Identifying If There’s Problem With Your Homes Drains or Sewer?
Since most of our sewage systems are underground or behind walls, we rarely test their functionality. It is extremely important to gain a basic understanding of your drainage and sewage system. This knowledge can help prevent serious problems in your home.
WHAT IS HOME DRAIN AND SEWER SYSTEM?
Drainage and sewage systems have several key components that help them do their job. The following list briefly describes each part of the system. Read on to better understand your drainage system.
Fixture Drains
These are the drains we see in our sinks, tubs or showers every day. This is where the journey through the canal system begins for water and other waste. Although you may think your drain pipe problems stem from these areas, this rarely happens. Blockages are almost always further down the drain system.
Drain Traps
Underneath your sink, tub, or other plumbing fixture is a curved section of pipe called a P-Trap. This part of your drainage system gets its name from the shape, the letter P.
This section contains standing water that prevents smelly gasses from rising and entering your home.
Branch Drain Lines
This component of your drainage system connects all of your jigs and traps to the soil pile. You don't see these sections of pipe because they're hidden behind the walls, floors, and ceilings of your home. However, they do a lot of work to maintain the drainage system.
Soil Stack & Vent
In these sections of the drainage system, waste and water flow through vertical pipes and enter municipal sewage systems or septic tanks.
Main Drain Line or Sewer Line
The main drainage line is responsible for transporting the waste to the municipal sewers. This is another part of the drainage system that homeowners rarely see.
Signs of Problems with Your Residential Drains or Sewer:
- Slow Draining Sinks or Showers: If you notice that your sinks, showers, or tubs are draining slowly, it could be a sign that there’s a blockage in your pipes. This could be caused by anything from hair and soap buildup to grease and food debris.
- Gurgling Sounds: If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your toilet, it could be a sign that there’s a blockage in your sewer line. This happens when air tries to escape from the sewer line through the toilet bowl. You may also notice gurgling sounds coming from other drains in your home.
- Bad Smells: If you notice a foul odor coming from your drains, it could be a sign that there’s a blockage in your sewer line. This happens when wastewater is unable to flow through your pipes and begins to back up.
- Water Backing Up: If you notice water backing up in your sinks, showers, or toilets, it’s a clear sign that there’s a blockage in your pipes. This can be caused by anything from flushing non-degradable items down the toilet to pouring grease down the sink.
- Wet Spots in Your Yard: If you notice wet spots in your yard, it could be a sign that there’s a leak in your sewer line. This can be caused by anything from tree roots growing into your pipes to pipes that have deteriorated over time.
SIGNS OF A PROBLEM WITH YOUR DRAINS OR SEWER
Now that you understand the basics of your home sewage and drainage system, it's time to look at the signs of drainage problems. With this knowledge, you'll know when problems arise in your home and can seek help before a bigger problem arises.
Sewage Odor
Sewage and drainage systems should be fully sealed to prevent odors from spreading throughout the home. If you smell sewage, there is likely a crack or rupture in the pipe.
Backups, freezes and slow drains
If you have regular backups or slow drainage in your home, it could be a sign that there is a bigger problem in the system. This can include a root clog, cracks, or an installation error.
Mold Growth
If you have mold in your home and are unaware of other leaks, you may have sewage problems. If strong odors accompany it, you most likely have a burst pipe in your home.
GREEN Grass
When we say GREEN, we mean it. Wastewater is essentially fertilizer. This means that in the event of a leak, your garden will benefit from the stinky waste.
Septic Waste in Yard
Collecting sewage waste in your yard is a sure sign of trouble in your sewage system. Your septic tank could be broken, or there could also be a clogged drain along the line.
Insects & Rodents
When your sewage system cracks or breaks, pests such as rodents and insects can enter your home. These pests can bring disease into your home, so seek help if needed.
Landscaping & Foundation Issues
These are extreme symptoms of deteriorated plumbing in your home. If you find serious cracks or sinkholes in your yard or in the foundation of your home, contact a professional drain cleaners in Tyler & Jacksonville, TX.
What to Do If You Suspect a Problem:
If you suspect that there’s a problem with your residential drains or sewer, it’s important to take action right away. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Try to Locate the Blockage: If you suspect that there’s a blockage in your pipes, try to locate it. If the blockage is in a sink or shower drain, you may be able to remove it using a plunger or drain snake. If the blockage is in your sewer line, you’ll need to call a professional plumber for help.
- Call a Professional Plumber: If you’re unable to locate the blockage or if you suspect that there’s a leak in your sewer line, it’s important to call a professional plumber right away. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
- Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning: To prevent future problems, it’s important to schedule regular drain cleaning. This can help remove any buildup that may be causing problems in your pipes.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DRAIN AND SEWER PROBLEMS?
There are a variety of causes that contribute to sewage and drainage problems. Below are some of the most common reasons for these problems in your home.
Blockages
Sometimes things that shouldn’t end up in the drain do, such as wipes or cat litter. When the sewer lines are blocked, it will eventually cause the failure of your sewer system unless fixed by a professional.
Piping Issues
Another issue that occurs is within the pipes themselves. Piping can misalign, crack, or rest at an inappropriate angle. All of these problems contribute to the failure of sewage and drainage in your home.
If you are experiencing the above symptoms within your drainage and sewer system, consider giving it a call today. Visit our website to learn more about the sewer & drain cleaning services in Tyler & Jacksonville, TX services we offer, and claim our drain clearing special today!
As a homeowner, it’s important to keep your residential drains and sewer in good working order. But how do you know if there’s a problem? Sometimes, issues can be hard to spot until they become major headaches. In this blog, we’ll take a look at common signs of problems with your residential drains or sewer, and what you can do to fix them.
FAQs:
- How often should I schedule drain cleaning?
It’s a good idea to schedule drain cleaning at least once a year. However, if you have a lot of people living in your home or if you have a lot of hair or grease buildup in your pipes, you may need to schedule drain cleaning more frequently.
- Can I use chemical drain cleaners to unclog my pipes?
While chemical drain cleaners can be effective at removing blockages, they can also be harmful to your pipes and the environment. Overuse of these cleaners can also lead to corrosion and damage to your pipes. It’s best to avoid using chemical drain cleaners and opt for natural methods like baking soda and vinegar or calling a professional plumber.
- What causes leaks in sewer lines?
Sewer line leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including tree roots growing into your pipes, old and corroded pipes, or damage from construction or digging. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent these issues from becoming major problems.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of problems with your residential drains or sewer. Slow draining sinks or showers, gurgling sounds, bad smells, water backing up, and wet spots in your yard can all be indications that something is wrong with your plumbing. If you suspect a problem, it’s important to take action right away. You can try to locate the blockage yourself, but it’s best to call a professional plumber for help. They have the knowledge and tools necessary to diagnose and fix the issue.
To prevent future problems, schedule regular drain cleaning and avoid flushing non-degradable items down the toilet or pouring grease down the sink. And remember, it’s best to avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they can be harmful to your pipes and the environment.
By being proactive and addressing plumbing issues as soon as they arise, you can save yourself time, money, and headaches in the long run. Don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber if you suspect a problem with your residential drains or sewer.
