When your toilet drain becomes clogged, your first instinct may be to grab the plunger. But repeated frantic flushing can actually make the problem worse!You can try plunging or using a drain auger (snake). If your problem persists, it’s probably time to call a plumber. Clogged sewer lines can cause ongoing problems for your entire home, so they should be taken seriously. Visit this website at https://hubbardmechanical.com/ for more details.
Toilet Clogs
A toilet that keeps clogging is an annoying and messy plumbing issue. It can also lead to expensive repairs in your home’s drains and sewer lines if it isn’t addressed promptly. While plunging a toilet often works to remove minor clogs, there are times when you may need something more powerful, like a professional drain snake or a sewer auger.
The most common cause of a toilet that keeps clogging is too much toilet tissue. Americans use a lot of the stuff, wadding it up into balls and flushing it. Even though toilet paper dissolves easily in water, too much of it causes clogs and leads to overflows. Using less toilet paper or switching to 1-ply can help reduce recurring clogs.
Another cause of a constant toilet clog is non-flushable items that make their way into the bowl. These include q-tips, cotton balls, and other bathroom waste. Toilets are meant for human waste and toilet paper only – anything else should go in the trash or the sink drain.
Other possible causes of a recurring toilet clog include a blocked drain trap or a septic tank issue. A blocked drain trap can keep wastewater and odors from leaving your bathroom, while a septic tank problem will cause a back-up of solid waste into the toilet. Both issues can be fixed by a plumber, who can clean the toilet’s drain vent and repair any broken parts of the plumbing system.
A clogged toilet that isn’t caused by any of the above may be due to a structural issue in your home’s pipework. As pipes age, they can become brittle and break apart, which can lead to clogs. You can help prevent aging pipe problems by replacing older fixtures, installing a water softener, and regularly cleaning your drain traps.
If your toilet is constantly clogging and you’ve tried basic DIY methods without success, it’s time to call in a professional. Plumbers use tools such as manual and motorized drain snakes, high-definition cameras for your toilet and sewer line, and hydro-jetting machines to clear clogs and get your toilet running again.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are the most common cause of sewer line clogs. The roots seek out the nutrients and moisture that is found in wastewater. When the roots find their way into your drain pipes, they can slowly and quietly start destroying them. The sooner you recognize the problem, the better chance you have of avoiding costly repairs and extensive damage to your plumbing.
Some of the first signs that you have a root problem are slow-draining sinks and toilets. You may also notice a foul smell coming from your drains. The odor comes from the trapped waste that the roots have blocked in your sewer line. The sewage is mixed with water, creating a toxic mix that can be dangerous for your health.
Another sign that you have a tree root problem is frequent and stubborn clogs. This is because the roots are growing into your sewer line pipe, which is meant to carry away the wastewater from your home. The roots will grow into any crack in the underground pipe and slowly cause it to break down over time.
One of the best ways to identify a problem with tree roots is a camera inspection by a professional plumber. They can insert a cable with a waterproof camera on the end into your drain opening to get a visual inspection of the inside of the pipe. They can then determine the root cause of your pipe problems and make recommendations for repair.
If you want to avoid a costly repair bill and extensive damage to your plumbing system, it is important to plant trees far enough away from the sewer lines. Ask your local city inspector or a home inspector where the sewer lines are located before planting any new trees on your property. This will help you to ensure that the tree’s roots won’t interfere with the pipes in the future.
If you have a minor root issue, it might be possible to clear the line with root killer or rock salt. There is also a product called copper sulfate that can be used to kill the roots and blockage. It is available at most home improvement and hardware stores. If these options aren’t effective, a professional plumber can use a machine to cut through the roots and clear the sewer line.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects are one of the most common causes of clogged drains and toilets. They can range from simple items like hair and food scraps to larger ones like toys and jewelry. Foreign object clogs often require professional assistance to remove. Homeowners can prevent these problems by using strainers in sink drains, regularly cleaning out their drains, and disposing of waste properly.
Grease and oil are also common causes of clogs in kitchen pipes. These substances can harden in the cold and cause blockages. Homeowners can prevent grease and oil clogs by removing and disposing of food scraps from the kitchen sink and storing cooking oils in a designated container.
It is important to know what objects can get stuck in your plumbing and how to avoid them. For example, avoiding flushing anything other than toilet paper can help prevent objects from getting stuck in your plumbing system. It is also helpful to have regular inspections and maintenance done by a professional plumber to identify any existing damage or potential issues that could lead to a clog.
Leaving foreign objects in your pipes can result in slow water flow, overflowing toilets, and other problems. They can also be a health hazard as they can breed bacteria and cause mold growth. In addition, they can also lead to costly repairs and replacements for your plumbing.
When it comes to clogs, preventing them is always better than treating them. Clogged drains and toilets can have serious consequences for homeowners. By understanding what objects can cause clogs, how to prevent them, and how to remove them safely, you can make sure your plumbing stays in good condition.
Plumbing Vents
There’s a lot that goes on behind the walls and under your floors to keep your plumbing fixtures working smoothly. But one aspect that often gets overlooked is your drainage ventilation system. This pipe is responsible for keeping your drains open and preventing hazardous sewer gases from entering your home, so it’s important to keep it in good shape. Read on to learn more about plumbing vents, how a plumber cleans them, and the signs of a clogged vent.
A plumbing vent pipe, also known as a plumbing air vent or vent stack, works alongside your drain pipes to ensure water and sewage can flow freely down your drains by the force of gravity alone. The vent regulates air pressure to prevent a vacuum from forming inside your pipes. This can lead to slow or no drainage and is the most common cause of clogged toilets, bathtubs, and sinks.
Every drain in your home has a P-trap or similar device that holds a small amount of water to prevent noxious sewer gases from entering the house. But the trap is only effective if it can be vented to the outside. Without a functional vent, the unpleasant odors of methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia can waft into your house. A clogged vent can also siphon wastewater into your sewage system, causing even more damage.
Plumbing vents are made of metal or plastic piping and run from the drainage pipe to the roof. There’s usually a vent pipe on the wall near each fixture that connects to the main vent at the roof line. Sometimes, multiple fixtures share a single vent stack with a sanitary cross connecting two fixtures on opposite sides of the house. If there isn’t enough room on the wall for a vent, it may be connected to the main drain pipe.
A clogged plumbing vent can cause several problems, from slow or no drainage to foul smells and gurgling noises. A plumber will use a camera to inspect the condition of your plumbing vents, then clear any obstructions using a rod, auger, or other tool. The plumber will then seal the vent with caulk or other material to prevent debris from clogging it again in the future.