Common Underlying Causes of Drain Repair
While your drains may not be your primary concern, they will require special attention and repair at some point. The
drains in your showers, sinks and bathtubs allow thousands of gallons of wastewater to be removed from your home each year. Drain repair is far from a small matter, as drain problems can create major issues in your plumbing system and home. Luckily, many of these issues can be avoided with simple measures such as avoiding pouring grease and other inappropriate materials down your sink, using drain covers and regularly scheduling maintenance. You can also take some proactive action by being aware of the common underlying causes of drain repair so that you can avoid the mistakes of other homeowners.
Clogged Drains
Clogs are the most common cause of drain repair issues. If the water has stopped or is draining slowly, it is likely that there is some form of obstruction in the pipe which has compromised the flow. Clogs can develop from solidified oils and fats, food scraps and other debris being washed down the drain. These materials will solidify as they move through the drain, attracting further debris particles. You can avoid this by taking care of what you wash down your sink.
Bathroom clogs are usually the result of hair and soap scum accumulating in the drain. While this may seem unavoidable, it is possible to minimize the risk by fitting and regularly cleaning a drain trap.
Leaks
Leaks can occur anywhere when a pipe becomes damaged. They often form underneath the drain, which is an indication that there is a problem with a link from your sink basin. Regrettably, a leak can also be a warning sign of a much more serious issue within your plumbing system. A trained, professional plumber is needed to provide the skills and equipment necessary to locate the exact source of your leak and repair the problem.
Deterioration
Sadly, most things simply aren’t built to last forever, and plumbing is no exception. Drain repair issues can form simply because they are showing the signs of old age. These issues can include rust, corrosion, and line breaks. In the scenario where your plumbing issues are caused by age deterioration, it is likely that you will need to replace the existing pipes with new materials.
Foul Odors
The final common drain repair issue is foul odors. If your drains emit unpleasant smells, it is likely that there is a problem with debris inside the drain, a P-trap issue or damage to the main sewer line. Trying to pour chemicals into the drain will only mask this problem, so you need a
plumbing professional to diagnose the underlying cause.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
