Category: Drain Cleaners

  • What is a Rainwater Gully? How Do You Maintain It?

    What is a Rainwater Gully? How Do You Maintain It?

    When it comes to managing surface water in your home, you need to invest in a sound drainage system. Otherwise, you will have a problem dealing with flooding surface water.

    Gullies are some of the essential parts of the wastewater drainage system. It is a pipe that helps to discharge stormwater from your gardens to the main drainage pipe. The pipe can also be used to drain grey wastewater from guttering, dishwasher, sinks and washing machine.

    After when fitting rainwater gullies, the most important thing is maintenance. Whether it is surface water gully or wastewater gullies, it must be maintained to work efficiently. Otherwise, you will have a problem of a slow drain or completely blocked water gullies.

    Need help? Speak to an expert now:

    08081 689 112

    To Maintain blocked stormwater gullies is not tricky as some people think. In fact, you can unblock them by yourself. However, you need to have the right tools and tips on how to do it right.

    Here is everything you need to know about maintaining blocked water gullies.

    Tools Needed To Clean Rainwater Gullies

    One of the crucial things you need to have to clean your water gully is tools. Having the right tools will enable you to work as a professional and ensure your safety.

    You will need:

    • Garden brush
    • Rubber gloves
    • Protective glasses
    • Hosepipe
    • Flathead Screwdriver
    • Trowel
    • Bucket
    • Hot water

    Preparing Yourself To Clean A Rainwater Gully

    Once you put together all the tools that you need, the next thing is preparing for the job. First, you need to have your eyes and hands protected from bacteria and all kinds of muck. So start by wearing protective glasses and gloves. You must also ensure that no one is using the bathroom or equipment that drains wastewater into the gully. Then, locate your gully trap. It is a lid that traps debris and also keeps rodents away. You should also clear the area around the gully to remove any water obstructions.

    Removing a Gully Cover

    Gully Cover

    With the trap cleaned and the area around the gully cleared, now you need to remove the gully drain cover or the lid. It is pretty simple since all you need is a screwdriver to prise it open. Sometimes, it could be just a handle(s) on the cast gully grid. So, you will only need to lift to remove it. The lid removal should give you access to the inside of the water gully.

    How to avoid fatbergs in drains?

    Check: What is Fatberg?

    Check inside the Gully

    The removal of the gully cover gives access to the inside of the gully. So, you can now check inside the gully for any blockages. One thing that you are sure to get silt that has built up since the last time you cleaned the gully.

    So use a trowel to remove any visible blockages in the pipe. You can also use your hands to clear the blockages. After you gave cleared the clogs in the gully, water should start flowing smoothly. Open taps or pour in the gully to see there is slow water drainage. If water is flowing smoothly, the cleaning job is successful. But if there is a slow drain, you have got to a few more steps to take.

    Using a Drain Rod to Clean a Gully

    Drain rods can do more than what a trowel or the hand can do. The travel a long distance in the gully and remove tough blockages. These rods are usually a meter long, and you can screw a number of them together if you the clog in far inside the pipe.

    Plumber Fixing Problem

    When inserted in the water gullies, they will clear any blockages they come across.

    Once you encounter a blockage, prod it with the rod to break it down into smaller pieces. The idea is to have the clog broken down into small pieces that can flush down the drain. However, you must keep in mind that rotating the clog anticlockwise could unscrew the pipe.

    Flush Gully with a Hose

    With the clog seemingly broken into manageable pieces that can flush down the drain, you can start flushing water. Direct your garden hose pipe into the gully and allow it to flush the pipe to clear the blockages. You should also sweep off the debris around the water gully so that they do not fall into the pipe. After gully hosing for a few minutes, the blockages should be drained.

    Flush Gully with Hot Water

    Boiling Water

    Image source

    Gully hosing may not clear all the blockages in the pipe because of grey wastewater. Some of the clogs with grease matter needs hot water to dislodge.

    When you flush hot water, it melts the grease clogs hence dislodging them off the pipe. So, fill a bucket with hot water and pour it into the gully carefully. You can also add some bleach to help dislodge stubborn blockages.

    Test the Gully before Resealing

    Before you seal the water gully, test it again for the slow drain. Running the tabs for a few minutes will tell whether the gully is free of clogs or not. If you can still see water draining slowly, you use the rod again and repeat the whole process. But if you everything is okay and satisfied that the pipe is clean, replace the gully trap and screw it.

     

    Also, Read – How to Unblock a Drain?

    Blocked Gully Prevention Tips

    Once the gully cleaned, the next should be preventing the clogging from happening again. There are many things you can to keep you water gully free from any blockages.

