By Bellevue Plumbing Pro
Most people expect a simple fix to a clogged drain in their home. Most people don’t realize that a clog could be the sign of a bigger problem.
Greywater and sewage are pulled through drains by gravity. A blocked drain is usually not cause for concern. However, if all the drains in your house are slowing down or clogging, it could be a sign of a larger problem that you should contact your plumber.
A plumber can do a video inspection of your pipes to determine if there are any of these problems:
Foreign objects
Common clogs are caused by things being put down the drain that don’t belong. These include grease, oil, fats, and food scraps from the kitchen, as well as paper towels and wipes that are flushed down the toilet. These things may seem harmless but they can cause serious problems in your sewer line. They can also cause permanent damage that can lead to the need for a replacement of your sewer line.
Roots
Tree roots are attracted to moisture and will seek refuge in your sewer line. They reach your sewer line first by growing between pipes joints. Once they get there, they expand and grow over time until eventually they collapse the line.
Sewer Line Bellies
It can cause soil erosion around pipes when a pipe leaks wastewater because of a poorly fitted joint or cracks caused by tree roots. This causes the sewer line to sag and creates a “belly”. The belly traps standing wastewater, which eventually slows down the drain and causes a permanent blockage.
Pipes that have collapsed or been offset
Shifting ground, poor installation or shifting of pipes can cause collapsed or offset pipes. However, it is more common to be associated with untreated belly problems or tree root damage. These two conditions can lead to permanent damage and compromise the pipe’s structural integrity over time.
If you’re looking for other opportunities to safeguard against flood damage, or if you’re facing repairs in the aftermath of a recent flood, contact a qualified plumber today. Contact us .