Plumbing is a complex system that brings freshwater in and takes sewage waste out. It’s also responsible for draining water and ensuring unhealthy microorganisms don’t linger in living spaces.
Plumbers are skilled professionals who specialize in installing, maintaining and repairing water systems. They work closely with construction teams to ensure building projects adhere to plumbing codes and standards. Visit https://oharrasplumbing.com to learn more.
Clogs are the number one problem homeowners face when it comes to their plumbing. These can be simple clogs that affect only one toilet or sink drain or they can be more serious issues that impact the entire sewer line. The most common clogs occur in toilets or in the trap under sinks, tubs and showers. These are areas where a lot of hair, soap, paper products, kitchen grease and food scraps can build up to create obstructions. In addition, items such as band-aids and dental floss tangle up with small clogs to turn them into bigger ones. Condoms and rubber gloves in the toilet, along with medications and other personal care items can also clog the pipes.
If you can recognize the early signs of a clog, you can often clear it yourself. Start with a plunger (it’s important to have the right type of plunger — a toilet plunger won’t work on a sink). If this doesn’t clear the clog, try a wire drain snake. This device is a little like a long metal rod with a handle on the end. Insert the device down the drain and crank the handle. Eventually, the snake will break up and dislodge the clog.
While some clogs can be prevented by regular drain cleaning, others are caused by the wear and tear of old and corroded pipes. To help reduce the chance of clogs, you should invest in a high-quality strainer for each drain in your home and keep it clean. You should also replace your pipes as soon as they start to wear out.
The most serious type of clog is usually in the main sewer line, which can qualify as a plumbing emergency. Without a route to the septic tank or the municipal sewer system, wastewater will back up into your home through showers, tubs and floor drains.
One of the most common causes of main line clogs is fat, oils and grease (FOG). When people pour FOG down a drain, it begins to cool and harden, coating the walls of pipes and creating tough clogs that are difficult to remove. To prevent this, you should always dispose of FOG in a container that can be easily emptied.
Slow Drainage
A slow drain might seem like a minor inconvenience, but even the smallest obstruction can cause plumbing problems over time. As time passes, the drain can clog and become harder to clear as it builds up more soap scum, hair and other debris that is washed into the pipes by everyday use. This will eventually restrict the flow of water, leading to sewage backups and expensive plumbing service fees.
To prevent this, regularly clean your drains. Avoid reaching for those caustic drain cleaners that promise an instant fix and a drain that is instantly unclogged; these chemicals are damaging to your pipes, not to mention they can irritate your skin, eyes and nose. Instead, try these tips:
Pour hot or boiling water down the drain: Hot water can dissolve a lot of the substances that clog sinks and bathtubs, such as soap scum and grease. It can also loosen hair that has accumulated in the shower drain.
Remove and clean the sink pop-up or drain catch: The metal device that plugs your sink can collect a lot of hair and other material over time, which leads to a slow drain. Using a wire coat hanger can help to pull out this ball of hair and debris.
Unclog your garbage disposal: If you have one, cleaning out the filter can keep it from becoming blocked by food particles or bits of bone. You can do this by putting one part baking soda and two parts vinegar down the garbage disposal; the reaction can dislodge most clogs, including soap scum and grease.
Consider installing a microbial drain, septic and grease trap treatment: A product such as Bio-Ben can help to keep your pipes flowing freely by eating away the organic waste that would otherwise build up in your pipes. This will also eliminate any odors from your drains and keep your home smelling fresh and clean.
Check your vent: Clogged vents can prevent air from flowing properly through your plumbing system, which can also lead to slow drainage. Ensure the vents are clear of any leaves or bird’s nests that may be blocking them.
Water Leaks
Clogged pipes create water pressure that forces the walls of the pipes to shift. This constant strain causes leaks to develop. Water can escape through the shifted walls and can damage property or even cause structural damage. This can be very expensive to repair and it is also dangerous for residents. It is important to check your home regularly for any signs of leaks. Some obvious symptoms include a sudden increase in your water bill, musty or damp odors around drains, a drop in water pressure, and stains on ceilings and walls.
Some leaks are caused by faulty connections or fittings. These can be fixed with plumber’s tape or putty if the pipes are still in good condition. If the pipes are rusted or damaged, it is best to call a plumber for the necessary repairs.
Other causes of leaks are due to expansion and contraction in the pipes. These can occur due to weather changes or if the plumbing is too hot or cold. Over time, these conditions can cause glued pipe joints to break apart or caulking and seals to crack.
Leaks can be very difficult to detect and find their source, as they can often be hidden inside walls or under floorboards. However, it is vital to catch them as soon as possible to minimize the damage and reduce your water bill.
Water leaks can be quite costly to fix and they also encourage unwanted mold and mildew growth in the household. It is important to regularly inspect your household plumbing for any problems, especially if you live in an older home.
Keeping your drain lines clear of soap scum, hair, food scraps, grease, oil, and other debris is the best way to prevent clogs and leaks. You can do this by regularly cleaning your drains and running hot water through them to flush out any build-up. Also, it is a good idea to have your plumbing system inspected by a professional plumber on a regular basis. IERNA’s plumbers are experienced in detecting and fixing all kinds of plumbing issues, including those that may be hiding behind your walls.
Sewage Smells
Sewage odors are more than unpleasant; they indicate a serious problem with your home’s plumbing system or sewer line. The smell of sewage is caused by the breakdown of human waste and includes harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. Exposure to these gases can cause a variety of symptoms including headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and even loss of consciousness and suffocation.
The first place to check for sewage odors is the toilet. If the odor is coming from the toilet bowl, it could be due to an empty tank or a clogged drain. The odor may also be coming from the toilet seal, which can degrade over time. You can test the seal by flushing the toilet and looking at the water tank to see if there is a visible leak.
Another potential source of sewage odors is a dry or damaged P-trap. A P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that connects a drain on one end and the sewer line on the other. When it’s full, the trap creates a barrier that prevents sewer gas from entering the home. When the trap dries out, it allows sewage and wastewater to escape into the home. This is a very dangerous situation and should be addressed as soon as possible.
If you suspect a sewer leak, call a plumber right away to schedule a plumbing inspection. A plumbing professional can use a special camera to locate the leak and determine the best course of action for repair.
In addition to drain clogs, the odor of sewage can also be caused by an overflowing laundry sink. This can be a sign of an improperly installed P-trap or a blockage in the washer vent or drain line. To solve this issue, you can try running hot water in the sink for a few minutes to clear out the clog and then clean the drain with baking soda and vinegar.
Another common cause of sewage odors is an intrusion of tree roots into a drain or sewer line. The roots seek out moisture and can cause extensive damage to a drain line when they expand over time. This damage can lead to a clog and toxic gases entering the home.