Drain Cleaning Can Stop The Clogs And Overflows

Clogged drains and overflows can start as an irritation before transforming into a true problem, but drain cleaning can stop these issues. Clogs begin causing plumbing issues by slowing down the flow of greywater. Water flow gradually gets slower and slower, until water does not go down the drain. If someone tries to force more water down the clogged pipe, it can cause an overflow. Overflows result in messy damage that can be expensive to clean and repair. Identifying and stopping clogs is critical to preventing damage to any plumbing system or home. It is important to know the signs that you may have clogs and how to remove clogs from your drain systems.

Signs you may have clogs

If you have clogged drain lines, you want to catch the problem quickly and get it remedied to prevent overflows into your home. Slow flowing wastewater is usually the first sign of of a clog. As grease, hair, and other debris build up in the plumbing lines, they restrict the easy flow of water. A sink that used to drain in seconds can get to the point where it takes a minute or more if it is clogged.

A gurgling toilet is another sign that you have drain problems and may need drain cleaning. In a clear drain system, there is plenty of air to help keep the water flowing without building pressure in the pipes. When a clog starts to build, there is less and less room for air and water to co-exist in the plumbing system. The increased pressure of the water can push air up through the pipes and out through the toilet, causing a gurgling noise. This problem can also cause air bubbles to appear on the water’s surface.

Backflow of water is another sign your plumbing may be clogged. The drains in your home are like a tree. The trunk is the main drain line that goes out to the sewer or septic tank. Secondary lines come off this main line to head towards the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry area of the home.

There are branches that come off these secondary lines to attach to individual fixtures, like a bathtub or the kitchen sink. If one fixture has a clog, it will be the only one affected. However, if one of the larger secondary lines is clogged, you may find water back flows into another fixture on the same branch. So, you might flush the toilet and find waste water back flowing into the adjacent sink or tub. The water eventually goes down, but very slowly.

Overflows are the ultimate sign of drain clogs. You will know you have an overflow when the water flows over the edge of a sink or toilet like a waterfall. In order to prevent overflows, it is important to know how to remove clogs and when to call for a drain cleaning service.

How to remove clogs from your drain systems

If you suspect that you have a clogged drain, it is important to take action quickly. You can first try removing the top of the drain and using needle-nosed pliers to remove debris. This step might work in sinks where hair is a problem around the drain stop mechanism. However, if the clog is further down, you need to get closer for it to be removed.

Access the trap below the drain opening. If a clog is only affecting one fixture, and you cannot clear it from the top, you need to get below it and take apart the trap. You can clear any clogs in the trap or adjacent pipes after it has been taken apart. This method of drain cleaning is relatively easy in sinks, but not with tubs and toilets, so it is important to consider professional drain cleaning.

Beyond the drain and trap, clogs can become harder to access. If you cannot access a clog easily, you should contact professionals that understand perform drain cleaning. Professional plumbers have the equipment and expertise to find clogs and clear them out quickly. If your drains are showing signs of slowing down or water is backing up, call the experienced plumbers at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas. You can reach us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email to learn more about the services we provide. You can also stop by our location at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo, Texas.