I have a very long (15m), almost horizontal, external waste-pipe used to drain a washing machine in a utility-room. The flow down this pipe does not seem as fast as it used to be. I'm wondering what the best method is to clear the pipe?
Timothy Murphy wibbled on Sunday 25 October 2009 12:33
If the pipe were gunked with fatty residue I might run some warm caustic soda down it - even better, block teh outlet, fill the pipe and leave overnight.
In the case of a washing machine, I suspect the gunk is more alkaline in nature. Assuming the pipe is copper or plastic, perhaps a similar approach with diluted brick acid (HCl) - perhaps a final dilution of 5% HCl to water (that's 1:4 or 1:6 brick acid to water depending on original being 20% or
30%); that's not *particularly* dangerous (mind your eyes though).Again, block the pipe if you can, fill and leave.
Far too technical Tim
What is wrong with a long stick?
Adam
ARWadsworth wibbled on Sunday 25 October 2009 13:19
Just when I was going to move onto suggesting thermite ;->
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try the second one first - I can block the pipe at the far end.
Was this a serious suggestion? As I mentioned, the pipe is about 15m long. I did think of using one of these wire pipe-cleaners, which might reach the beginning of the pipe.
Incidentally, the pipe runs over someone else's roof, so it is difficult to access directly.
Yes, a garden cane or similar could clear a pipe. I would then try Tim's suggestion of a "cleaner" with the end blocked off after the stick suggestion.
A set of ladders and a word with the neighbour before you start work should do it.
Adam
99% of householders say that Thermite is their prefered drain cleaner (Sunderland Evening News)
Adam
Timothy Murphy wibbled on Sunday 25 October 2009 14:24
In that case, perhaps ignore the "night bit" and do it in the day. Keep an eye out of any leaks (in case there's a bad joint and the gunk is holding it togther...) Wouldn't want nasty chemicals dropping on someone's roof unexpectedly...
ARWadsworth wibbled on Sunday 25 October 2009 14:39
Yes... I always imagine the plumbing in my rented house - full of bends and no inspection caps, so chemical terrorism is the only way.
But sticks/rods are good if it is straight and/or accessible via caps...
Hot water and caustic soda usually.
merging with the unwanted neighbors thread, definitely a case for Thermite. ;-)
Ferret?
For the kitchen sink drain which occasionally gets blocked up with foodstuffs, I undo an outside access cover and feed in the garden hose running with water. Takes a little while wiggleing it in and out, but eventually it washes the muck out.
For the £30ish cost of new pipe and fittings, I'd chuck the old one away, just to save the hassle of trying to clean out some gunked up filth. Alan.
Dunno about 'best' method but a wet'n'dry vac can sometimes suck the crud out of a waste pipe.
...
Yes, I had better watch out for that. In fact, the neighbour put in the pipe - the water used to run through a gutter on his roof.
I've got a drain pipe to clear too, but after 6 inches there is a right-angle corner. How do I get the stick around the corner? :)
Bendy stick or remove the bend?
Adam
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