Troubleshooting Your Own Drain and Sewer Lines Is Easy and Can Save You Money

27 March 2017
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Many homeowners dread experiencing plumbing problems because they think that it will mean expensive repairs. Clogs are one of the most common plumbing issues people experience. If you ever start to experience clogged plumbing in your home, you could save yourself time and money by knowing a few basic plumbing approaches that you can perform yourself. The following points can help you protect and detect issues in your plumbing system.

Frequency

If you experience a clog from time to time, you likely do not have a major issue. However, if you experience them on a regular basis and they impact different plumbing fixtures, there is a chance that a more significant plumbing issue is the cause. For example, you may have tree roots that are growing in your drain lines. This can cause sinks, bathtubs, and toilets to back up. If the issue is not addressed, you may eventually experience water damage from contaminated water and sewage backing up into your home.

Liquid Drain Cleaners

Some of the drain cleaners that are sold in stores can be corrosive to plumbing. This means that if you use them, there is a chance that you may cause an existing plumbing problem to get worse. Some plumbers advise their clients to use liquid drain cleaners as a form of preventative maintenance. If you were given this advice, only use it exactly as you were advised. The recommendations on the label may be different than the professional advice you were given. Keep in mind that liquid products will be ineffective at clearing clogs that are deep in your sewer lines.

Basic Tools

Ensure that you have basic plumbing tools. Examples are a toilet plunger, sink plunger, and an auger. Sometimes plungers cannot clear massive or hardened clogs down drain lines. An auger, which is sometimes called a "snake," can be used to channel through more difficult clogs. If these basic plumbing tools do not work, you may have an issue deeper in your drain lines. 

Sewer Camera Rental

In the past, homeowners needed to rely on extensive digging to determine if there were significant problems in their sewer lines that were the cause of their plumbing issues. Today, sewer cameras can be used to look underground to see if there are issues. This approach can eliminate the need for unsightly and time-consuming digging. Do not make the mistake of thinking that you have to hire a professional to look at your pipes or sewer lines. You can predetermine whether a professional will be needed by getting a pipe or sewer camera rental. This will allow you to peer into your lines, which might save you money.