One crucial aspect of plumbing maintenance is drain repair. If drain pipes are worn or clogged, they can inhibit wastewater flow from the house into the sewer system. Poor drainage affects tasks such as cleaning, bathing, cooking, and washing. Therefore, it's essential to look out for the following signs that indicate your drains require repairs.
Slow Wastewater Drainage
Slow wastewater drainage can occur due to clogs within the piping. However, not all clogs result from flushing the wrong items down the drains. Some occur because of aging, mineral deposits in the piping, and damage from tree roots. Once the pipe becomes blocked, water drains slowly from your sinks, showers, and bathtubs. You need to reline the damaged piping and dislodge the clogs to restore wastewater flow into the sewer system.
Foul Smells in Your Drain Fixtures
Foul smells in your drains could occur due to two reasons. First, the odors could be a sign of blockage in your drains. When hair, grease, food, hygiene products, and other substances clog a drainpipe, they attract bacteria. Bacteria buildup causes the release of foul odors in your drains.
Second, these unpleasant smells could be due to corrosion in metal drain pipes. When metal drains corrode, the rust may produce an odor that resembles sulfur or rotten eggs. If your home has old metal drain pipes, there's a chance that the unpleasant smells coming from your drains are due to pipe corrosion. Check and repair your drain pipes to prevent future drainage issues.
Sludge in Your Showers and Bathtubs
Breakage along the outdoor drain pipe can cause soil and other debris to block the sewer line. Over time, the blockage becomes so severe that wastewater doesn't drain into the sewer system. Instead, it backs up into your plumbing fixtures. If you notice sludge on your shower floor or in your bathtub, your main drain line has a clog.
A DIY inspection may not reveal the cause of the blockage. However, your plumber can use drain inspection cameras to unearth the problem. If your pipes are damaged, you need to reline them to fix the problem. Also, clean the drains to dislodge stubborn clogs that may cause sewer backups into your home.
Soggy Backyard
A damaged drain pipe may start to leak wastewater in the yard. If the leak is big, you may notice soggy spots in your backyard. These spots can attract pests such as rodents and insects to your home. They can also create health hazards on your lawn, especially if you have kids and pets. Therefore, fix the broken drain pipes to prevent wastewater leakage in your yard.
If you notice any of the above signs, contact a plumber for drain repair services.
What was the first thing you did when you got up this morning?
If you answered "go to the bathroom," "get a drink of water," or "brush my teeth," then it's important to realize the role that a plumber has already played in your day. The plumber who installed your plumbing made that morning routine possible! Some other plumbers may have worked on the system over the years, also contributing to your experience. Plumbers have a bigger impact on our daily lives than we often realize. In fact, that's one reason we write this blog — to make our readers more aware of their plumbing.