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Four Common Drain Problems That Require Drain Cleaning | Richmond, VA
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Plumbing problems can be difficult to spot early on. Instead, most homeowners don’t realize they have a plumbing issue until they’re already on the verge of an emergency. This is a significant issue because, while a small plumbing issue can cost under $300, larger plumbing problems can cost $1,800 and more. Knowing the telltale signs of common plumbing problems can save you hundreds of dollars and headaches throughout the years.
Drain problems are a common plumbing issue, so today, we’ll discuss the top four common drain problems that occur. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you should schedule a drain cleaning immediately. After reading this article, you’ll know the telltale signs early on, so you can call in a plumber before a problem magnifies.
What Is Drain Cleaning?
Before we discuss the problems that indicate you need a drain cleaning service, we should explain exactly what professional drain cleaning is. As the name implies, it’s a plumbing service that cleans your drains. There are chemical products available that market themselves as “drain cleaners,” but these aren’t adequate solutions to your problem. Chemical drain cleaners can corrode your pipes, causing an even larger issue than you started with. Or, these products only partially clear a blockage, so the problem persists. Either way, these products that seem too good to be true are precisely that.
Instead, hiring a professional plumber is the only way to ensure your problem is resolved correctly. A plumber might use a camera to inspect the blockage and may safely disassemble the piping to extract all of the clots. Depending on the location and the size of the obstruction, the plumber will advise how the drain should be cleaned. Lastly, if other plumbing problems need to be addressed, the plumber will find them and fix them as needed. Don’t waste your time and money with DIY plumbing; just skip straight to the plumber.
Common Drain Problems that Require Drain Cleaning
There are four standard situations that indicate you’re overdue for a drain cleaning.
Problem One: Water Draining Slowly
It’s easy to ignore a drain that starts to drain slower and slower. After all, it may seem that as long as the water is getting through, it can’t be that serious. However, this is the farthest thing from the truth. If water is draining slowly, there is likely a blockage, and over time, less water will be able to get through.
Some of the things that can cause a slow drain are:
- A clog of grease or mineral build-up (i.e., grease, oil, hair, soap, debris, dirt, food particles)
- Improper grading of the drainage system
Don’t wait until the draining stops entirely and you can’t perform your everyday tasks. Calling a plumber early on can save you time and money in the long run.
Problem Two: Drains That Smell Like Sewage
No one wants their home to smell like sewage. If you’re noticing unpleasant odors coming from your drains, it’s likely a large drainage issue. This is most common in homes that have plumbing connections to municipal or town sewer lines. Another possible explanation is a build-up of pollutants in the pipes, which can cause a sewage smell in the home.
Whatever the cause, a drain inspection with a plumber should be scheduled immediately. Not only is the smell unpleasant but breathing in these odors can be bad for your health. The plumber will be able to remove any problematic materials in the pipes that can be too difficult to extract on your own.
Problem Three: Recurring Shower Drain Clog
The drains in bathroom sinks, showers, and tubs are the most prone to recurring clogs. That’s because these drains are the ones that handle high amounts of hair and soap. Both hard and soap scum can bind together to create dense blockages that are hard to remove and hard to reach.
Once again, you may be tempted to resort to a chemical drain cleaner, but rest assured the problem will only reappear. Skip the hassle of DIY efforts and contact a plumber right away. You never know, you may have a bigger plumbing issue at hand, such as old pipes that need replacing.
Problem Four: Multiple Clogged Drains
If you’re noticing multiple drains clogging in the house, there is likely an issue with the home’s central drainage system. Unfortunately, this is a complicated issue. You will need to hire a plumber who has experience getting deep into drainage systems. Trying to fix this issue on your own is not advised, as your efforts may cause much more significant damage to your home’s plumbing system.
The Hydro-jetting Method
One popular drain cleaning method is hydro-jetting. This environmentally-friendly technique pushes highly pressurized and controlled water into the pipe to break apart clogs and clean the interior walls of the pipes. Hydro-jetting is non-invasive (the pipes don’t have to be disassembled) and cleans pipes thoroughly. Your drains will be clog-free, and you’ll notice much better water flow right away!
Manual Cleaning
The other common method is to disassemble the plumbing and clear out the clog manually. Both hydro-jetting and manual drain cleaning are viable options to get the job done. Your plumber will advise which method they think is best to resolve your drain problem.
bluefrog Plumbing + Drain in Richmond, VA
Regular drain cleaning can keep your plumbing healthy and clean. Additionally, regular checkups from a plumber will detect problems early on, saving you from bigger plumbing predicaments.
For the residents of Richmond, VA, the local bluefrog Plumbing + Drain location can help you with any drain problems. Got a clog? Hire bluefrog.
The bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Richmond, VA location has become a trusted pillar in the community and is available at all times for plumbing emergencies.
Trust bluefrog Plumbing + Drain for plumbing services such as drain inspections, repairs, and cleaning, backflow prevention, gas leak detection repair, water heaters, water softeners, water line repair replacement, and more. Schedule an appointment today for a free estimate on your repairs.
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