Experiencing drainage problems can be a frustrating experience for any homeowner. If you’re indecisive about when to call in the plumber, the issue may escalate into an emergency.
Depending on what type of drainage issue you’re experiencing, you may be able to pinpoint and resolve the root cause yourself. Other times, the pros should be brought in to assess and repair the problem, which will likely save you money down the line.
Common Household Drainage Issues
Suppose you commonly experience drainage issues such as slow drains, recurring clogs, or foul odors. In that case, you should examine the source of the problem. For example, bathroom and shower drains are notorious for becoming clogged with hair.
Purchasing a drain cover can be an adequate solution for preventing hair and other objects from reaching your pipes. However, they don’t account for the hair that may be stuck inside the drain still.
While a slow drain may seem more of an annoyance rather than a serious issue, the situation can quickly escalate. You’ll want to pinpoint what is causing it so you can resolve things before they become dicey.
Are you noticing a foul odor seeping into your home from your drain? This can be due to built-up pollutants that often require an expert assessment to resolve. No amount of air freshener can cover up the lingering smell of rotten drains.
Are you noticing pools of water after a big storm? It could easily be solved by cleaning your drains or diverting stormwater. But, you may need to consult with a landscaper to see what else can be done to avoid pooling water over your septic system.
How to Avoid Common Drainage Problems
A good rule of thumb to help your household avoid any preventable drainage issues is to be careful what you put down them.
Naturally, hair and excessive food waste will likely cause slow drains and clogged pipes. Other culprits may include grease, certain soaps, and mineral build-up. To avoid the latter, you may want to install a water softener if you have hard water where you live.
If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure your septic technicians know before installing the system. Add landscaping features (like culverts or fast-draining natural materials) to your yard if it’s already installed if you already installed your system.
Taking preventive measures when possible is a great way to save yourself the hassle and headache of having your sink backed up or your toilet overflowing. Once the situation escalates to an emergency, you likely won’t have a choice but to call in the professionals.
What To Do (And Not Do) When You Have Drainage Problems
Sometimes unclogging a drain can be as simple as using a drain snake from your local home improvement store to fish out that pesky clump of hair. Other times, the problem may be more challenging to resolve yourself.
Don’t Use Any Chemical Solvents or Drainage Cleaners
While these products may sound like a DIY-friendly way to resolve your drain problems, they can do more harm than good for your septic system. Using harsh chemicals can cause more issues than you had initially bargained for.
Determine When Your Last Septic Pump Was
If you can’t pinpoint why you’re experiencing issues with your drains, it may be due to a full septic tank. Once the tank is full, it can lead to all types of drainage problems, and you’ll want to call someone in to pump the tank.
Call In The Professionals
Solving your drainage woes sometimes requires the expertise of a septic pro, who knows what to look for and where to look for it. Suppose you can’t determine where in the system the problem has originated from. In that case, an experienced repairman should be able to investigate and solve the mystery.
Frustrated By Clogged Drains? Contact Us For All Your Drainage Needs!
Suppose you’ve grown weary of continuously having to unclog your drains only to find that they’re stopped up within a week. In that case, it’s time to call the pros at Advanced Septic Services. We can assess the situation, provide you with a solution, and have your drains working like new in no time.