Drain issues are nothing to take lightly. They can lead to overflows, burst pipes, and costly water damage. There are even times when your health and safety can be put on the line. Here, we’ll answer common drain repair questions we receive from our clients in the Colorado Springs area.
What Are the Symptoms of a Clogged Drain?
Many don’t realize at what point their drain starts to clog. Blockages often begin as partial clogs, so your sink or tub may start to drain slowly. A total blockage will prevent it from draining at all. You might also notice odors. The deeper the clog, the more impact it will have. If it’s in the sewer line, your sink may back up when the toilet is flushed.
Can I Unclog a Drain on My Own?
That depends on the cause of the problem. Some home remedies include plunging or snaking a drain, or using baking soda and vinegar, but these don’t always address the root cause. Chemical drain cleaners can be irritating and even harm your plumbing system. Your best option is often professional drain repair to locate and permanently resolve the situation.
How Do the Professionals Do It?
A plumber can use a professional-grade auger to push debris through the drain or pull it out. Hydro jetting uses high pressure and water to force clogs through pipes and clean any buildup on interior pipe walls. If these methods still don’t resolve the matter, video cameras can be used to inspect your plumbing from the inside to determine the precise location of the issue, its scope and the best way to fix it.
What Can a Video Pipe Inspection Reveal?
Cameras don’t lie. As the technician draws the equipment through your plumbing via a flexible line, video is transmitted to a monitor. It can show cracks, leaky joints and fittings, corrosion, buildup, a collapsed pipe, and other problems. A plumber can also determine the exact location of a blockage or damage.
What Causes a Drain to Clog Up?
Drains are often clogged by hair, soap, toothpaste, skin lotions, and oils. Cooking grease can solidify in drains and pipes. Another common issue is mineral buildup from hard water. A broken water pipe can also trigger drainage issues in addition floods, higher water bills, and often the sound of running water from walls.
Can I Stop a Drain Clog from Happening?
You can protect your drains with items like sink strainers, which stop materials from entering the drain and causing a clog in the first place. Don’t allow oil and grease to wash down the drain. Wait for them to harden in the pan and discard in the garbage. You can stop a toilet from clogging by flushing only toilet paper. If you have lots of debris in the kitchen, use the garbage disposal to break it up. But clogs still happen over time; just be aware of the signs and when to call a professional for drain repair.
Why Do I Have a Smelly Floor Drain?
Floor drains in the basement, garage, or other lowest part of the home remove water from the entire building. They’re also closest to the sewer line. In a floor drain is a trap. It’s typically filled with water to prevent sewer odors from backing up. If you smell sewage, or the drain is slow or backing up, hire a drain repair professional right away.
What If Outdoor Plumbing Issues Are Causing Drainage Problems?
Historically, outdoor plumbing problems have been more challenging to locate and fix. At One Source Home Service, we use the latest techniques to assess your outdoor drainage system and sewer lines. Our team can find blockages and damaged pipe quickly. Oftentimes, pipe bursting, trenchless sewer repair, and other non-invasive methods are used.
When Is It Time to Call a Professional?
Any drain clog, even a slow drain, should be addressed ASAP. Unless you can resolve a drain issue, contact your local plumber for help. Even small drain clogs can cause a water backup or sewage in your home, which is a hazardous situation that can lead to expensive cleanup and repairs.
Call One Source Home Service Today
We are drain and plumbing repair specialists in Colorado Springs. Available 24/7, we can address emergencies and resolve any issue fast. Drains are always in use and prone to problems, but we use repair methods and equipment that help reduce the chances of future clogs. To request drain repair or other emergency plumbing services, call 7192041809.
