Most Effective 3 Methods On How To Remove Algae From Pipes
How to remove algae from pipes? Bleach and vinegar solution can be effective here in removing green algae from pipes. However, there are some other practical ways, too.
Algae formation is an unpleasant sight, without a doubt. Plus, it can also contaminate the drinking water of your house. So, you must clean them routinely to prevent health disorders. But, do you know how to clean algae from pipes efficiently?
Don’t worry if you don’t. And even if you do know some ways, the tricks and tips of cleaning the pipe we discussed in this guide will surely touch up the procedure you follow to remove the algae. So, let’s get started.
How To Remove Algae From Pipes
Nobody should overlook the formation of greenish molds in their pipes. Cautious homeowners already use a few DIY techniques to lose the green algae in water hoses in response.
However, we discuss here the apt methods that can break loose this tenacious contaminant and a few tips to prevent its formation.
Method 1: Using Dish Scrub
- Firstly, cut off a small portion from the dish scrub or use a small cloth piece dipped in a solution of decontaminant or cleaner.
- Then roll it with your finger so that it fits into the pipe.
- Next, put the scrub piece into one end of the pipe and clamp it against an active faucet.
- Finally, turn on the faucet and let the foam come out from the other end with a bulk of algae formation.
- Repeat the whole process a few times by tying the other end of your pipe with the faucet.
There you go, as clean as a new pipe. Now let’s look into the other methods.
This method is best for cleaning flexible water pipes like garden hoses as you can press it to loosen the scrub or cloth if it gets stuck inside.
However, if your water hose is not flexible, connect another end of the pipe with your tap and turn it on, and the lump will automatically come off.
Now that you know how to remove algae from hose pipes, let’s learn another easy and potent remedy.
Method 2: Using Rotation Loop
- First of all, fill your dirty water pipe with bleach and caustic soda solution.
- Then, make a circular loop with the pipe connecting its tips with a half hp pump.
- Finally, run the pump for more than an hour to eradicate all the algae from your water pipe.
Longer pipes can be cleaned easily in this method.
However, you need to run the pump for a longer time to clean an extended water pipe.
Method 3: Using Tartaric Acid
Suppose your pottable water pipe is infected with fungus and algae formation. In that case, the tartaric acid solution is the most viable option for you because it is a food-grade acid and poses no health hazard like other cleaners.
So, as to what cleaner removes algae safely, it is this solution. So, let’s start with the step-by-step instruction.
- Mix crystallized tartaric acid with a water solution. Use one spoonful of it for each foot of your water pipe.
- Then, pour the solution into the pipe but keep an air pocket in the pipe.
- Next, seal both ends of the pipe with a cap or valve.
- Afterward, start shaking the pipe as much as you can without damaging it. Then rest and repeat.
But, don’t open the seals or let out the solution at least before an hour. If anybody asks you how to clean algae from water pipes supplying drinking water, show them this way.
Tricks To Prevent Algae Formation
- Algae and other fungal molds in your tube are green and grow with the help of sunlight. So, insulating the light passage can prevent their growth.
So, cover the pipe from daylight by wrapping black tape around it, or replacing the transparent, white, or bright colors with darker, preferably black hoses.
- If there are algae in Pex pipes in your house interior, run bleach and vinegar solution to the entire water system to uproot them and disinfect the tubings.
- Instead of industrial decontaminants, you can use vinegar, citric acid, etc., hygienic solutions for drinking water pipes. Not all cleaners are green for your health.
- You can dislodge and dissolve the algae in irrigation pipes using Hydrogen peroxide solution.
- Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) is another potent preventive measure against the formation of algae. Pass this solution once through your pipe each week, and the algae formation will decrease gradually.
This Video Will Help You Too!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you get rid of green water pipes?
You can take a few efficient measures to get rid of greenness or mold formation in your water pipes. Such as using a pump and rotation loop with the pipe, tucking dishwasher pieces inside it, or using the harmless tartaric acid if it supplies drinking water. We have explained each method vividly in our guide.
How do you make homemade algaecide?
You can make algaecide in your home by mixing baking soda and bleaching powder or vinegar solution. They don’t have an instant cleansing effect. So, if you apply it, wait a while to scrub off any algae formation and decontaminate the pipe entirely.
Can algae grow in water pipes?
Yes, algae can grow on any damp surface with access to light. So, it can grow abundantly in transparent and light color pipes. However, little to no passage of light can restrict their growth, so darker tinted or covered ones have fewer algae growth.
Does bleach remove algae?
Yes, bleach removes algae. However, bleach and baking soda solution erases the green molds and sterilizes contaminated surfaces more efficiently. And you must wait for at least an hour before the cleaner takes effect.
How do you dissolve green algae?
Vinegar, Potassium Permanganate, citric acid, etc. solutions can dissolve green algae. To scrub off algae from a surface, wear protective gears and spray the area with any of them. Then wait for an hour and scrub it with a cloth piece dipped in the solution. However, go through our step-by-step guide to clear out algae from a water pipe.
How to remove algae from PVC pipes?
Pour Tartaric acid solution with a proportionate air pocket inside the pipe and seal the pipe inlets. After an hour or more, depending on the pipe’s volume, shudder its body to remove the algae in PVC water pipes. We have discussed the method vividly in our DIY tutorial.
What is the best algae remover?
There are many methods to remove algae from your pipe, and depending on the cleaning efficiency and simplicity of the job, cleaning it with dishwasher scrub is the most efficient way. Other than this, tartaric acid is a healthier algae remover and we have described this method in our guide too.
How to clean algae from pool hose?
To clean algae from the pool hose, extract and dip the hose in bleach solutions and let it sit for at least an hour. Then rinse, shrink and expand the hose and repeat the procedure all algae dislodge from it.
Does vinegar remove algae?
Yes, vinegar solution can remove algae from PVC and plastic materials. However, depending on the surface area you need to clean, you also need to strengthen or dilute your vinegar solution.
Final Thoughts
Throughout our guide, we tried to explain how to remove algae from pipes most efficiently sitting at the ease of your home.
Moreover, we have also discussed some preventive measures to counter its spread. So, if our small effort to compile this guide helps you live healthier, we will deem ourselves fortunate.
Therefore, with best wishes for your health, we conclude our guide here. Goodbye until we meet with another guide.
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