As a homeowner, it’s important to know what signs to watch out for when it comes to your drainage system. Whether it’s slow draining or bad odors, if you catch drainage problems early on, they can be prevented from becoming major issues.
You can fix most common drain problems by using hot boiling water to break up any fats, oils or grease that may be starting to build in your pipes.
Mineral Buildup
Mineral buildup in drains can be caused by hard water, soap scum, and more. These issues all contribute to a blocked, slow, or weak flow of water through the pipes. In many cases, these problems are easy to fix with a natural product like Bio-Clean. Avoid using harsh chemicals from the store as they can cause more damage than good.
If your bathroom drains clog frequently, you probably have hard water in your home. This is due to the calcium and magnesium found in the water supply. While these minerals are not dangerous, they react with soap and create a white buildup that can clog sinks and showers.
If your clogged drains have an unpleasant smell, you probably have a sewer backup problem. A plumber will be able to assess the situation and determine what is causing it. Sewer backups are more serious than simply a clogged drain and can lead to structural problems for your home.
Small Objects
Small objects that are washed down the drain such as buttons, toys and coins can create a blockage. A pump filter in your drain hose helps prevent these objects from entering your plumbing system. It is recommended that you use this filter and regularly clean it.
Cooking fats and oils can clog your drains. They may seem liquid when you wash them down the drain, but they often harden and clump together in your pipes over time. You can prevent this problem by pouring leftover cooking fats and oils into a melt-proof container and throwing it in the trash.
If you’re not sure what is causing your drainage issues, consult a professional plumber in Adelaide. Drainage problems can be costly to repair and cause damage to personal items, so it’s important to call at the first warning signs of a drainage problem like a gurgling sound or slowness to drain.
Tree Roots
A tree’s roots seek out moisture, and your sewer pipes provide them with that opportunity. Older homes, with clay pipes, are especially vulnerable to this problem. But even newer pipes can be affected. When a root expands to fill a crack in a pipe, it can create serious drain damage. The gurgling noise that you hear when flushing your toilet is one of the early warning signs of this problem.
A drought can speed up the process, as well. As the roots spread, they can draw water from the soil around your pipes and cause them to corrode more quickly.
The solution is to prevent root invasion in the first place. Avoid planting trees near your drain line and keep an eye on your yard for any changes that could indicate a problem. Then, call your local plumber as soon as possible to take care of the problem before it gets out of hand. This will help you avoid expensive repairs and reduce the risk of blockages.
Soap Scum
Soap residue is one of the leading causes of clogged drains, especially in regions with hard water. Minerals in the groundwater can react with soap, creating a solid substance that can cling to the sides of drains and pipes. This can reduce the diameter of the pipe and cause slow draining or even complete clogs.
Foul odors from the drain are another common sign of soap scum buildup. Regular cleaning of the drains and using alternative soap products can help to prevent this problem.
Regularly run hot water down the drain to remove soap scum and grease from the pipes. This is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your drains clear. Baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar can also be used to clean the drains and prevent clogs. A bottle of room temperature Coke contains phosphoric acid, which can dissolve soap
scum and grease quickly. Just pour a bottle of the beverage down your clogged drain and rinse with boiling hot water.
