Common Drain Line Problems

Plumbing, sewage and drainage systems make up a complex network of pipes, drains and vents.  This is often referred to as the drain-waste-vent system (DWV).  It’s likely that unless you live in new construction, these systems in your home are quite old.  Considering that plumbing is installed while the home is built, the age of your home reveals the age of your system.

It’s probable that homes with older systems will experience a problem with drain or sewer lines at some point down the road.  The type of problem indicates how easily and inexpensively it can be fixed.  Fixtures like toilets, showers, sinks and appliances have individual drain lines.  These all run into the main line. If the problem is isolated to one area, a homeowner can sometimes troubleshoot and fix it themselves.  However, if multiple drains are affected, the issue could be with the central drain line.  These are trickier problems that usually require help from an experienced plumber.

Drain line problems surface in a number of ways.  Blocked toilets, gurgling toilets, or toilets that don’t flush, happen when excessive amounts of paper products are disposed of, or something is improperly flushed.  Kitchen sinks are victim to frequent clogs, especially when liquid fats find their way into the drain.  Bathroom shower, tub and sink drains oftentimes become blocked up with hair and/or soap. In older neighborhoods with mature, established trees, roots can also be the culprit.  Pipes in these areas could be made of clay or orangeburg, which weakens easily if tree roots bear down hard enough.

While you can’t always control what’s happening underground, you can be aware of how to prevent clogs and blockages in your plumbing fixtures.  Pay attention to what you put down the kitchen drain.  When it comes to the bathroom, use a screen or drain-gate that is easily removable for cleaning.  These collect things before they disappears into the pipes. Keep a couple of tools handy to tackle clogs when they occur.  A plunger, pipe wrench and auger or snake can handle most drain blockages.

It’s possible that after several attempts, you still can’t clear the drain.  Or, maybe you suspect a more serious issue is lurking below the surface. Carroll Plumbing & Heating Inc. has experienced and certified plumbing technicians that can fix just about any drain line problem.  Whether your home has an older plumbing system, or a high efficiency one, our team is able to quickly identify and repair problems.  Contact us to learn more about plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements.