A sink, bathtub, or toilet that drains slower than usual can often be corrected with a simple DIY fix. But if the problem is a more significant issue like a collapsed or damaged drain pipe, it will require Drain Repair Near Me.
Start by wiping down the drainpipe with a clean dry rag to make sure it is free of residue and moisture. Then, use a pair of worm-gear hose clamps to loosen and position a rubber patch over the crack or break.
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems. Fats, oils, grease and hair stick to pipe walls and can build up over time, blocking water flow. If you see that your sink, bathtub or toilet is draining slower than usual or you notice foul odors coming from your drains, it’s time to call in a plumber.
You can help prevent clogs by keeping a few things in mind. For instance, instead of buying large jugs of chemical drain cleaner, try pouring a little baking soda and a cup of vinegar down your drain. This combo dissolves greasy build-up and will clear most clogs.
A plunger is also a handy tool to have on hand. Use it to pump and plunge the drain several times, allowing the vacuum created to loosen and break up the clog. Then, run hot water to flush away the broken-up clog material.
If the drain still isn’t clear, try using a snake. A wire snake, or plumbing auger, is a long coil of metal with a hooked end that can dislodge stubborn clogs. Remove the pop-up assembly from your sink, then feed a few feet of cable into the opening. Turn on the motor and slowly advance the cable into the pipe until you hit the clog. Twist and pull the snake to hook and break up clog material and work it through the pipe.
A professional plumber can also fix most drain clogs. If the clog is in a difficult-to-reach spot, they may be able to snake it using a flexible tube with an attached camera. The video feed lets them know exactly what they’re dealing with and how to fix it.
Some clogs are too far down the drain line to be repaired by a DIYer, such as when toilet or shower water backs up into another room of your home. If this occurs, it’s a sign that there’s a problem with the main sewer or water lines, which is usually beyond your home’s plumbing and requires the services of a professional plumber. It’s also important to note that clogged or blocked sewer and drain lines can cause flooding, water damage, health hazards and even structural issues.
Leaks
Drain pipes and other piping can leak when corrosion, age, or accidents cause them to break down. This is one reason it’s important to have your plumbing assessed regularly. It gives you the chance to catch problems before they grow and become more expensive to repair.
Luckily, leaking drain pipes are not difficult to fix with a bit of DIY work. Usually, it just requires using plumber’s tape or putty to seal the leak. Just make sure that the water is off when you do this. And of course, it’s important to wear gloves!
You can also use a neoprene coupler that comes with metal clamps already attached. It’s a good idea to use this when you’re working on the job because it makes the repair much faster and easier.
The best way to determine if your pipes are leaking is to check the water meter reading when all appliances and faucets are turned off. The meter should read zero. If it doesn’t, then you probably have a leak somewhere in the line.
Other signs of a leak include:
Nasty Odors
Over time, cracks can develop in the walls and floors near leaking drain pipes. These create musty odors that can be hard to ignore. The odors are caused by mold and sewage vapors that absorb into the wall and structure.
Leaking drain pipe can also promote unwanted bacteria growth within the sewage system. This can lead to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards.
You can also identify a leak by looking for spongy areas of the wall or floor. This indicates that the wood is soaking up humidity or vapors. Another sign is when you find that your wallpaper or paint is starting to peel away and bubble. Leaks can be very damaging to your home. They can cause structural damage, waste and contaminate your home with mycotoxins (mycotoxins are toxins that are produced by certain types of mold). These can produce various health problems such as nausea, fatigue, eye irritation and lung irritation. Also, a leaky drain pipe can be costly in terms of your utility bill because you’re paying for water that you’re not using.
Collapsed Pipes
When a sewer line collapses, it creates a dangerous situation for your property. This is a serious problem because waste can back up into your home and cause significant damage. You can prevent this by having a professional perform regular inspections to detect problems before they become serious.
Old Drain Pipes
Many factors can contribute to a sewer pipe collapse, including age and wear and tear. Older pipes are more prone to corrosion, which can weaken the structure of the pipe. Also, older pipes may have been made from materials that were less durable than today’s pipe material.
Over time, old drain pipes can also become damaged by tree roots that grow into and around the pipe. These roots can break the pipe or even pull it out of the ground. This is more common in older homes with older drain pipes.
A common sign of a collapsed drain is foul-smelling sewage back up into your home. This can indicate that the collapsed or blocked drain is allowing sewer gas, which contains airborne bacteria and combustible substances, into your living space.
Another clear sign of a collapsed drain is when multiple household drains start backing up or not draining at all. This is because the sewer line typically connects to every fixture in your house, so when one drain becomes clogged or collapses, it impacts all of them.
If you notice that a drain is consistently backing up or not draining at all, it’s important to schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible. A professional can use a camera to see what’s causing the issue and recommend the right repair solution.
The cost of a collapsed drain can be extremely expensive, so it’s important to take preventative measures to avoid the problem in the future. This includes regularly cleaning and inspecting your drains and avoiding dumping things like grease down the sink or toilet paper in places where it’s not supposed to go.
In addition to these preventive steps, you can also repair a clogged or collapsed drain with a trenchless sewer repair technique. This involves using an object called a pipe bursting head, which is pulled underground to simultaneously break the old drain pipe and pull a new one in place. This method is often more affordable than digging up your entire yard and replacing the entire sewer line.
Damaged Pipes
Drain pipes are built strong, but they can crack or break over time. When a pipe breaks, it can lead to costly water damage in your home or business. It can also create unsanitary living conditions, such as mold and mildew growth.
Regular drain cleaning can help reduce the risk of clogs and other problems. However, if your pipes are damaged beyond repair, you will need to have them replaced. The best way to avoid expensive repair bills is to prevent breakage in the first place.
One common cause of leaking pipes is old or corroded joints. These pipes may need to be replaced with newer, more durable pipes. To make sure your pipes are in good condition, have them regularly inspected and cleaned by a professional.
If you notice a leaky pipe, turn off the water supply. You can do this by turning off the water at your home’s main valve, or if you live in an apartment building, by shutting off the water to your unit. Then, clean up the area and move any items that are in danger of getting wet. You should also call a plumber to repair the broken pipe and ensure there is no more serious water damage.
Another common problem with leaking pipes is damaged or rusty fittings. These can be repaired with epoxy putty. This is available at most hardware stores and can be used on metal, plastic, or PVC pipe. To apply the epoxy, first clean and dry the area. Then, sand the area to create a more adhesive surface. Then, place the epoxy over the leak or damaged area and let it cure. To speed up the curing process, you can shine a UV light on the repair area or take it outside into direct sunlight.
Other causes of leaking pipes are pinhole leaks and broken or cracked sections of pipe. For a temporary fix, you can wrap electrical or duct tape around the hole a few times and use hose clamps on both ends of the tape. This can hold up for a day or two, but you should have the pipe fixed as soon as possible to minimize water damage.