in this and every person is able to clean a clogged pipe. However, it is necessary to study the stages of the work and take into account some points.
Note! Before you begin to work to eliminate clogging from the sewer pipe with a cable, you need to make sure that the product is not damaged. This is necessary so that during cleaning the device does not burst and does not remain in the sewer pipe, as this will add problems.
If everything is in order with the plumbing treatment device (purchased or home-made), then preparatory work can be done:
- It is necessary to lay the floor.
- Wear rubber gloves.
- Remove the siphon and plug, rinse them with water and clean.
After these manipulations, you can begin to directly eliminate the blockage:
- Initially, the end equipped with a nozzle is immersed in the drain hole.
- Next, the cable for cleaning pipes is introduced into the lumen of the pipe, at the same time you need to scroll the handle.
- When the cable for cleaning the sewer reaches the place of localization of the garbage congestion, the scrolling will become more complicated. You must continue to rotate the device, move it up and down. These movements must be performed until the blockage is destroyed.
- After breaking the cork, it is necessary to rotate the handle a few more minutes to completely eliminate the problem.
Finally, flush the cleaned sewer. You need to rinse with hot water and, after that, you can proceed to the assembly of the structure. The plumbing cable must also be washed with hot water and greased.
Sewerage cleaning with a cable is a simple procedure that does not require special skills
If necessary, you can always use the services of a plumber, however, calling and waiting for it can take quite a while.
DIY plumbing cable
A cable for cleaning plumbing can be purchased at any specialized store. In addition, it can be assembled with your own hands. This is not difficult, therefore, if necessary, each person, guided by the points below, can make this device. A homemade tool cleans sewer pipes no worse than purchased in a store.
Consider the order of assembly of the sanitary cable at home:
- The core of the cable can be made of any metal wire, with a cross section of approximately 9 mm.
- Depending on the nature of the blockage, one of the ends of the wire can be bent, thereby making a hook. You can also "fluff" the wire using a hammer and any other improvised means.
- It is recommended to bend the other end of the cable so that a ring forms. It will replace the handle and simplify the work with a homemade cable.
Important! While cleaning the pipe with a plumbing cable, it must be held with the other hand. This is necessary to regulate the work.
A hand-assembled product is a good alternative to factory models and in some cases is not inferior to them. It can be used to eliminate blockages in the home network. Such a device should be at hand for every owner, since a clogged system makes living in a house simply impossible.
