Drain issues can be frustrating, especially if you do not know what is causing them. For this reason, we have created this guide that discusses some common drain problems, such as blocked drains and water backups. Once you have identified what may be wrong with your drains, be sure to call a plumber for professional drain cleaning, repair, or replacement.
1. Blocked Drains
A blocked drain can occur suddenly or gradually. For instance, if a large item, such as a child’s toy, is inserted into the drainage system, it can block the drain. Cooking fats, oils, or grease washed down the kitchen sink can stick together over time and could even combine with food particles to cause a blockage.
It is important that you call a plumber to help you fix this drain issue. Using an inspection camera, your plumber will check what is causing the blockage. After that, they will use a drain snake or auger to break through the clog. The plumber may also advise on how to prevent blockages in the future.
2. Recurring Clogged Drains
Recurring clogged drains are frequently blocked, making water back up or drain at a slower rate. Several factors can make drains clog frequently. They include:
- Drain misuse
- Grease and soap buildup
- Tree root intrusion
Drain misuse occurs when you flush inappropriate items, such as baby wipes and sanitary pads, down the toilet. Most of these items barely dissolve; hence, they clog the drains. Tree roots can also make drains clog frequently by penetrating pipes and preventing water from flowing freely.
Since several factors cause recurring clogged drains, your plumber will conduct an in-depth inspection to determine the cause of frequent clogging. Once the inspection is over, the plumber will adopt a suitable method to solve the issue.
3. Cracked Drains
At some point, your drainage system will undergo wear and tear, which can make it develop cracks and fractures. While the joints are often the most affected areas, other sections of the drainage system may also be damaged.
Cracked drains can release sewer water onto your basement floor or into the grounds of your home. For this reason, it is crucial that you let your plumber know of the issue immediately. While it is not easy to spot cracked drains, there are signs you can rely on to identify the problem and have your plumber fix it before it worsens.
Some of these are when you can smell a sewer odor inside or outside your home and when mold starts to grow because of high moisture levels. Others are insect or rodent infestation and gurgling toilets.
4. Corrosion and Limescale Buildup in Drainpipes
Some drainpipes are made of materials prone to rust, which means that over time, they will corrode and even collapse if no repair is conducted. When a drainpipe collapses, it breaks open and spills wastewater, which, in return, can expose you to various health issues. Some drain cleaners also corrode drainpipes, which is one of the reasons to avoid using them unless recommended by a professional plumber.
Limescale buildup is another problem that affects drainpipes, making their diameters shrink and restrict the flow of water. To prevent these problems, pick drainpipes made of materials unlikely to rust. If this is not possible, choose materials with rust-resistant coatings. As for limescale buildup, schedule with your plumber to check the drainpipes routinely. A tool such as an inspection camera will let the plumber see the inside of the pipe and remove any limescale starting to build up.
5. Slow Drains
A slow drain occurs when the clog is partial, thereby allowing a little bit of water to pass through. Slow drains can inconvenience you by letting water back up if too much flows into the affected drains at once. A professional plumber will use a plunger to solve the issue of slow drains. However, if this fails, the plumber may turn to a drain snake, which goes deeper into the pipe to remove the clog causing slow drains.
6. Incorrect Installation
Sometimes, the plumber you hired used the wrong materials or positioned the drainage components in places where they are exposed to the elements. Another common installation problem is when the drain components are disproportionately aligned, leading to open joints, which, in turn, can spill wastewater.
If you notice that your drain issues are related to installation, contact an experienced plumber to reinstall the entire system. While this sounds daunting, it is better than dealing with recurring problems, which can cost a lot of money in the long run.
If your home is in an unleveled area, the plumber will ensure the drainage system slopes downward to allow water to flow easily and prevent clogs and backups. An experienced plumber also knows materials that are both functional and durable. Additionally, they know how to align joints to keep them working for an extended period.
7. Water Backups
Water has nowhere to go if a clog completely blocks its flow. The result is pressure forcing the water to back up via the drain. If a clog blocks the flow of water after a joint between two or more pipes, the water may back up in multiple directions. For instance, water from your bathroom sink could back up through the shower drain and toilet.
Water backups can be complex to fix; thus, let your plumber know of them rather than opting for DIY work. The plumber will inspect to check the cause of the backup and use tools like hydro-jetting equipment to solve the problem. The plumber may also use wire brushes to thoroughly clean the inside of your drainpipes and ensure they are free of clogs.
Fixing Common Drain Issues
Drain issues range widely from minor ones like slow drains to complex ones like incorrect installation of a drainage system. However, regardless of how minor a drain issue might seem, it is never a good idea to fix it on your own. Instead, call a professional plumber to help you find a solution. One problem with fixing drain issues by yourself is that you may not understand how parts of the system work together, which can worsen the situation.
Professional plumbers, on the other hand, have been in business for a long time, plus they are specially trained to handle common drain problems. Plumbers also use modern techniques to deliver thorough drain cleaning that blasts away stubborn clogs. Moreover, your plumber will tell you if your drains require more than cleaning. They know when a drainage system needs repair or replacement, and they will advise you on what action to take.
Call Us for Help
If you are looking for a dedicated plumbing company to help you fix a common drain issue, look no further than Jim Needham Heating Cooling Plumbing and Drain. We understand how inconveniencing these problems can be; thus, we are always on standby to offer the support you need. Furthermore, we know that different drain issues require different solutions. For example, clogged drains may require thorough cleaning while corrosion may require a replacement of drainage components due to damage. At Jim Needham Heating Cooling Plumbing and Drain, we also offer other services, including plumbing repair, water treatment, sump pump repair and installation, AC repair, installation, and maintenance, and heating repair, installation, and maintenance.
If you are dealing with a drain issue in Thornton, get in touch with Jim Needham Heating Cooling Plumbing and Drain today.
