The first thing to do for a clogged drain– even before arranging residential plumbing services— is to attempt to remove any visible material and then use an ordinary plumbing plunger. If this does not cure the problem, do not attempt to perform any major plumbing repairs on your own unless you have the proper tools and training. Instead, call a residential plumber and have the situation properly diagnosed and repaired.
1. Sewer Line Replacement
There are a number of things that can happen to your sewer lines, including penetration by tree roots, accidental crushing, and the settling of the soil around the lines. Residential plumbing services can repair broken lines or replace them using new technologies like trenchless sewer replacement. Among the key indicators of a sewer line problem are slow-flowing drains, wet spots or standing water, and offensive odors near the defective area.
2. Septic Pump Outs
If you use a septic tank system, it may need to be pumped out more frequently as it ages. Even though most septic tank systems are not designed for household grease, hair, and other contaminants, they end up in the sewer system over time. Grease and hair are particularly troublesome because they can clog the outflow of your septic tank, requiring a pump-out service to renew proper flow.
3. Aging Drain Field
Another septic tank-related problem that you shouldn’t try to fix yourself happens as your tank’s drain field ages. Plant roots, contaminating materials like grease and hair, and chemicals that counteract necessary biodegradation are all common causes of drain field failure, along with things like crushing drain field pipes accidentally by driving on the area. The only solution for problems of this sort is to remove the damaged area and replace it. Pumping out the septic tank will alleviate the problem for a short time, but once the tank fills up the problem will return.
4. Clogged Drains
Household drains can get clogged with contaminants like those we have already mentioned. A common mistake homeowners make is to pour off-the-shelf acidic chemicals down the drains. These chemicals can dissolve grease and hair, but they can also cause deterioration in sewer lines and may result in severe leaks if the chemicals are used often or improperly. Additionally, objects caught in the sewer lines may not be vulnerable to chemical treatments. The best solution is to have the clogs removed by experienced home plumbing contractors who can identify and address problems using specialized tools and equipment.
Sadly, attempting to fix sewer problems yourself is equally likely to cause additional damages that do not become apparent right away. In the long term, it is more economical to hire plumbing services with the tools and experience to locate the source of the problem and make repairs that will extend the life of your septic system.
Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating
Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.