Varieties of plumbing cables and how to make them yourself
Plumbing cables are used to clear sewer pipes in cases where a blockage has occurred in one of the sections. These are devices that are indispensable tools for plumbing, and also help owners of private houses and apartments to clean pipes on their own. Cables are structures with a movable base, for which they received the name "cobra" in the territory of Russia.
Description and purpose
Plumbing cable, as a tool for cleaning sewer pipes, was patented by John Wrigley in the early 20th century. The novelty in plumbing involved the use of a cable to clear blockages in toilet bowls of the simplest modification. Over time, some details have been added to the invention. A handle appeared on one side, which made it possible to rotate the thread conveniently, thus avoiding damage to the plumbing. At first, the cable was used only to remove congestion inside the sewer, but later the device began to be used to clean water pipes.
The cable is made of a metal type wire, which is wound in a spring; when folded, it takes up little space.The mechanism of action of the wire with a handle consists in screwing the working end into the blockage that has arisen along the pipe and separating the blockage into parts. Elimination of the blockage on the site leads to the restoration of the patency of the water supply or sewer pipe and does not require additional manipulations.
Varieties
There are several types of cables that have been improved by specialists. Each of the types is applicable for working with specific problems.
Cable cars
This is the simplest type of plumbing fixture that is suitable for removing clogs by apartment owners in an apartment building. The description:
- is a tightly twisted cord from galvanized wires;
- the thickness is 6 millimeters, the length varies from 1 to 5 meters.
The disadvantage of the rope is considered low rotational capacity, as well as the lack of elasticity of the material. The landing area of the cord has the ability to shed fibers. Rope cobras are heavy and take up a lot of meta when folding. In addition, they are wear-resistant and durable.
On springs
It is a professional equipment, which is a structure of a steel core wrapped with twisted wire. The device has high mobility indicators, demonstrates the highest possible penetrating ability. The thickness of the cable reaches 3 centimeters, the length reaches 60 meters. There are 2 types of springs:
- With a fixed center. The layers of yarn are wound in different directions from each other, resulting in a firm and tight bond.
- With a moving medium. A device in which a small gap remains between the middle and the outer shell.Due to the presence of a hollow space, the tip is reliably covered along the entire thread path. The nozzle protrudes from the cable only when it touches the plug. This technique helps maintain penetration and increases the life of the device.
On springs
Spring cobras are suitable for home use. They are made from a thin metal cavity which is empty inside. The flexibility of spring structures is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The ability to pass through the winding sections of water pipes without tension leads to the fact that the torso inside the pipe bends, forms loops and becomes entangled.
Ribbon
A hardened flat metal strip with a ferrule has a high penetrating ability. Tape removes hard clogs, cleans construction debris. The thickness of the ribbon is 4 millimeters. The tip of the tape is integrated in advance; most often, it is a pointed lance capable of piercing a watertight plug. Tape does not adapt well to pipe bends, as it does not have sufficient flexibility. In addition, it should be borne in mind that with the help of the adhesive tape it is impossible to reach the blockage or parts of the stuck debris.
Reference! The tapes are used to perforate straight water pipes without the need to snag the waste that caused the blockage.
Electric
Electric drum models are automatic cable feeders. Electrical equipment is a professional technique for professionals. They operate on the principle of unwinding a coil. The feed rate of some models is adjusted by installing a lever on the drum body.
Information! Winding electric cables require skill in the operation of the device.
How to determine the required working diameter
To eliminate blockages, ropes of a suitable diameter are used. To clean wide pipes, cables of larger diameter are selected, since narrow wires can twist and not perform the assigned tasks.
| pipe diameter | rope diameter |
| less than 50 | from 6 to 10 |
| 50-100 | from 10 to 16 |
| from 110 | from 16 |
What are attachments
The result of the job depends on the attachments used. On the side opposite the handle, a nozzle is placed, which is chosen focusing on the type of cork, as well as the type of piping system.
Screw
A special knife that is suitable for breaking up congestion due to grease, dirt from food waste, hair and mucus buildup. The auger moves forward and splits the plug, which lowers down the pipe under the pressure of the water.
Hang
The hook not only helps to break up congestion, but also to remove stuck objects. This is made possible by the special tip engaging the debris and holding it firmly.
Scraper
The nozzle acts as a dirt scraper from the surface. It is recommended that the scraper be used only in large, solid pipes so as not to damage sewage or plumbing systems.
Harpoon
The extra strong corks are pierced with a harpoon. The harpoon can be combined with any type of rope.
sliding knife
A sliding knife or pliers are used to scrape the growths from the walls. The gripper catches the deposits and pushes them forward thanks to the movement of the main part of the cable.
Pica
The pica acts like a harpoon. It is recommended to use Piku in combination with flexible tension ropes.
Other
A universal accessory for any type of rope - a whip.The whip helps wrap the stuck hair, threads, burlap over the axle and pushes the cork forward. The wire brush simultaneously cleans pipe walls and helps cut through medium-density congestion.
Selection tips
To select an appropriate cable model, it is necessary to analyze the input parameters. Professional plumbers advise choosing wires with a handle so homeowners have the ability to scroll the wire inside the pipe, creating range of motion. For plastic pipes, you cannot buy thick spring cables with a solid core - they can damage the structure of the water supply system. Flexible cable up to 5 meters long with a brush tip is suitable for independent use at home. The brush acts like a brush: it removes plaque from the internal walls of the pipes and also helps to break through the blockage.
Work rules
Before cleaning the pipe, it is necessary to prepare:
- Inspect the cable, put on the handle, attach the nozzle.
- For work you need to choose protective clothing, put on gloves on your hands.
- Cover the floor and fixtures near the pipe with oilcloth or rags.
- It is recommended to run a jet of hot water in the pipes 10 minutes before the start of the work.
- Before removing the siphon, you can place a basin or container under the pipes, where the liquid will drain.
- After removing the corrugation, place the straightened cable in the hole and slowly push it along the pipe.
- In this case, the handle must be turned.
The cable is placed in the pipe until it touches the plug or rises to the handle.
In case of resistance, translational movements must be made in order to loosen or hook the plug formed. Once the pipe section is free, you need to carefully start the cobra's return, while simultaneously scrolling through it to clear plaque from the walls along the way. Plumbers recommend placing the used cable in a suitable bowl or container so that you can rinse the entire surface of the wire with hot water.
The cobra, which was removed from the water pipe, accumulates the remains of food waste, processed products and decomposition. These substances can stain clothing and surrounding objects unless special protective measures are taken.
Reference! It is possible to determine that the blockage has been cleared by the presence of a water funnel near the drain hole.
How to do
Plumbing cables are available at plumbing stores. If it is not possible to use factory equipment, you can make a cable yourself from scrap materials. A common method for making your own rope is to use a plastic bottle. To do this, a 5-liter bottle is cut along the contour, creating a whole wide ribbon. On the one hand, a loop is built for gripping, and on the other, incisions are made, imitating the tip of the brush.
Reference! When making a cobra yourself, the steel wire can be replaced with a climbing rope or clothesline of increased strength and rigidity.
Proper maintenance of plumbing fixtures is recommended. Equipment manufactured by us requires additional cleaning after each use.