The sewer system of any building needs regular maintenance and timely removal of blockages. However, problems with pipes can be of a different nature depending on the type of housing. The sewer system is autonomous or connected to the central city network in a private house. At the same time, apartment buildings function on a system serving apartments simultaneously. This article explains how to identify sewer blockages, pipe cleaning methods for different home types, and the necessary steps to stop additional issues.
Signs that the sewer is clogged
Happening of sewer pipe blockages depends on how severe the problem and its development have been. Here are the main symptoms that indicate a blockage:
Slow water flow: A drop in water speed indicates buildups forming inside the pipes as water flows through sinks and bathtubs or moves out of toilet facilities.
Unpleasant odour: Sewer outlets release an unpleasant odour, suggesting organic residue and bacteria have built up in the pipes.
Bubbling in the pipes: An uncommon pipe noise can signal blockages as air builds up throughout the system.
Rising water in the toilet or drains: Blockages of central sewer risers become apparent when flushing the toilet, which produces water level changes in other drains, including showers, baths, or sinks.
Water overflows in the lower floors of apartment buildings: It signifies a dangerous situation. When any of these symptoms occur, it reflects a need to act immediately to clear the blockage.
When do I need to call a plumber?
If your efforts cannot remove the blockage and the problem worsens, it is better to contact professionals. Specialists like London plumber have the necessary equipment to clean sewer systems quickly and safely. Signs that indicate the need to call a Superior Plumbing and Heating include a complete blockage of the sewer when water does not drain at all, the appearance of water in the drains of neighbours in apartment buildings, frequently repeated blockages after self-cleaning, and the presence of foreign objects in the pipes that cannot be removed without special equipment.
Sewage blockage in a private house
A private house sewage connects to city networks or independently runs with septic tanks or cesspools. The three primary sources of pipe blockages include the buildup of kitchen grease and food waste and the entry of foreign items like napkins, hygiene products, and hair and mineral sedimentation from hard water. Underground pipes undergo potential damage because tree roots penetrate them, leading to severe sewer system blockages. Cleaning the sewage system of a private residence requires what steps should be followed.
How to clean the sewage system in a private house
- Using the mechanical method
A plumbing cable or spiral is used to break through the blockage mechanically.
A plunger can help with small blockages.
- Hydrodynamic cleaning
A high-pressure water jet is used to flush the pipes.
This is an effective method that prevents new deposits from forming.
- Chemicals
Special preparations are used to dissolve fatty deposits and organic contaminants.
It is not recommended to use aggressive chemicals frequently so as not to damage the pipes.
- Video inspection of the sewage system
If the blockage is severe, a plumber can use a camera to inspect the internal condition of the pipes and pinpoint the problem area.
If the sewage system in a private house is connected to a septic tank, you should also check whether the cesspool is overflowing, as this can also cause slow water flow.
Sewage blockage in an apartment building
In apartment buildings, sewer blockages can be caused by improper pipe use and general problems in the common system. The main causes are the accumulation of grease deposits from many users that settle on the pipe walls, the ingress of large objects such as napkins, hygiene products, and garbage, and clogging of the common riser due to prolonged use without proper maintenance. In addition, problems with the ventilation of sewer pipes can cause air plugs that slow down the drain and cause an unpleasant odour.
How to clean the sewage system in an apartment building
- Checking for a localized blockage
First, you should ensure the problem is not within the apartment (for example, a blockage in the kitchen drain only).
Use a plunger or plumbing cable to remove small contaminants.
- Use of chemicals
If the pipes are still partially permeable to water, you can use special chemical solutions to dissolve grease and organic matter.
It is important to use safe products that do not damage old pipes.
- Cleaning the common riser
If the blockage has affected several apartments, you need to call a London plumber who will perform mechanical or hydrodynamic cleaning.
For this purpose, special machines with water pressure or electric cleaning tools can be used.
- Checking sewer ventilation
Poor ventilation of the riser can often cause the problem, which causes gurgling water and unpleasant odours.
In such cases, a plumber checks the condition of the ventilation pipe and cleans it.
Conclusion
Sewage blockages in private and apartment houses have different causes and ways to be eliminated. To solve the problem effectively, it is important to correctly diagnose the source of the blockage and apply appropriate cleaning methods. If the situation gets out of hand, the best solution is to call a professional, such as a London plumber, who can fix the problem quickly and efficiently without causing damage to the system.