If a drain has a history of being slow, it could be a problem with the venting system, roots in the lines, or some other blockage. The more information you can provide, the faster and more efficiently we will be able to determine the problem.
As compared to a simple hand-cranked drain snake, the motorized drain snakes used by professionals are capable of getting through the most stubborn clogs.
You should never flush non-biodegradable items such as plastic bags, sanitary pads, tampons and disposable diapers down the drain as they can clog the drains and cause other plumbing issues.
Do you know that your home aesthetics can also be affected by clogged drains? Water stains and discoloration from clogged drains will have an effect on how your home looks.
Having a gutter on your property isn’t enough. When soil becomes saturated with rainwater, the water can damage your foundation or flow into your basement. A French drain will direct that water away from your home.
What is the difference between a French drain and a trench drain? While French drains capture and evacuate groundwater, trench drains are meant to divert excess water away from the surface before it can saturate the ground.
There are several environmentally-friendly methods for clearing tree and shrubbery roots from your drain lines, none of them involving dangerous chemicals. The best methods require cutting the roots from inside the line, then sealing the walls of the pipes. The trees and plants are not harmed.
Planning to do some landscaping? Having the drain lines marked and avoiding planting trees and shrubs with invasive root systems near them will keep the lines clear.
Because most chemical drain cleaners are caustic, we advise taking extreme caution if you want to use them. If they don't clear the drain, disassembling the trap or using a snake becomes a problem because the chemicals are a burn hazard.
Before you call, try to get a general idea of the scope of the problem by checking other drains in the house. If they're draining properly, the problem is most likely only with the one that has backed up.
Trenchless drain repair does not harm trees and shrubbery, and it may be the right solution for drain problems in homes with slab foundations. Call us today for a consultation and estimate.
If you are not sure if the problem with the drain is just that one fixture, or if you have a whole house problem, here is a simple check: if the drain in question is the only one that's not emptying, the problem is there. If several drains are slow or clogged, the problem is in the lines outside the building.
If you notice drain problems in winter, it may be that the drain lines were not set to the proper depth and any liquid in the lines is freezing and creating full or partial clogs. While a temporary cleaning will open the lines, you may need to have the drain lines reset to a greater depth.
Preventive maintenance is the least expensive and most practical method for keeping drains clear. Flush only human waste and water down the toilet. Also, cover all open drains (sinks and tubs) with strainers to catch food, hair and other particles.
If you notice a bubbling sound coming from a floor drain in your basement, it could be a sign of a slowly building blockage. While the liquid may be passing through, other materials may be trapped and slowing the process. The blockage will continue to grow unless the drain is cleaned.
Did you know that the word “drain” is from the same source word from which we derive “drought” and “dry”? When your sinks cannot dry out because your drains won’t drain, a cleaning can clear the way.
If you have a single-family rental property, we recommend having the drains serviced when a tenant moves out, especially if he or she has been their awhile. Cleaning drains early, before there is a problem, prevents disasters later.
If you have had your dishwasher for a long time, grease and food particles can build up in the drain lines and create a clog. When this happens, the best solution is to bring in a professional who knows his or her way around the drains to disconnect and clean parts properly.
Drain clogs in the upper stories of buildings require a careful approach and a knowledge of the systems and their layouts, especially if the lines need to be snaked. We recommend having a professional handle all drain cleaning above the ground floor.
If you call us about slowly draining or clogged drains, we will conduct a visual inspection of your property's exterior first to look for possible problems. Once completed, we'll use a camera in the lines to detect clog points.
Be careful before you zip down to the rental store to purchase a snake to clear out your drain – the problem may require another solution. In addition, if you're not experienced with using this equipment, you could cause even greater problems. Trust a team of professionals.
Have your sewage drains have been invaded by tree roots? They'll need to be repaired to make sure they don't leak. Once upon a time this may have meant digging up and replacing the old lines, but advancing technology has created an inflatable sleeve that can be passed through the pipes to seal them.
