System and method of clearing clogs in a plumbing environment
OwnerTim Koernerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention is a waste line monitoring system that detects developing blockages and provides automated responses including cleaning, testing, and data collection. The monitoring system includes sensors positioned to detect flow restrictions, processing unit with software to analyze conditions, and automated response capabilities. When blockages are detected, the system can activate cleaning through a manifold with hot water distribution to outlet lines connected to fixtures. The system also provides testing capabilities using air/water pressurization with pressure monitoring, and collects performance data including clog frequency, severity, and response times for building assessment and problem area identification.
Claims18
A drain clog removal system, the system comprising:
- a manifold comprising a hot water inlet line in fluid communication with a hot water source that is external to and forms no part of the drain clog removal system;
- a plurality of outlet lines operatively connected to the manifold, each outlet line in fluid connection to a dedicated fixture that is external to and forms no part of the drain clog removal system, wherein each outlet line comprises a valve along a length of each outlet line configured to open or close flow of water through the outlet line;
- wherein each outlet line is coupled with a drain line of the dedicated external fixture;
- and
- wherein hot water from the hot water inlet line is configured to flow within the interior of the manifold and be selectively distributed to a desired outlet line.
A waste line monitoring system comprising:
- one or more sensors positioned relative to drainage infrastructure and configured to detect flow restriction conditions in drain lines, wherein the sensors comprise any type of switch that can identify clog conditions including full or partial blockage;
- a processing unit comprising a relay box configured to receive sensor signals and specific software configured to process sensor signals to determine when maintenance actions are required;
- an automated response system configured to initiate maintenance actions based on sensor signal processing, wherein the maintenance actions comprise at least one of automatic valve activation for cleaning, operator notification through remote communication, or drain line isolation;
- wherein the sensors are configured for automated detection to identify developing clog conditions and the system operates through automated maintenance cycles to prevent drainage failures without user input.
A method of testing drainage infrastructure integrity comprising:
- isolating individual drain lines using valves configured to open or close flow through outlet lines coupled with drain lines of dedicated fixtures;
- applying air and/or water to pressurize one or more specific waste lines in conjunction with a pressure gauge on the manifold;
- monitoring pressure variations wherein if a decrease in pressure is observed after pressurization to a desired pressure, an operator will know that damage to that specific waste line has occurred;
- enabling repairs to mitigate future problems before they happen through systematic detection of waste line damage;
- wherein the testing provides an easy and streamlined approach to detecting leaks in fixture drain lines without invasive access to drainage systems.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.