Sewer cleaning machine: types, advantages of equipment, selection rules and rating of the best models

Operating principle

This type of equipment operates as follows: a rotating cable equipped with special nozzles is placed into the sewer pipe that needs cleaning. As a result, the formations that led to the formation of the blockage are crushed.

The devices can operate in other ways. So, if hydrodynamic machines are used, then a hose is placed in the sewer pipe, from which water is supplied under high pressure into the hose. It breaks through accumulated elements and removes blockages.

The importance of regular drain cleaning

When installing a sewerage system, pipes are laid in such a way that cleaning occurs independently. The specialist always calculates the slope of the highways, the speed of water flow, and the angles of bends and turns. In reality, it is not always possible to comply with all the requirements for the location of pipes. Sometimes the system is handled not by professional plumbers, but by home handymen. Therefore, from time to time there is a need to clean the sewer using high pressure.

Over time, deposits of grease and dirt build up on the walls of the pipeline. This happens for several reasons:

• failure to comply with recommended slopes when laying pipes;
• large debris and foreign objects entering the sewer system, causing a blockage to form;
• violation of the hydraulic regime in the system;
• lack of cleaning of the sewer system for a long time.

If you allow small deposits to form on the internal surfaces of pipes, then over time the process of their growth will only intensify. Contamination of the walls leads to a decrease in the throughput of the system. The consequence of this will be complete blockage, and the sewerage system will stop working completely. It becomes impossible to drain water from the sink, sink, bathtub, or toilet. The entire system of treatment facilities is paralyzed.

Blockages and stagnation negatively affect the condition of the pipeline, especially if it is made of cast iron. Harmful bacteria accumulate in the system, which release gases that are hazardous to health and sewer material.

Such accidents lead to the need to dismantle and replace failed pipes. This requires time, effort and money.

It is better to carry out preventive sewer cleanings in advance so that such problems do not arise. To remove blockages, a hydrodynamic sewer flushing machine is used.

Unit characteristics

There are several types of cleaning devices.

Each type has its own characteristics:

• Various dimensions of pipes for which the equipment is used.
• Weight and dimensions of equipment.

• Power.
• Various dimensions of spirals, depending on the size of the pipes that need cleaning.

To increase the functionality of the equipment, the manufacturer equips it with additional elements, which include:

• Various nozzles for different types and sizes of pipes.
• Spiral cables for removing blockages from pipes of various sizes and configurations.
• Box for carrying equipment.

Preventive actions

The risk of blockages can be reduced. To do this, it is enough to comply with the following requirements:

1. Do not throw foreign objects, both inorganic and organic, into the sewer. Plastic bags, personal care products, and construction debris can cause clogs.
2. If there are problems with the passage of liquid, it is worth checking special siphons to ensure their cleanliness. Accumulated debris should be removed and the interior should be thoroughly rinsed.
3. It is advisable to clean the system with chemical components once every three months. This could be vinegar, soda, or chemical solutions specially designed for this purpose. After using them, the pipes are thoroughly washed with hot water.
4. It is advisable to install metal or plastic gratings in the bowl. They will trap large particles and prevent them from penetrating into the system.

Types of machines

There are several types of machines that are used to clean sewer pipes.

Hydrodynamic

This is a water pump equipped with an electric or gasoline-type motor, to which a hose with a corresponding nozzle is attached. Here, water is forced into the pipe under high pressure, causing the blockage to break through.

These machines have the following advantages:

• High power.
• Possibility of use for both external and internal sewerage.

• The kit includes several types of nozzles for different types of pipes.
• Quickly remove blockages without damaging products.

Gasoline cars

This type of unit is recommended for use in removing complex blockages in the sewer system. The principle of operation is to supply water under high pressure into the pipes. This design is placed on a trolley with wheels for ease of transportation.

Advantages:

• Efficiency.
• A large number of attachments.
• Can be used even for pipes with complex configurations.

• It can be used not only to remove blockages, but also to prevent their occurrence.
• High degree of reliability.
• Ease of use.

