The plunger isn't the only way to clean out your pipes.
There are several reasons why you might need to clean out your water pipes. From corrosion and mineral deposit buildup to simple -- or not so simple -- clogs, blocked pipes can lead to poor drainage, backups and even flooding. If you have determined why you need to clean out the pipes in your home, then it should be pretty simple to develop a strategy to get it done. Does this Spark an idea?
Vinegar Soak
When years of hard water begin to slow the flow of liquid through your water pipes because of mineral deposits, just hope you have access to the problem area. If a section of pipe is accessible or can be removed after shutting off the water, then you can use vinegar to remove the mineral deposits.
Simply gain access to the corroded or blocked pipe area and pour water into the opening and let it soak. The best-case scenario is a pipe that can be completely removed and submerged in vinegar until the mineral deposit it dissolved. But if the pipe is inaccessible, the problem may require a plumber to rip out the current pipes and replace them with a new plumbing system. This could mean extensive and costly work.
Auger
For pipes that have a serious clog, there is not a much better tool to clear it out than an auger. An auger, commonly referred to as a "snake," is a device that is inserted in through the drain of a sink, tub or toilet and is pushed either by hand or mechanically into the pipe until the end of the auger comes in contact with the blockage. The auger can be twisted to bore a hole through the clog and free it from the pipe, washing it on down into the sewer.
According to the Home Tips website, deeper clogs may require the removal of the under-sink trap. This allows easier access to the pipe and will result in the auger having to make fewer twists and turns to reach the problem area.
Drain Cleaners
One way to clean out a water pipe is to use commercial cleaners available in most department stores. These chemicals literally eat through the clogs and clear them out. They may also be able to remove pipe corrosion. The downside to such products is the danger they pose if they come in contact with skin and the toxic fumes they produce in many instances. Pollution of groundwater and damage to septic systems are among the possible effects of some chemical drain cleaners, according to the Drains and Plumbing website.
Suction
If debris clogging a pipe is your main concern, the easiest way to deal with the problem is through suction. Using a plunger is not rocket science, but there is a technique to the task. In the event of a clogged toilet, it is best to let the water seep out of the bowl naturally and then form a seal around the plunger by adding some petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger. Flush the toilet and pump the handle up and down. After a few pumps, pull the plunger out, and hopefully the clog will have been pulled loose and the water will rush down the pipe to clear it. A plunger can also be used on tubs and sinks to clear pipes.
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