Tag: watch

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.

Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater? Watch for These Issues

Signs You Need to Install a New Water Heater

If a household’s water heater is aging and experiences certain issues, it can signal the end is near, and a new one will need to be installed. Waiting too long to replace a water heater can negatively affect a household, like losing hot water and cold showers. To avoid this, homeowners should schedule water heater replacement when they notice certain signs. 

Signs of Corrosion

old water heater When water heaters age, they can start to break down and experience corrosion. This can cause numerous issues with a system, including leaks and rusty water. To determine if there is corrosion in a hot water tank, homeowners can look for signs of a corroded water heater, like rusty-looking, cloudy, or orange-tinted water, and whether the hot water has a metallic taste or smell. 

Homeowners should also look for visible signs of rust and corrosion on the water heater tank and any noticeable leaks. When households notice these symptoms of water heater corrosion, they must consider water heater replacement. 

Absence of Hot Water or It Runs Out Too Quickly

cold shower As water heaters fail, households may notice the water coming from the water heater isn’t as hot as usual, or they might run out of hot water sooner than expected. This can be due to various causes, some requiring replacement, while others requiring maintenance or repair. 

One common reason for a lack of hot water is a buildup of sediment in the unit. A broken heating element or thermostat can also prevent the water from heating to the proper temperature. When plumbers inspect a water heater, they will also determine if the system is undersized for the demands of the household or nearing the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. 

Frequent Repairs or an Aging Unit

If a homeowner is scheduling water heater repairs more and more often, it can signal that the water heater is nearing the end of its life and needs replacing. Water heaters that are old and close to their life expectancy will also need to be replaced before they completely break down. 

As water heaters age, they can become less effective and efficient at heating water and encounter more problems that require repairs. The lifespan of a traditional water heater is around 10 to 15 years, while the lifespan of a tankless water heater is about 20 years. These timelines can vary based on the amount of maintenance performed on the units, but if systems are nearing these life expectancies, homeowners should be prepared to replace them soon. 

About The Plumbers Guild

The Plumbers Guild is a locally owned and operated company serving Brookhaven and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, easy scheduling, and financing. Call them today for water heater repair and installation services in Brookhaven, GA.