After long-term use, plastic pipes will accumulate layers of dirt, mineral deposits, and bacteria build up inside, which restricts the flow rate of the fluid flowing inside these pipes. The problem worsens as residues accumulate, resulting in unpleasant odors, corrosion, and, in severe cases, complete blockages. Ignoring pipe maintenance can result in costly repairs or even full replacements.
Thus, you will need to clean pipes regularly to keep the water running smoothly and prevent harmful bacteria from thriving inside the pipes. More importantly, a well-maintained and clean pipe will improve the quality of the water flowing inside and extend the service life of the entire plumbing system. Let’s have a look at the top five tips on how to clean a pipe.
Preparation before Cleaning
Proper preparation is the key to cleaning pipes effectively and ensuring operational safety. Before you clean pipes, follow these essential steps that will make the process more effective and safer.
1. Safety Measures
Dirty pipes can contain sewage, chemical residues, or other contaminants. Direct contact with these substances may cause skin irritation or respiratory discomfort.
Wearing protective gloves, masks, and goggles reduces exposure to harmful elements, particularly if you are using chemical cleaners to clean pipes. If the cleaning involves strong fumes or industrial-grade solutions, working in a well-ventilated area prevents inhalation risks.
2. Turn Off the Water Source
Cleaning becomes much more difficult if water keeps running through the pipes. Shutting off the main valve prevents accidental leaks or flooding.
3. Drain the Pipe and Check for Blockages
Open the drainage outlet at the end of the pipe to ensure that the water inside the pipe is completely drained. During this process, observe whether the water flow is smooth to check for blockages such as dirt and hair. If there is any, a suitable tool (such as a hook) should be used to remove it first to ensure that the pipe is unobstructed.
How to Clean Pipe Inside?
How do you clean a water pipe effectively? Different cleaning methods can be selected based on the type, purpose, and severity of dirt on the pipe. The following are several common methods to clean pipes:
1. Plunger, Drain Snake, or PIG Cleaning
- A plunger works well for minor blockages. Place the plunger at the blockage and then pull it up and down forcefully to use the change in air pressure to expel the blockage.
- For tougher clogs deeper in the pipe, a drain snake is more effective. Simply insert the drain snake into the drainage pipe and gently push the obstacle forward.
- In large industrial pipelines, PIG (Pipeline Inspection Gauge) cleaning is a common method. PIG is a cylindrical device that moves through the pipe to scrape off accumulated debris and deposits. This technique is widely used in industries that deal with oil, gas, or wastewater.
2. Dish Soap and Hot Water
This method is suitable for home pipe cleaning. Grease buildup is one of the most common causes of slow drainage. Pouring hot water mixed with dish soap helps dissolve greasy residues. This way works best as a preventive measure to clean pipes rather than a solution for severe clogs.
3. Vinegar and Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda can lead to a chemical reaction that can break down dirt and minor clogs. Pour baking soda into the pipe, followed by vinegar. Let the mixture sit for several minutes before flushing with hot water.
4. Dedicated Pipe Cleaner
There are various pipe cleaners designed specifically for plastic pipes on the market, which usually contain powerful cleaning ingredients that can effectively dissolve dirt and blockages inside the pipes without damaging them. Always follow the cleaner instructions carefully to avoid overuse.
5. High-pressure Water Cleaning
In large-scale piping systems, high-pressure water cleaning is one of the most effective ways to clean pipes. This process involves jetting high-pressure water to remove accumulated debris, grease, and even tree roots. The force of the water clears blockages without requiring harsh chemicals. However, it is not suitable for all types of pipes, as older or weaker materials are vulnerable to cracking under extreme pressure.
After cleaning drainage pipes, inspecting all pipe connections is essential. Loose fittings can cause leaks, reducing efficiency and leading to potential water damage.
Maintenance after Pipe Cleaning
Once you are done with the pipe cleaning process, maintaining the pipe cleaned is also important to stop them from getting dirty again.
Here are the important maintenance steps that will help you maintain the condition of the clear pipes plastic products after they are cleaned:
1. Regular Cleaning
Routine cleaning prevents small debris from accumulating into a major clog. Flushing pipes with hot water once a week helps remove grease and soap residues, especially in kitchen sinks. For pipes carrying hard water, the occasional use of vinegar can break down mineral deposits before they become a problem.
2. Install a Filter
Hair, sediment, and solid particles entering the pipe contribute to blockages. Once you have your pipes cleaned, install a filter at key entry points to prevent unwanted materials from flowing into the system.
3. Avoid Pouring Heavy Grease or Harmful Liquids into the Pipes
Pouring cooking grease, oils, or thick liquids down the drain leads to tough blockages as these substances solidify inside the pipe. These substances should be collected in a separate container and disposed of properly. Otherwise, you will be cleaning drain pipes over and over again.
Replace New Drainage Pipes
After understanding effective methods for pipe cleaning and maintenance, you can significantly improve their service life and efficiency. However, if your pipe systems have aged and accumulated severe dirt, replacing them with durable pipes eliminates the tedious cleaning task and becomes a more recommended choice.
In this aspect, LESSO pipes are suitable choices. They’re designed for efficiency, durability, and ease of maintenance. The smooth inner walls reduce friction, thus preventing debris buildup and allowing water to flow more freely. This design not only improves performance but also makes it easy to clean pipes, as residues and mineral deposits struggle to adhere to the pipe’s surface.
In addition to ease of cleaning, LESSO pipes offer strong corrosion resistance, which makes them a long-term use. All these factors make LESSO plastic pipes a go-to choice for various applications in residential, municipal, and industrial settings.
Wrapping-Up
In conclusion, by using physical cleaning tools (such as plungers and drainage snakes), chemical cleaners (such as vinegar and baking soda, cleaning agents), or high-pressure water cleaning methods, you can effectively clean pipes inside to extend their service life. Moreover, regular cleaning, installation of filters, and maintenance measures can avoid harmful substance accumulation.
LESSO’s pipes come with smooth inner walls, low maintenance needs and strong corrosion resistance, becoming an excellent pipe solution for you. Contact us now to choose one for your needs!
