Common Problems with Drains that Need Repair

Slow drainage is usually one of the first signs of an underlying drain problem.

Drains play a pivotal role in ensuring a home’s comfort and sanitation. Therefore, it becomes critical to ensure they remain healthy and well-maintained. As drains are out of sight and not easily accessible, signs of trouble are difficult to notice, and property owners can only hope they keep functioning well. 

Unfortunately, most homeowners experience drainage issues at some point, ranging from mildly annoying to dangerous. When ignored, drainage problems can escalate quickly, affecting the functionality of the home plumbing and posing various health, safety, structural, and financial risks. 

This post discusses the most common drain problems homeowners face that demand repairs by a professional plumber. 

Slow-moving drains

Slow drainage is usually one of the first signs of an underlying drain problem. It indicates that a clog or blockage is forming somewhere in the plumbing system. It can also signify narrow pipes, improper grading, or severe sewer line problems. Professional plumbers can locate the exact source of the issue and fix it before it turns into anything major. 

Clogs

Blockages anywhere in the pipes prevent water from flowing freely. Depending on the severity, clogs can result in low-pressure, slow drainage, flooding, and backup. Different factors can result in drain blockages, including tree roots or flushing items like hair, fat, grease, oil, tissues, food particles, and foreign objects. While quick fixes like using a plunger or pouring hot water can clear minor clogs, recurring and more severe clogs in one or more drains demand professional drain unclogging solutions. 

Foul odor

Unpleasant smells are another common drain problem that demands repair. Trapped food debris decomposing in the drain or sewer gases rising through the drains can cause foul odors to travel into the home. A thorough drain cleaning or broken sewer pipe replacement can fix the issue and restore proper drainage. 

Fractures

Wear and tear arising from regular use can cause cracks or fractures near the joints in the pipes. Poor installation and roots penetrating the pipes can also cause fractures to occur. Cracks in the pipework allow wastewater to leak, weakening the ground structure. Sewer odor, mold growth, sewer backup, and extra lush and green grass are signs of cracks and fractures in the pipe. 

Open or displaced joints

Ground movement due to heavy traffic, subsidence, or natural calamity like earthquakes can cause the pipe to become displaced or damaged. Open or displaced joints can result in leaks, structural damage, and pipe collapse.

Broken pipe

A broken or collapsed pipe is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Old or poorly maintained sewer lines are more prone to these problems. Tree root intrusion and misaligned pipes can also collapse completely or partially. Broken pipes can attract pests, promote mold growth, weaken the ground structure, frequent clogs, and result in foul odors. 

Flooding

Flooding or pooling is also one of the most common and nastiest drain problems. An obstructed sewer line can cause dirty and hazardous water to flood the basement and cause extensive structural damage. 

Keep the drains in prime condition

Most common drain problems are preventable with regular drain cleaning and maintenance. Contact a local plumber for proper diagnostic and repair if you are experiencing drain issues.

911 Heating, Cooling and Plumbing can service all commercial and residential HVAC and plumbing needs. Call 602-795-2900 today!