 | Tommy Steven is the President of Reddi Industries of Wichita. He manages the service departments of Reddi Root'r, M.K. Plumbing, Derby Plumbing and Andover Plumbing. He manages and works with both journeyman plumbers and licensed drain cleaners. He has been involved in the plumbing industry through the family business for over fifteen years, and has been the General Manager of Reddi Industries for the last six years. Mr. Steven regularly attends trade conventions and seminars to keep abreast of the latest technology in his field. You may call him at (316) 681-3382, or e-mail tommy@wichitausa.com |
Plumbing
2004-01-01 10:56:00
‘P-traps’, ‘clean-outs’ & chemicals
ANSWER: All drains have a U shaped pipe called a P-trap that traps water to stop the flow of air from the sewer that is highly offensive. The wastewater entering the P-trap is higher than the exiting wastewater so good flow will move solids in the wastewater down the drain. The P-trap can be seen easily under sinks. Accessible P-traps under sinks can usually be taken apart and put together with your hands, but unclogging it can sure become a mess if you don't know what you're doing. All drains have clean outs, or should have. Clean outs are accesses to get into the line. Clean outs are located in walls, under sinks, in cabinets or closets. The main line clean out is located just outside the foundation where the main line exits the house. It should be at or near ground level with a noticeable screw in cap. The outside clean out is very important. Most blockages are in the main line. The larger blades needed to properly clean a main line can only enter the main line through the outside clean out or through a roof vent that has the same diameter as the main line. Plumbing code now requires all main lines to have an outside accessible clean out. For the most part, many sewer and drain chemicals do more harm than good. They have been marketed very well in our society, but most chemicals are the single most destructive additive to your drains and septic systems. They drastically shorten the life of your drains and drain fields. Yes, if they can reach the blockage they do eat it away, but they only eat small holes and cannot remove the entire blockage. More importantly they eat away at your pipes just as fast. Many of these types of chemicals are also harmful to humans and corrosive to drain cleaning machinery. Further, since they are toxic, they kill the natural beneficial bacteria needed to properly maintain a septic system. You see, there is both good and bad bacteria. The type of bacteria found in sewer and septic systems is needed for the system to function properly. Most professional sewer and drain cleaning companies will offer chemicals that are used specifically for maintaining the drain so that it will eat solid material as water flows through the line as opposed to using it for opening a drain. These chemicals are completely biodegradable and non-hazardous.
