Unless you have a clog, it’s unlikely you've thought about the benefits of Suffolk County drain cleaning—or even thought about your home’s drains much at all.
Your home’s drainage system, which is also known as a Drain-Waste-Vent or DWV system, is one of those things that you don’t really think about until there is a problem. When things are running smoothly, it’s easy to take for granted how complicated and fundamental to your safety and comfort your home’s DWV system is.
Yet when a clog happens, then the disruption to your home can be frustrating. To learn what to do in the event of a blockage, we put together this blog. Continue reading to discover our tips for DIY small blockage fixes, how to prevent clogged drains, and when to call the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central Long Island for professional drainage cleaning services.
Get to Know Your Suffolk County Drain System
Your home’s plumbing system is a network of pipes that work together to carry water in and out of your home. Certain pipes give you access to water so that when you turn on your washing machine, dishwasher, or shower you have access to running water. Other pipes move waste water away from your home. Since all these pipes are connected, if one gets clogged, then you could create a major problem for the entire system.
Our expert team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central Long Island know the intricate ins-and-outs of Suffolk County plumbing systems. Our professional expertise and dedication to customer service are one reason why we are the perfect company to help with any professional drainage cleaning services your home may require.
How Do Drains Get Clogged in Suffolk County ?
All kinds of things go down your pipes every day—and anything that isn’t water has the potential to clog your drain. Some common things that cause clogs requiring Suffolk County drainage cleaning services include:
Food: Food items that do not break down easily, like fibrous food, egg shells, grease, and oil, tend to build up over time and clog drains.
Hair: Hair is another material that can create a block in your pipes. Washing your hair in the sink or shower or combing or cutting your hair will eventually cause a clog.
Soap: On its own, soap is not necessarily a problem. But, when combined with other substances—such as hair—it can solidify in your drains. Also, certain varieties of soap include tallow, which is made out of animal fat. Animal fats clog drains because it solidifies when cool.
Household Items: Items like makeup wipes, disposable diapers, and paper towels should never be flushed down the toilet. These items are not meant to be disposed of through your sewer system and could cause it to back up.
DIY Solutions for Suffolk County Clogged Drains
The professional plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central Long Island are available 24/7 to provide your family outstanding Suffolk County drainage cleaning services. However, you may be able to fix small clogs on your own. There are a few different DIY methods you could employ to unclog a blocked pipe:
1. The Wire Hanger Method
This method of unblocking clogged pipes is best used for your shower or bathtub. Straighten a wire hanger and bend one end to create a hook. Use the hook to pull-up any gunk in the drain that may be causing the clog. After you have removed as much of the material as you can, run boiling water down the pipe to flush away any remaining residue.
2. Try a Plunger
Plungers tend to be most homeowners go-to solution for blocked sinks and toilets. However, many Suffolk County homeowners also use their plungers incorrectly. The first plunge should not be too strong—as this could cause waste water to splatter out of the toilet or sink. First, remove as much of the backed-up water as possible from your sink or toilet by gently using the plunger. Then you may attack the block more vigorously. It may take over a dozen plunges to remove the clog—so don’t give up too quickly.
3. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
The chemical reaction that results from mixing baking soda and vinegar works well for unclogging pipes. Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda to create a fizzing reaction that will help breakdown debris blocking your pipes. Let this solution sit for one hour before flushing it away with boiling water.
If you’ve tried these DIY solutions for clogged pipes, and they did not work, then be sure to contact the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central Long Island. Take advantage of our Suffolk County drainage cleaning services!
Signs You Need Suffolk County Drainage Cleaning Services
Some blocked pipes may be cleared with a DIY solution. Yet, these fixes may only prove to be temporary. They can also be messy and time-consuming. There are many signs that a blocked pipe will need a professional drain cleaning service, including:
1. Discolored Pipes
Discolouration around your pipes, such as rusting or a blue-green patina, could be a sign that you have a leak—especially if this discolouration is where two pipes join together. The leak may be caused by a dripping sink or drain line, or even a slow leak in your water supply line.
Blocked supply lines are very serious. Supply lines are pressurized, so if a leak happens, then the water could spray out of the line with considerable force. If you’re worried you might have a blocked supply line, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central Long Island today and ask about our Suffolk County drainage cleaning services.
2. Bad Odors
Does your drain work okay, but a bad smell comes out of it? This smell could be due to rotting food within the drain, or it could indicate a bigger problem. A professional Suffolk County drainage cleaning service provided by Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central Long Island will ensure the bad smell is quickly dealt with.