High pressure

This is equipment into which water is supplied under high pressure. The units can be used for any type of sewer system.

Advantages:

• High speed of removal of any blockage.
• Can be used for any type of pipe.
• Does not damage products during use.

• The kit includes a large number of attachments.
• Ease of use.

Manual machines

This is simple equipment that is recommended for use at home.

Advantages:

• Easy to use.
• Great power.
• The kit includes a large number of attachments.
• Compact dimensions.

• Light weight.
• Efficiency.
• Possibility of use for pipes of complex configuration.

Stationary

Such equipment is recommended for use in large-sized sewer networks. The machine has two pumps with a winch, two tanks for liquid and its own power source. The principle of operation of the device is water recirculation, when dirty liquid is taken away and clean liquid is poured into the pipes.

Advantages:

• Great power.
• A large set of nozzles for cleaning different types of products.
• Efficiency.

Drum type

Such equipment is recommended for use both at home and in production. Professionals recommend using devices for large diameter pipes.

Advantages:

• Easy to use.
• Compact dimensions.
• Availability of a large number of attachments.

• High efficiency.
• Light weight.

plunger

The plunger is one of the simplest and safest sewer cleaning devices. It is a device that has a handle on one side and a rubber bowl on the other. Most often it is made of wood, however, there are models made of plastic or metal. During work, it is important to ensure that the bowl completely covers the pipe opening and that the liquid level is above it. Only in this case can you get a positive result.

Work should be carried out according to the recommendations:

1. The overflow hole is closed with a rag or a lid, this is done in order to avoid reducing the pressure on the resulting blockage.
2. The bowl of the tool is located above the hole, the rubber part must be pressed against the surface of the sink, the edge of the equipment can be lubricated with Vaseline.
3. Make pushes up and down; the rubber part must not come off the surface.
4. With a sharp movement, tear the plunger away from the surface of the sink.
5. Repeat cleaning attempts with this device several times.

When cleaning your sewer line properly, the clog should clear up quickly. To prevent frequent traffic jams, you can use a plunger regularly for preventive purposes. The main thing is not to overdo it, as you can break the siphon.

Advantages of cleaning machines

Cleaning machines have the following advantages:

• Gentle but effective removal of blockages without damaging pipes.
• High labor intensity of the process.
• The devices can be used for different types of pipes, including complex configurations.

• Environmental safety of using the machine.
• After using the equipment, not only the throughput of the pipes improves, but also their condition.
• Possibility of using units even at low ambient temperatures.

The only disadvantage is the high cost of the equipment.

In what conditions are you going to use the cleaning machine?

At homeAt enterprise

Electrical appliance

The occurrence of complex blockages requires the use of an electric device to clear the drain. The tool operates from a power supply, the rotating shaft operates using an electric drive. Such equipment is used in pipes of various diameters.

The peculiarity of the tool is that a special mechanism is responsible for pushing the tip, which controls its rotation speed. When the shaft moves, the electric drive rotates. The device operates without noise, and is also capable of removing blockages from stone or wood.

The advantages of the method include:

• speed of work;
• achieving a quick positive result;
• removing blockages from hard and rigid materials.

Noise absorption during operation is carried out using a special casing, which is placed on the electric drive. In addition, it provides protection against various types of damage.

Electric drain cleaning machine Rothenberger R600 with a set of accessories

Instructions for using the equipment

To use the equipment correctly, the first thing you need to do before the procedure is to determine the nature of the blockage. This will help you select the required nozzle. After this, it should be installed on the hose and you can proceed directly to cleaning the pipes.

The hose should be inserted into the pipe to a depth of approximately 1 meter through a special hole or toilet. Next you need to turn on the water. The hose will move independently to the place of blockage under the pressure of water. The procedure must be carried out until the problem is resolved. After this, the hose and nozzle must be thoroughly rinsed with warm water.

Structural elements

The most common, according to buyers, is considered to be hydrodynamic technology. It consists of the following key elements:

• drive (internal combustion engine or electric drive);
• containers for saving working fluid;
• pump;
• flexible hoses in metal corrugation for high pressure;
• drums for winding hoses during storage;
• a set of nozzles with holes;
• frames with wheels (for popular expensive models);
• devices for cleaning filters and nozzles.

