You often need to figure out what to do when you have a slow drain, wastewater backup, or other plumbing problem. Fortunately, some easily recognizable signs indicate that your plumbing needs professional help.
One of the most obvious is a gurgling sound when water drains from your faucet. This can be a sign of severe sewer line damage.
Slow Drains
A slow-draining sink, tub or shower is a problem that you should always pay attention to. It is a sign of something more serious, and it can lead to sewer backups and water damage in your home if it is not fixed correctly.
If your drains are slow, you should contact a plumber to examine your pipes as part of a rooter plumbing & drain service. They will examine your drains using a camera to find the source of the problem.
If they discover a blockage, they will clean it with sewer hydro jets. If misused, this powerful pressurized washer can destroy your drain pipes or water fixtures, so professionals should only operate it.
The most common causes of slow drains are clogs, corrosion and pipe damage. A clog can come from soap, fats and grease accumulating in your pipes. It can also be from paper products, chemicals and other items flushed down your sinks or tubs.
A clog can be removed using a plunger, drain cleaner, boiling water and baking soda. However, these options are likely ineffective if the clog is very large or close to the top of your gutter.
Unpleasant Smells
We know that smells aren’t pleasant, but they can also indicate a plumbing problem. Unpleasant smells may indicate a leak or clog in your pipes, which are dangerous and can lead to mold if not treated quickly enough.
Sewage, fecal matter, and other odors can be particularly nasty. This is because bacteria in your sewer line break down this waste, causing the odors to come up.
If your house starts to smell like sewage, it could indicate that you have a leaking sewer pipe. This can cause sewage to leak out into your yard, which is bad news for your health and can even affect your property value.
Another warning sign is gurgling noises coming from your toilets and drains. A problem with your vent stack typically causes these sounds, but they can also be a sign of a significant issue in your sewer line.
Water Backups
If you start noticing brown/black water coming out of your fixtures or see sewage running out of the drains in your home, this may be a sign that your sewer line needs a rooter. Sewage is not just unsanitary, but it can also be dangerous for your family’s health.
This type of water backup can occur when your sewer pipe is clogged, or your sump pump fails. If it’s not covered by your flood insurance or homeowners policy, consider adding an endorsement that covers sewage backup.
It’s a low-cost way to protect your home from water damage caused by a backup. It costs anywhere from $50 to $250 annually, depending on the limits you select.
Damaged Pipes
One of the most common signs that you need rooter plumbing is when your pipes are damaged. A dripping faucet, discolored water and puddles of standing water under sinks are all sure signs that your pipes have been damaged.
Damaged pipes can occur for several reasons. Freezing temperatures, pressure, clogs, and corrosion are all things that could lead to broken pipes.
Copper pipes are particularly susceptible to rust and damage as they age, so it’s essential to have your pipes inspected every few years.
Another common cause of pipe damage is tree roots. These can grow beneath the ground or into underground pipes, which could puncture the pipe and lead to leaks.
A professional plumber is the only one with the tools to diagnose tree root issues properly. They drain your home to find the problem and repair or replace broken or corroded pipes.
Sewer Backups
Sewer backups are a common cause of water damage and a health hazard. They can be very unpleasant and costly, but you can prevent them by taking steps to maintain your sewer pipe’s health.
If you are experiencing a sewer backup, be sure to contact a professional plumber right away. These professionals have the knowledge, experience and equipment to do the job right the first time.
When sewage drains back up into your home, it can be a severe problem and can cause damage to walls, flooring and belongings. If you are worried about a sewer backup, be sure to inform your insurance company so they will cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property.
If you notice multiple fixtures draining slowly, this could indicate a blockage in your main sewer line. While you may be able to clear a small blockage with a plunger, if you have several drains that are slow to drain or gurgling, this is a sign you need rooter plumbing services.