    Here are prevention steps you should take:

    • Always clean areas around the gully before the rains start
    • Regular inspection of your gully
    • Avoid flushing too much toilet paper
    • Use natural solutions to treat your gully
    • Pour boiling water down the drain at least once a month
    • Avoid draining coffee grounds

    Summary

    Water gullies are an essential part of our wastewater management system. They prevent flooding in our homes by collection surface and gutter water. They can also help to drain grey wastewater. That’s why its proper functioning is crucial for any homeowner. Proper maintenance is vital before the rains start and if you notice signs of a slow drain. With these maintenance tips, you will be able to remove all blockages by yourself. But the blockage appears stubborn, call a qualified and professional plumbing service provider to fix it.

    rainwater gully infographic

  • The 10 Best Drain Cleaners 2021

    The 10 Best Drain Cleaners 2021

    Drains can get clogged with different things after a while. Then they move slowly, which can be frustrating. Most times, you plunge, and still, the flow is not restored. Often the next step is to call a plumber, which is more costly and time-consuming. However, you can resolve these blockage issues by using one of the best drain cleaners around. To ease your search, we have compiled this article detailing the top ten drain cleaners you can use to restore flow to your drains.

    What Is A Drain Cleaner?

    Drain cleaners are solutions for cleaning and clearing blockages in drains. Although drain cleaners have the same constituents (either chemicals or enzymes) they have different effects and modes of action. Some are effective as shower drain cleaners while some are more suitable for industrial areas. Due to this fact, you must select the best drain cleaner that suits your need.

    Need help? Speak to an expert now:

    08081 689 112

    Top Ten Drain Cleaners To Consider

    1. Pure Lye Drain Opener

    Pure Lye Drain Opener

    Pure Lye Drain Opener is one of the best drain unblockers that are neither acidic nor odourless. This drain cleaner is a biodegradable natural drain cleaner that is safe on both users and pipelines. It is useful for industrial drains and effective against septic tanks, slow-moving and clogged pipes. The concentrate does not stink. Therefore, it is suitable for residential areas, schools and commercial buildings.

    Pros of Pure Lye

    i. Friendly and safe to use.

    ii. Odourless and can be used for all drain types.

    Cons

    i. Could cause skin irritation if not used as directed.

    2. Thrift T-600 Alkaline Drain Cleaner

    Thrift T-600 Alkaline Drain Cleaner

    The Thrift T-600’s solution will melt anything in its path, including hair, grease or oil in less than a minute. Thrift T-600 contains a non-acidic component which is sodium hydroxide. They have unique effects on fats and oils. Therefore, it can be used as a shower drain cleaner or in the kitchen. The sodium hydroxide contained in the cleaner would not destroy the pipeline construction. As a result, consider Thrift T-600 an effective natural drain cleaner that is not toxic to your pipelines.

    Pros of the Thrift T-600

    i. A fast drain cleaner effective in less than a minute.

    ii. It has a pleasant odour.

    iii. It does not destroy pipelines.

    Cons

    i. It is not suitable for places with stagnant water such as toilet bowls.

    Using The Thrift T-600

    When using the Thrift T-600, ensure that you protect your eyes and hands. The following steps would ensure you use the drain cleaner correctly. Also, ensure you read the label before use and follow the instructions.

    • Thrift T-600 crystals get activated by hot water, so boil enough water and slowly pour down the drain.
    • Then introduce a cup of Thrift T-600 down the drain.
    • Finally, allow the drain cleaner solution and hot water to act on the clog for 60 seconds.
    • Repeat the process if necessary.

    3. Drano Max Drain Gel

    The Drano Max Gel is ideal for all drain types and pipes. Also, it is suitable as an industrial drain cleaner as well as for residential use. Drano Max contains active cleaning ingredients including sodium silicate, sodium hydroxide, surfactant and blend. These components together will liquefy the clog in no time making the Drano Max a fast attack drain cleaner. In 15 minutes, the Drano Max Gel will dissolve all blockages.

    Pros

    i. User-friendly and safe.

    ii. Safe for the pipelines.

    iii. Effective against total blockages.

    Cons

    i. Not suitable for toilets.

    Using The Drano Max Gel

    Before applying the gel, remove light particles from the filter. Leave the gel on the drain for 15-30 minutes before flushing with hot water. You can use your plunger after this process to check if the pipe is moving or not.

    4. Green Gobbler GGDIS2CH32 Drain Dissolve

    Green Gobbler GGDIS2CH32

    The Green Gobbler Dissolve is an enzymatic cleaner. It is highly effective against grease and hair clogs. Consequently, it is suitable for shower drains and kitchen drains. An added advantage of the Green Gobbler is its ability to sink to the bottom of standing water to liquefy clogs.

    Pros of using the Green Gobbler

    i. Can penetrate standing water.

    ii. Non-toxic drain cleaner.

    iii. Environment-friendly.

    Cons

    i. Not ideal for drains with total blockages.

    Using The Green Gobbler

    The Green Gobbler product comes with two different chambers. Most times, one is enough to get the job done. For maximum effect, pour a full one of the Green Gobbler chambers into the drain and leave it for two hours or more.

