Tag: clogs

Sewer Line Clogs: Signs To Watch For

How Homeowners Can Tell They Need Drain Cleaning

A clogged sewer line can cause serious problems throughout the home’s plumbing system, resulting in major and expensive damage. Fortunately, homeowners can prevent these costly problems by recognizing the signs that can indicate a clogged sewer line and promptly scheduling repairs.

When the sewer line is clogged, a home’s plumbing system usually gives clear warning signs. From strange sounds to slow-draining sinks, learn what symptoms Atlanta, GA, plumbers recommend watching for.

Gurgling Noises

sounds One of the earliest and most obvious signs of a sewer line clog is a gurgling noise from a home’s drains, toilets, or pipes. This sound indicates trapped air struggling to escape as water moves through a partially blocked pipe. 

As waste and water encounter resistance in the pipes, air bubbles are created, producing a distinct gurgling sound. Some common causes of gurgling noises can include:

  • Partial Blockages: Food debris, soap scum, and grease buildup in pipes can cause small clogs that eventually grow and restrict water flow.
  • Main Sewer Line Obstructions: Tree roots, accumulated waste, or foreign objects lodged in the main sewer line can obstruct it, trapping air and creating gurgling noises.

Backups

Water or sewage backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets is a major sign of a sewer line problem. In a properly functioning system, wastewater flows smoothly through pipes and exits the home via the main sewer line. When a clog blocks this path, it creates pressure and forces water back into the home, usually through the lowest drains.

Numerous issues can lead to backups, including:

  • Tree Roots: Invasive tree roots frequently cause sewer line clogs, especially in older homes with clay pipes. The roots seek moisture and can penetrate or block the sewer line, causing backups.
  • Non-Flushable Items: Items like wipes, sanitary products, and paper towels can easily clog pipes, obstructing water flow and leading to backups.

Slow Draining

sink Sinks, tubs, or showers that drain slowly or stand still for a while before draining are common signs of a clogged sewer line or drains. Slow draining occurs when a blockage prevents wastewater from flowing freely, causing water to drain more slowly than normal.

Various problems can cause slow drains, including:

  • Grease and soap buildup: Over time, grease, soap, and other residues accumulate inside pipes, gradually narrowing the path for water flow. This buildup is particularly common in kitchen sinks and showers.
  • Hair and debris: Hair, soap residue, and small particles can clog bathtub and shower drains, contributing to slow drainage.

If homeowners notice these symptoms, they should schedule sewer line repairs with a local plumber. They can determine what method to use – from a drain snake to hydro jetting and other techniques.

About The Plumbers Guild

The Plumbers Guild has provided quality plumbing services to the Brookhaven area since 2013. They offer flat-rate pricing and easy scheduling to provide outstanding customer service. Call them today for sewer line repairs in Atlanta, GA.

Get Rid of Stubborn Clogs With Hydro Jetting

What to Know About Hydro Jetting

Clogged sewer lines can be a nightmare for homeowners, leading to additional issues for the household. While there are several tools and methods for uncloging a line, hydro jetting is a beneficial one. Hydro jet drain cleaning uses a powerful blast of water to remove even the most stubborn clogs. This post will explain how hydro jetting works, provide signs indicating it may be needed, and discuss its benefits. 

How Hydro Jetting Works

hydro jettingHydro jetting utilizes a high-pressure stream of water from a special nozzle to eliminate sewer line clogs and clean debris and buildup from pipes to help avoid clogs from forming in the future. This method can effectively remove stubborn blockages from accumulated grease, hair, food scraps, and other materials, including tree roots that have grown into and clogged the line.

When plumbers perform hydro jetting, they use a specialized machine called a jetter to treat clogged sewer lines. It has several components, including a water tank, pump, hose, and nozzle. To clean the pipes, plumbers will find an access point, feed the flexible hose through the cleanout and into the pipe, turn on the machine, and allow the pressurized water to break down and dislodge blockages, debris, and buildup.

When to Schedule Hydro Jetting Services

clogWhile hydro jetting is a useful drain-cleaning method, it isn’t necessary in all situations. For some clogs, plumbers may use a drain snake. A plumber can determine the best method, depending on the situation. Homeowners should call a plumber when noticing signs of a sewer line clog, including:

  • Slow-draining sinks and tubs: Slow draining throughout the home’s drains can indicate a clog in the sewer line. 
  • Foul odors: Buildups and clogs in sewer lines can also cause foul odors.
  • Gurgling sounds: Gurgling sounds coming from drains can indicate trapped air or water struggling to flow through a clog. 
  • Backed-up drains: Clogged sewer lines can also cause water and waste to come back up through the home’s drains. 

Additionally, if a household experiences persistent clogs, it can signal that hydro jetting is needed. Unlike other methods, hydro jetting can clean buildup and debris from the line to help prevent clogs in the future. 

Benefits of Hydro Jetting

Scheduling hydro jetting services can have several benefits over other drain cleaning methods, such as chemical drain cleaners and drain snaking. Chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes due to the chemicals they contain, and drain snaking cannot fully remove buildup from the pipes to help avoid future clogs. 

In contrast, hydro jetting offers numerous advantages, including eliminating tough clogs and buildups, which leaves pipes cleaner and reduces the risks of future clogs. It also only uses water and no chemicals, making it a safer option for the piping when done correctly.

About The Plumbers Guild

The Plumbers Guild has been serving the Brookhaven area since 2013. They provide flat-rate pricing, easy scheduling, and outstanding service. Call them for hydro jetting service in Brookhaven, GA.