3. Reduced Water Pressure
If you’ve noticed that your water pressure seems low, then a clogged drain could be the cause. The clog could be causing water to concentrate in part of the pipe, rather than moving through to the faucet. While low water pressure may just seem like a minor annoyance, if left alone a clogged pipe could burst.
4. Slow Drain
A slowly draining sink or tub may be the most obvious sign that you have a clogged pipe. If you have a bit of food trapped near the drain, you might be able to easily remove this yourself. Other times, the problem could be located much further down the pipe.
In a worst-case-scenario, slow drains could suggest a serious plumbing concern like tree roots in your sewer line. If you have a drain that doesn’t clear regardless of the DIY solutions you’ve tried, call our Suffolk County drainage cleaning experts today.
5. Skyrocketing Water Bill
If you haven’t noticed other signs of a leak but your water bill has increased, it may be that you have a clogged or leaking pipe somewhere out of view. When a pipe gets blocked, the water running through it will always try to find an escape—whether through cracks or by causing a pipe to burst.
If you have a very expensive water bill and you haven’t changed your water-use habits, it’s a good sign you have a leak somewhere in your home. This leak could be caused by a blocked pipe.
6. Bubbling Water
Bubbles in your water fixtures or toilet may be a sign that you have a clog in your main sewer line. Your main sewer line is a large pipe that carries out waste from every other pipe in your home. The bubbles are a result of air trapped in the water. When your main sewer line gets clogged, it affects every part of your Suffolk County home’s plumbing system. A clogged main line needs to be addressed immediately.
7. Bad Smelling Puddles in Your Yard
If you see—or smell—puddles in your yard or garden this could mean that an underground pipe has ruptured. Not only will the ruptured pipe cause the soil above it to flood, but it could also be a potential health hazard. If the puddles smell like human waste, it could be that your sewer line has burst. Often, the cause of a burst sewer line is due to tree roots that have infiltrated the pipe. If this happens to you, you should call the professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central Long Island immediately.
How to Prevent Clogged Drains
Preventative maintenance is the best way to reduce the risk of a clogged drain that may cause a major leak or plumbing concern in your home. Our team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central Long Island offers routine Suffolk County drainage cleaning services so you don’t have to worry about dealing with the stress of clogged pipes.
Rather than using corrosive and toxic drain cleaning chemicals to get rid of buildup in your plumbing, our expert plumbing team uses a combination of HydroScrub® Jetting and environmentally friendly enzymes.
HydroScrub® Jetting is a high-pressure hose that powerfully clears away years of buildup in your home’s pipes. Our enzymatic treatment uses plant-derived bacteria to consume hair proteins, fats, oils, and grease. This treatment breaks down common causes of blocked pipes and keeps your pipes clean in the long-term without adding harmful chemicals to your home’s plumbing.
In between regularly scheduled cleaning appointments, there are other measures you can take to prevent buildup in your pipes:
Never pour grease down the drain. Grease solidifies once it cools; this causes it to build up in your pipes and create a clog.
Use screens and filters. Using screens in your kitchen and bathroom drains will catch debris and hair. Catching materials like these before they enter your plumbing system is a great way to prevent clogged pipes.
Take action immediately when you notice a slow drain. Water that won’t go down the drain is a clear sign you have a clogged pipe that needs to be dealt with immediately.
Regularly clean shower heads and faucet aerators. Cleaning shower heads and faucets regularly removes mineral buildup. Mineral buildup can block water from exiting your faucets and shower heads, affecting your water pressure and possibly causing pipes to burst.
Clean out the P-trap in your kitchen sink once a month. Your P-trap is the section of pipe below your sink that is shaped like a “P.” While the P-trap is designed to catch debris before it enters your main plumbing system, it only works efficiently if it is regularly cleaned.
Never ignore running toilets, low water pressure, small leaks, or dripping faucets. Each of these issues indicate that you have a plumbing problem and require professional Suffolk County drainage cleaning services.
Do You Have a Plumbing Emergency?
If you have a drain that is threatening to overflow with water or you discover a major leak, immediately locate and turn off the main shutoff valve in your home. This valve may be located in your water meter box, near your water heater, or in your garage.
If you are not comfortable turning off your main shutoff valve by yourself, call the Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central Long Island team, and we will help you out right away. We will arrive as soon as possible to help you out in your emergency situation.
Schedule a Suffolk County Drainage Cleaning Service Today!
Do you have drains that refuse to clear, or are you worried you have a clog somewhere in your home’s plumbing? Our professional and expert plumbing team is more than happy to provide our Suffolk County drainage cleaning services.
If you require professional drainage cleaning services, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Central Long Island today at 631-542-2194 or book a drain cleaning appointment online and one of our expert plumbers will be able to assist you.