Many homeowners ignore their drains and sewer lines until there is a problem. Taking a proactive approach to preventative maintenance with a qualified drain specialist can help keep your home running smoothly.
Clogged drains can cause serious plumbing issues. To avoid costly repairs, invest in routine drain cleaning North Charlotte.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are problematic because they inhibit wastewater flow from your home’s plumbing fixtures. The resulting stagnation can promote the growth of bacteria that attack your immune system and spread diseases like salmonella, campylobacter, and helicobacter. It can also lead to unpleasant odors that do not stay within the pipes but can permeate your house.
When the clog becomes severe, it may cause wastewater and raw sewage to back into your house through the toilets and floor drains. This is especially dangerous for children and pets, who can be exposed to bacterial contaminants that are difficult for their immune systems to fight off.
The best thing you can do to avoid a clog is to keep an eye out for signs of trouble. A gurgling toilet, for example, is often a sign of a severe clog in your main sewer drain line. If you notice any of these problems, you must call in professional help before the situation worsens.
Overflowing Toilets
Whenever toilets overflow, it’s an urgent matter that requires professional assistance. Toilet water contains sewage and other pathogens that may lead to serious health issues and structural damage. It’s also a fire hazard and can cause mold, mildew, and other problems.
Toilet overflows are often the result of a clog in the toilet bowl or a faulty tank float. The latter issue can be addressed by adjusting the mechanism inside the tank to prevent overfilling.
A more severe clog that can affect multiple toilets occurs in the main sewer line that runs from your home to the city’s sewage system or a private septic tank. This clog can push wastewater back into the house through drains, tubs, and sinks. Clogs in these lines are typically caused by people flushing items that don’t break down or dissolve in the municipal waste system, like wet wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products.
Sewer Backups
A sewer backup occurs when wastewater can’t pass, usually through your home’s pipes. This is often caused by clogs or damage to the line between your house and the main sewer line. To prevent this, you should have your plumbing system inspected regularly and pour cooking oil into heat-resistant containers rather than down drains. It would be best to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the drain. If you suspect a problem, contact your municipality right away.
A sewage backup can cause significant water and property damage. It can also be a severe health concern. Raw sewage contains many bacteria and can make you sick. If you experience a sewer backup, wear rubber gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles when cleaning up the mess. If you have an insurance policy that covers sewer backups, you can file a claim as soon as you notice any damage. Your homeowners’ insurance may cover many costs, but you will likely be responsible for a small deductible.
Unpleasant Odors
Often, foul smells emanating from your home drain indicate a serious problem somewhere. While DIY treatments like baking soda and vinegar might make your clogged drain temporarily smell better, they’re unlikely to fix the problem and may even cause irreparable damage.
If your kitchen drain smells of rotting eggs, it’s likely caused by grease and fat stuck in the gutter or p-trap. This creates an environment where bacteria thrive, causing an unpleasant smell.
The same goes for toilets. Only water, toilet paper, and waste should go down them, and you should never flush feminine products, “flushable” wipes, or floss down them. These materials will clog your drains and create unpleasant odors that should not be ignored. Contact a professional plumbing technician to determine the source of the problem and recommend affordable drain cleaning North Charlotte solutions. Get matched with top-rated pros near you. Easily schedule service online or by phone. No upfront payments are required.
