What is a plumbing problem?
Any water-related fixture, component, appliance, piping, etc., can become a problem at some point in its lifespan.
It’s a problem when plumbing that doesn’t work properly, smells, irritates, plugs, backups, or rattles, and needs attention to repair or replace.
It can include anything from dripping taps to water hammers to issues with drains.
What is the most common plumbing repair?
Slow-moving and plugged drains are at the top of the list of common repairs, which can range from flappers in toilets to cartridges in taps, pump repairs and replacements, and electric hot water tanks.
While the reasons for a slow-moving and/or plugged drain are many, grease is the biggest factor.
Grease from kitchen/cooking fats should not be poured down a sink, even if it is liquid. Fat solidifies in cold drains. It is better to pour hot fat, bacon grease, etc., into a container to solidify before disposal in the garbage or green bin.
Salad oils will also solidify in the drain even if they remain liquid at room temperature.
Why does a drain plug?
Anything that goes down the drain in sufficient quantity will eventually plug it, especially when combined with other items such as soap, toothpaste, and hair in a bathroom sink. Food bits and coffee grounds will also clog the kitchen sink.
Too much toilet paper, facial tissue, “flushable wipes”, menstrual products, napkins, diapers, cat litter, hygiene products, dental floss, pet toys, or other items accidentally dropped in the toilet.
Freezing temperatures and wind-chill can stop the movement of water in the pipes that are too close to an outside wall, have limited insulation, are located in crawl spaces or cupboards that have little or no access to heat.
Plugged or snow-covered plumbing vents.
A drain pipe that isn’t sloped properly.
If all the drains are plugged, there is an issue with the main sewer drain. Roots can grow into pipes searching for water.
All slow-moving drains will eventually clog.
What is the best way to clear a clogged drain?
A do-it-yourself approach is not advisable. The internet is littered with all kinds of suggestions to unclog a drain from natural solutions such as vinegar and baking soda, hot water and dish soap, to chemical ones that can be dangerous if product instructions are not followed correctly.
Save yourself the time and effort and call Plumbtech Plumbing. The Barrie-based company can safely inspect the drain, snake it to either clear it completely or until it reaches the point in the pipe where it is blocked.
Then, if needed, Plumbtech will send a video camera through the pipe to determine the cause of the blockage and where in the pipe it is located.
Solve your drain clogs and call Plumbtech at 705-722-7209.
For more information on their preventive drain maintenance program or to schedule a drain cleaning and snaking, call 705-722-7209.
