Can I Remove Concrete From Drains Myself?
Concrete in drains is a problem that inflicts both homeowners or construction workers. Concrete blockages can either build up over time, or happen very suddenly (usually by accident).
It can be tempting to try a DIY removal of concrete from the drain, but sometimes you can end up doing more harm than good. In this article, we look at the problem of concrete in drains, the DIY solutions that have been floated about, and some professional alternatives to concrete unblocking that will keep your drains intact and damage-free.
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The Problem
Your project is just getting started, and you hit a snag. Or rather a drain. Lots of concrete has now found its way into your pipes, and you’ll need to act quickly before it hardens and remove concrete.
Other times, concrete build-up can be a more gradual process. For example, on a construction site, vehicles are often washed down after use – this water, containing particles of concrete, can end up being washed into the drains. Over time, these drainage pipes can set with hard concrete.
Concrete blockages can be caused by roadworks, hole boring operations, and home renovations – and the problem can impact both homeowners and construction workers alike. But what can be done?
Is DIY Removal of Concrete Possible?
A quick search on the internet will drum up suggestions for DIY concrete removal methods, but this is not the most effective option – after all, the precise impact on drain health cannot be fully predicted. Also, while you are experimenting and attempting DIY solutions, the concrete will continue to harden – making the problem gradually worse.
You may also come across serious issues with DIY removal. Firstly, it may be difficult to tell exactly where the blockage is. Also, the bends of a pipe can make it hard to access the blockage, particularly if it’s a long-distance away from the drain entrance.
One suggested technique is to put a biodegradable material down the drain to soften it and then use drain jetting to remove concrete – drain jetting will still need to be carried out by a professional.
You could try using a plumber snake to dislodge the blockage, but care must be taken to not break or damage the drains. Depending on how hard the concrete has set, this could potentially be a fruitless exercise.
Some people try putting acids down the drain to break up the concrete – however, we would not recommend this, as you may cause damage to the drainpipe itself. Acids can contribute to the problem of acid rain, which has dire consequences for the environment by contaminating surface water and groundwater.
So, What’s the Solution?
Luckily, there is an innovative solution for removing concrete that is now available nationwide: hydro cutting. Here at Express Drainage Solutions, we’re offering this game-changing solution to the UK – and we’re the first to do so. This technique is both cost-efficient and time-efficient. Unlike traditional drain jetting, which is a laborious technique with a high chance of drain breakage, hydro cutting is a quicker, more accurate and far more powerful method.
The benefits of hydro cutting include:
- Dislodges concrete in a third of time compared to traditional drain jetting.
- Same-day service, which means concrete won’t be left to harden for too long.
- Accurate and precise, as the water jets are operated by a computer command unit.
- Minimises chance of drain breakage.
- Cuts down on labour costs.
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