Problems with drains are either caused by a failure of the materials, or misuse of the line. Failure of the materials could be caused by poor installation or simply due to aging. The ground moves and houses shift. Even drain lines that are properly installed are no match for the weight of a house or the ground. Drainage systems are designed to carry water and human waste safely from living spaces. Plumbing is not designed to handle large amounts of grease or children’s toys. When objects that don’t belong in the pipes get in there, they can cause a problem.
The following is a list of some common drain problems that we find, as well as how to remedy the situation:
Roots: Roots may be the most common cause of drain problems that we run into. Roots grow towards water. Since there is water in your drainlines, a slight crack or separation will attract roots. Once roots enter a pipe, they have amazing strength and can further separate or crack the pipe.
The good news is that roots cannot grow through PVC pipe, so newer installations have far fewer problems with roots than in the past. PVC must be properly primed and glued during installation in order to ensure that the pipe will not easily separate in the ground.
The bad news is that once you have root intrusion into a pipe, it will be a recurring problem until the problem is resolved. A resolution generally means patching or replacing a line. However, in many cases, this repair can be put off several years by performing regular maintenance with an electric snake with a root cutting blade, or a very high-pressured water jet that is so forceful that it cuts the roots using nothing but water.
Grease: The problem with grease is that it is liquid when it is heated to a high temperature, but then solidifies as it reaches room temperature. Grease is also very sticky. Therefore, it hardens and sticks to the pipe. This constricts flow in the pipe and also gives solids in the pipe something to stick to, eventually causing a backup.
The best way to avoid this problem is to be careful not to pour grease down the drain. The best way to handle grease is to let it cool in the pan, then clean it with paper towel and throw the grease in the trash. In the future, people may actually save this grease for collection, as it makes a great biofuel!
Dip in Line: While you can’t see it happen, the ground is constantly moving. Dirt underground is also settling. This can cause a drain line to sag, creating a dip that allows solids to accumulate causing regular backups. These can be cleared with a machine, but it will be a recurring problem.
The way to fix this is to replace the section of pipe where the dip is. Compacting the dirt below and using stone under the pipe will help it to keep its integrity longer, so this is where it pays to go with a quality professional to do the work to get the most life out of it.
Hair: The most common problem in bathroom sinks and tub drains is hair. Hair accumulates under the stopper and in the trap. Since hair doesn’t break down quickly, it gathers slime and any solids that go down a drain, leading to a backup.
Depending on where the problem is, hair can be removed with pliers or a coat hanger, or may need an electric snake if it is further down the drain.