Whether it’s the toilet, kitchen sink, laundry line, or the main sewer outlet line, having a pipe back up can be both costly and disgusting. Your floor could be ruined, and the possible flooding damage can add up to thousands of dollars in repairs. Luckily, most backups can be avoided by having regular drain cleanings by a qualified professional and by knowing the facts about your drains. Here are some interesting facts about the plumbing in your home and what you can do to keep it functioning properly.
The Toilet Bowl
Whether your toddler flushed an action figure or you’re simply not eating enough fiber, toilet clogs happen. Other backups can be blamed on an elderly toilet that has insufficient flushing power. Sometimes a backup can be fixed by using a plunger or toilet auger. If these methods fail, the toilet may have to be removed and the clog removed manually.
One of the best ways to avoid a toilet backup is to be very careful about what enters the drain. Many people believe that so-called ‘flushable’ tampons, sanitary pads, personal cleansing wipes, and certain brands of kitty litter can be flushed. They should not be. This advice is also true of paint, toothpicks, dental floss, table scraps, and other detritus. Only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet.
The Kitchen Sink
Some people were raised with the belief that running the hot water and pouring grease down the sink will keep it from clogging. This is not true. The grease will eventually clog the line because it cools the farther from the sink it gets. Adding to this problem are food particles such as crushed egg shells and potato peelings. A malfunctioning garbage disposal can cause a clog, as can a bad grease trap. All of these scenarios can be avoided by placing trash in a proper receptacle and keeping it out of the sink.
The Laundry Line
Over-sudsy water, grease, hair, pet fur, lint, and soap buildup are the culprits in the laundry room. Many people use filters in the outgoing line to avoid this, as well as using a moderate amount of soap. A professional will be able to guide you concerning the right filer for your laundry facilities.
The Main Sewer Outlet Pipe
This is the main pipe out of your home as well as the most important. It is commonly obstructed by tree roots, tampons, debris, or having a break or offset in the line. Diagnosing the cause of the problem is commonly performed with either a standard snake or one with a camera attached to it. This allows for a visual inspection and possibly a fix without costly excavation. A qualified professional should snake the main sewer line of your home on a regular schedule to stop backups before they start.
A clog in a drain can be a costly mess. By knowing how to treat your drains and seeking professional help when it’s necessary, you can avoid a disastrous backup in your drains.