The best manufacturers have launched the production of popular models equipped with a gun for washing sidewalks, facades and vehicles.

Rating of the best models

To make it easier for users to choose equipment, experts have compiled a rating of the best models.

RIDGID

This is a reliable machine with a long operating period without any malfunctions. The unit is equipped with a flexible metal cable.

Equipment advantages:

• The body is made of high-quality material, which has increased strength and resistance to corrosion.
• Ease of use.

• Removing any blockages, including complex ones.
• Convenient cable storage without tangling or twisting.

GENERAL PIPE

High-quality equipment that is in high demand. The machine cable is reliable, flexible and highly durable. The end of the cable is equipped with a heart-shaped steel nozzle, which quickly and effectively breaks through even the most difficult blockages. The equipment can be used for any sewer systems.

Advantages:

• Ease of use.
• Removing any blockages, including complex ones.
• Long operational period.

Poseidon

This series includes several types of machines, namely:

• High pressure units.
• Hydrodynamic devices.
• Devices for cleaning channels.

Each type of device has the following advantages:

• Easy to transport.
• Can be used for various types of sewer systems.
• High degree of reliability.
• Possibility of choosing a car with different engine types.
• High quality equipment.

ROTORICA ROTOR GRAND

This is an electric unit that is recommended for use for cleaning pipes with a diameter of 50 to 300 mm.

Advantages:

• Large selection of attachments.
• High engine power, which allows the device to be used for heavy duty applications.

• Easy to transport.
• Can be used for products made of different materials.
• Availability of a special rack for storing attachments.

G.DREXL MINI-Power 75

This is professional equipment recommended for use for cleaning internal pipelines.

Advantages:

• Effectively clearing blockages without damaging products.
• Easy to use.
• Stable base.

• Light weight.
• Easy to transport.
• The kit includes a large number of attachments.

ROTHENBERGER

This manufacturer offers various types of equipment:

• Handmade products.
• Electromechanical devices.
• Hydrodynamic devices.
• High pressure machines.

Advantages:

• Can be used at home and in businesses.
• High build quality.
• The kit comes with a large number of attachments.
• High efficiency.

A sewer cleaning machine is a device that quickly removes blockages of any complexity.
Any type of equipment is easy to use, so it can be used at home.

Cable

If a blockage occurs deep in the pipeline, or in places where it passes (in the wall or between walls), a cable is used for cleaning. It is made of low-carbon steel, the outer surface is coated with a layer of zinc. In appearance, this device for cleaning sewer pipes looks like a perfectly bendable spring, at one end of which there is a special handle - an activator, with the help of which the equipment is set in motion. The other end is equipped with a spiral, with the help of which the layer of deposits in the pipe is broken through.

Clearing the blockage using a cable is carried out as follows:

1. To achieve a better result, it is better to remove the siphon from the pipe. The end of the cable with the tip is sent into the pipeline, the second end with the handle should be conveniently placed in the hand.
2. To push the device deep into the pipeline, you need to rotate it. It is best to do this clockwise to avoid breaking the flexible shaft as it may come loose. It is rotation that allows the device to go through various bends and curves in the pipe.
3. When you find a plug, be sure to start twisting the cable harder, this will allow it to break through, thereby eliminating the blockage. If the cable gets stuck in the pipe, you need to twist it left and right. If the tip is equipped with a hook attachment, then all accumulated debris must be removed from the pipe.
4. After completing work with the cable, you need to open hot water and clean the pipes, and the pressure of the water flow should increase over time.

Checking the quality of work using cable sewer cleaning equipment is carried out visually; if the water leaves without problems, then there is no need to repeat the work.

Advantages of cable construction

The advantages of the method include:

• eliminating not only plaque, but also unpleasant odors from the pipe;
• system disinfection;
• simplicity of design;
• low cost of the device.

Operating the cable does not require calling a specialist; you can eliminate the problem yourself.