How To Solve Major Drain Problems

Prevent Major Drain Problems

There are many major drain problems that can be fixed at home by a confident DIY-er but it is important to keep in mind that it is often best left to those with years of training and experience. For one thing, professionals are more likely to be able to see the big picture and accurately assess the cause of your problems in order to come to the right solution. You may be able to fix a small leak on your own but if that leak was systemic of a larger problem you may inadvertently make the situation worse in the long term. That being said, it is also a good idea to have some idea of what is wrong and how it might be solved so that you know what to expect.

Steps in Solving Major Drain Problems

The first step is to determine which pipe is causing the problem. If you are experiencing slow or clogged drains, establish the extent of the problem by testing other sinks and drains. If only one drain is experiencing issues than the problem is probably located in that drain or the pipe connecting it to the main drainage pipe. If many drains are acting up than you may have a blockage in one of the main pipes.

If this is the case, try to determine the route water takes from the slow drains to the main drainage pipe. This will help your plumber to identify where the problem is and what solutions will be required to get your drains running smoothly again.

Before calling in the professionals, try flushing the drain(s) with boiling water or using a baking soda and vinegar mixture to clear blockages. If this does not work your problem may require the use of a plumbing snake. This is not recommended for unfamiliar users as it can be messy and worsen the problem is used incorrectly.

General Home Plumbing Tips

To further prevent major drain problems, here are some general home plumbing tips. Learn the location of the water supply shutoff as well as individual water supply vales. This can save you a lot of money, damage, and time in the case of a leak. Insulate all exposed water pipes to prevent freezing. As water freezes inside pipes it exerts great pressure on them and can cause cracking and even bursting. Avoid this messy and expensive problem by making sure your pipes cannot freeze no matter the weather outside.

Most major drain problems have smaller symptoms that can be identified before it becomes a major problem. Things to look for include:

• Slow sink or tub drains;
• Water backing up in sinks, toilets, or bathtubs
• Wet areas in walls or along floors adjacent to walls containing drain pipes
• Wet areas in your lawn near the drain piping; and
• Unusual gurgling or bubbling sounds while draining.

For additional information on major drain problems that can occur, do not hesitate to contact HY-PRO with a group of licensed and insured plumbers to combat all of your major drain problems.