    5. Green Pig Solutions 52 Septic and Drain Treatment

    Green Pig Solutions 52 Septic and Drain Treatment

    One of the best drain unblockers on the market is the Green Pig concentrate. The solution contains bacteria that degrade the organic matter or other components in the clog. Also, it is a fast attack drain cleaner and clears clogs in 15-30minutes. It is a drain cleaner acid suitable for toilets, septic tanks and drain fields. The Green Pig Solution is pre-packed into four packets for easy use.

    Pros of the Green Pig Solution

    i. It is user-friendly.

    ii. A budget-friendly drain acid cleaner.

    iii. The drain cleaner is not toxic and highly effective.

    Cons

    i. It is not bio-based.

    6. Bio-Clean Drain Septic Bacteria

    Bio-Clean Drain Septic Bacteria

    The Bio-clean Drain Septic Bacteria is a natural drain cleaner with enzymes and bacteria. Also, it does not contain acid. It is a highly effective shower drain unblocker, and you only need a little of the Bio-clean to unclog your drain. Asides showers, kitchen sinks and tubs, bio-clean is also suitable for use as an industrial drain cleaner. To see better results, you need to leave the solution for 6-8 hours.

    Pros of the Bio-clean Drain

    i. User and environment-friendly.

    ii. It does not generate fumes or bad odours.

    Cons

    i. It requires more than one treatment.

    ii. Not a fast attack drain cleaner.

    7. Rid-X Septic Treatment

    Rid-X Septic Treatment

    Rid -X is also one of the best drain cleaners in the UK. Like the Bio-clean drain, it contains enzymes that target clog materials. The proteins in the concentrate include lipase, amylase and cellulase. These enzymes are not harmful. As a result, they do not degrade pipelines and are ozone-friendly. The enzymes mainly digest food particles. Therefore, they are suitable for kitchen drains. Also, they can be useful for septic tanks.

    Pros Of Using Rid-X

    i. Relatively safe to use.

    ii. Not harmful to the skin.

    iii. Highly effective.

    Cons

    i. Effective against only partial blockages.

    8. Xion Lab Drain Cleaner

    Xion Lab Drain Cleaner

    Xion Lab Drain Cleaner is a highly effective and fast action drain cleaner. This liquid drain cleaner clears oils, grease and hair particles. Due to this, it is one of the best shower drain unblockers. The drain acid is denser than water, so it penetrates deep into the clog. Additionally, it is made of biodegradable components and highly recommended as a residential and industrial drain cleaner.

    Pros Of Xion Lab

    i. User-friendly.

    ii. It is fast-acting.

    iii. Not toxic and non-inflammable.

    iv. Very effective.

    Cons

    i. Could be ineffective on stubborn blockages.

    9. Roebic K-97-Q-4 Mainline Cleaner

    Roebic K-97-Q-4 Mainline Cleaner

    Roebic K-97 is a powerful drain cleaner acid used for stubborn blockages. It is highly effective against clogs in toilets, septic tanks and sewage systems. The Mainline cleaner would correct the slow flow in your drainage system. It digests fats and grease in the main lines.

    Pros of Roebic K-97

    i. User-friendly product.

    ii. Effective for septic tanks.

    Cons

    i. Might have a long-acting time.

    10. CLR PP4-5 Power Plumber Drain Opener

    CLR PP4-5 Power Plumber Drain Opener

    The CLR PP4-5 power plumber is also one of the cleaner acids with a fast-acting nature. The drainer opens a clog in less than a minute. Also, it is suitable for pipelines with long distances. Also, the power plumber can be used for up to 15 times before exhausting the can. The components in the power plumber are non-corrosive and non-abrasive. As a result, they are ideal for bathtubs, kitchen sinks, and even toilets.

    Choosing A Drain Cleaner: Things To Consider

    When selecting your drain cleaner, you should not just pick one randomly. You could choose from one of these ten best drain unblockers. However, you still have to keep certain things in mind:

    • Types Of Blockage: This is the reason for the clog. You could identify this by the location of the drain. Kitchen drains mostly get clogged by grease and oils while shower drainage is mostly by hair and dirt. Ensure to get the best drain cleaner suitable for the blockage.
    • Type Of Pipe: Chemicals easily destroy some pipes. Keep in mind that some drain acids damage pipelines. Select one based on the kind of pipes you have.
    • Cost Of Cleaners: Purchasing costly drain cleaner acids does not translate to increased effectiveness. Also, it doesn’t mean the product is not efficient when cheap. Select a drain cleaner based on the blockages, pipelines and the cost you can afford.
    • Types Of Drain Cleaners: The kind of drain cleaner you would select should depend on the kind of clogs you have. They come in various forms – powders, gels, liquid. Mostly, the liquid and gel drain cleaners are more effective against partially blocked and thick clogs. In contrast, powder forms work for total blockages. Also, the powders are not as effective as a fast attack drain cleaner.

    In Conclusion

    Drain cleaners are the best solution to your clogging problems; they are highly effective when you choose the right ones, some of which have been listed above. However, safety precautions are essential when dealing with drain acids. Hence, read instructions to know the type of chemicals or enzymes in the drain cleaners.

    best drain cleaners