Keeping your drains maintained and healthy is crucial for any homeowner. After all, clogged or damaged drains can lead to various issues, from foul odors and water damage to more severe problems like flooding and structural damage. These can lead to costly repairs and even risk your family’s health. Drainage installation involves the professional setup of systems to manage water flow and prevent issues such as flooding or water accumulation, ensuring effective removal of excess water from residential or commercial properties.
Unfortunately, dealing with drainage issues can be challenging because most drain systems are installed underground, making them inaccessible. Luckily, this article will help you unravel the five most common drainage problems and how you can address them. Read on for details.
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Blockages
Blockages are issues that affect every homeowner at any point. They occur when something gets stuck in the drainage system, preventing water from flowing freely. Common causes of blockages include hair, grease, food waste, and foreign objects that accidentally get flushed down the drain. Over time, these items can accumulate and cause a complete blockage, resulting in slow-draining water or a complete backup.
To prevent blockages, avoid flushing anything that isn’t biodegradable such as sanitary products, wipes, or plastics. In addition, regularly clean hair and food waste from the sink and shower drains. If you’re dealing with a minor blockage, try using a plunger or a drain snake to clear it. For more severe blockages, you may need to call a professional plumber to assess the situation and recommend a solution. You can contact reputable companies such as Blocked Drains Northern Beaches and others.
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Displaced Or Open Joints
Displaced or open joints occur when the connection between two pipes in your drainage system becomes loose or breaks. That can result from wear and tear, aging, or incorrect installation. When this happens, water can leak out of the joint and cause damage to your property.
You can prevent open joints by regularly inspecting your drainage. If you suspect that you have a displaced or open joint, it’s essential to address the problem as soon as possible. A professional plumber can assess the damage and recommend a solution, including repairing or replacing the affected pipe.
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Fractures
Fractures in your drainage system can be a significant problem that’s often difficult to detect. They occur when a pipe in your drainage system develops a crack or break. That can happen for various reasons, including soil movement, temperature changes, and pressure from heavy objects. If left unaddressed, fractures can lead to leaks, water damage, and other significant problems.
To prevent fractures, try to keep the soil around the pipes stable to avoid putting pressure. Also, you can have your pipes inspected regularly by a professional plumber to ensure they’re in good condition.
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Root Intrusions
Sometimes, tree and plant roots burrow deep into the ground until they hit drainage pipework. These can happen if trees are planted near your home or when roots from nearby trees seek moisture from your drainage system. Over time, these roots can grow and cause significant damage to your pipes.
It’s essential to be careful when planting trees around your home. Make sure the trees are far from your drainage systems. And if you bought a house with trees near the drainage, you can remove the trees or replace the pipes if they’re already affected.
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Collapsed Sections Of Pipes
Collapsed pipes occur when a section of your drainage system becomes weakened or damaged, causing it to collapse under the weight of the soil above. They can result from age, wear and tear, poor installation, or damage from tree roots or other external factors.
To prevent collapsed pipes, you can regularly inspect your drainage system. Also, you can avoid putting unnecessary stress on your pipes such as avoiding flushing non-degradable items down the toilet or greasing down the sink.
If you suspect that you have a collapsed section of pipe, it’s essential to call a professional plumber to assess the damage and recommend a solution. Depending on the severity of the damage, the plumber may recommend pipe relining, which involves inserting a new pipe inside the existing one, or pipe replacement, which involves removing the damaged section of the pipe and installing a new one.
Conclusion
Maintaining proper drainage in your home is essential to prevent potentially severe issues from arising. Hopefully, the article has helped you unravel the five most common drainage problems. When you take time to understand the causes and signs of these problems, you can take the necessary steps to prevent them from happening. Regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping your drains healthy.
However, if you encounter any common drainage problems, call a professional plumber to assess the issue and provide the best solutions. They may even recommend a drainage survey involving high-tech cameras to inspect your sewer line for potential issues. That can help identify problems before they become more severe, saving you time and money in the long run.
