The Unclog Blog - HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric

Clogged Drains In Winter May Indicate Frozen Pipes

In areas where temperatures typically dip below the freezing mark, there is always a possibility a home’s drain pipes may become frozen. If drain lines are exposed to the outdoors, located in exterior walls or are not adequately protected from the cold, the resulting frozen pipes can play havoc with a home’s plumbing system.

A home’s drain lines carry used water, or “wastewater,” away from the house. This can consist of water from sinks, bathtubs, washing machines, dishwashers and sewer lines. A typical drain clog will usually only affect that particular apparatus. But when most or all of a home’s drains are backing up, this often indicates that drain pipes may very well be frozen.

Addressing Frozen Drain Lines

The homeowner should first make sure that pipes are frozen and not just clogged. This can be done by feeding a plumbing auger or “snake” through the drain and into the pipeline. If after pulling the auger from the drain there is no indication of debris of any kind the pipes are probably frozen.

There are a number of approaches to thawing frozen pipes and drain lines, such as turning faucets on very low and running hot water into the drain. Boiling several gallons of water and dumping it into the drain may help to weaken the ice within the pipes as well.

Homeowners can also run a blow dryer or heat lamp over the frozen portion of pipe to melt and eventually break up the ice. Towels soaked in hot water can also be placed around frozen sections of pipe. While a space heater can be situated close to the pipe, do not use electric heaters if there is any moisture in the area at all.  Additionally, it is advisable to turn the home’s thermostat up a few notches to help the pipe-thawing process along.

After frozen drainage pipes have been cleared of ice and are working, homeowners can take preventive measures to try to ensure that their pipes don’t freeze again. These measures include adding insulation to at-risk sections of piping and using UL-approved heating tape or cabling for pipes. Of course, homeowners should always contact a professional plumber if they uncomfortable with do-it-yourself plumbing jobs around their dwellings.

(Photo by eliduke)

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Drain Cleaning: Unclogging the Overflow Drain in a Bathroom Sink

What is Clogging my Bathroom Sink?

It’s easy to understand why a kitchen sink could get clogged, from food particles or grease, but if you’ve often had trouble with a slow or backed up bathroom sink, it’s time to figure out what’s causing the problem so you can prevent it in the future.

The number one cause of clogs for bathroom sinks remains to be hair and soap. In most causes, soap gets rinsed down the drain, it gets sticky, and hair attaches to it, and the clog gets bigger, causing the draining to slow down, or maybe even stop.

If things get really bad, your bathroom drain could become clogged from biofilm, a black or gray mold, that’s often tough to get rid of.

Before you get under the sink with a pair of pliers, try clearing the sink with a good amount of boiling water. You can also pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain (baking soda first, then rinse it down with vinegar). If neither of these solutions work, you should call a professional.

If you’re able to get the drain clear, your next step is to put some preventative measures in place so this happens less often. Start by paying attention to what you’re rinsing down the drain. If it’s long pieces of hair, start collecting them and putting them in the garbage can.

Next, be sure to thoroughly rinse everything down the sink. Even if it’s face soap or toothpaste, run the water for a few seconds to flush it down. If not, it will dry half way down the drain and could cause buildup.

Finally, make sure you’re not using your sink for things it wasn’t meant for. Don’t use it as a trashcan or a storage unit. You never know what might find its way down the drain and cause problems in the future.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Unclogging a Rain Gutter

The rain gutters surrounding the roof of your home are important for draining rainwater away from the home and preventing this water from seeping into your foundation and causing damage. However, these gutters often become clogged with debris, such as leaves, disrupting the drainage process. Learn how to clear this gutter and unclog the downspouts that bring the water down to the drain.

Things you’ll need:

• A ladder
• Leather gloves
• Garden trowel
• Garden hose with pressure nozzle
• Salad tongs
• Sink auger

Steps

1. Put on leather gloves and set up your ladder securely. Remove debris and mud from the gutter using your hands and a garden trowel.
2. Find the clogged downspout and use a pair of salad tongs to remove any stuck debris.
3. Flush the downspout using a garden hose fitted with a pressure nozzle. If this does not remove all of the debris, proceed to the next step.
4. Tap the downspout from the top to bottom, listening for a deeper sound: this is where the clog is located. Tapping this area repeatedly should break up the clog. Use the garden hose afterward to see if water will flush through the spout; if it does, you’ll know it worked. If it does not, continue to the next step.
5. Push one end of a sink auger down into the spout and rotate it to clear out the debris. Test again with the hose.
6. If you are still unable to get the downspout to drain, call a plumber to help you.
7. Prevent future clogs by purchasing and installing a gutter guard for the top of the rain gutter and leaf strainers for the tops of the downspouts.

You may also wish to call a plumber to do the entire job if you are unable to safely complete any of these steps yourself.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

The Basics of Plumbing Safety

When attempting do-it-yourself plumbing projects, it is essential to follow the proper safety precautions in order to prevent injury. Before embarking on a plumbing project – even something relatively simple, like unclogging a drain – review the following plumbing safety basics.

Use a spotter

A spotter or helper will allow you to complete a plumbing project faster and more safely. In addition to a spotter providing the benefit of a spare hand as needed, some jobs, such as running a drain machine, are nearly impossible to complete without a second person to help.

Follow the directions

The importance of this safety essential cannot be overstated. Read and follow the directions for all tools, equipment, machines, chemicals, and other plumbing products. Misuse of tools and other plumbing equipment can cause injury or damage to your home. Also, make sure to maintain and check tools as specified in the user manual.

Wear protective equipment

Personal protective equipment is a must when working with plumbing. This includes wearing protective eyewear, gloves, and a facemask to protect your lungs. Eyewear is especially important when snaking a drain, hammering, using a drill, using a sawzall, or working on your back under a sink. Depending on the type of job, latex or leather gloves may be preferred. When sawing or sanding, a facemask is an important precaution.

Only work when alert

Do not work when you are sick, tired, or impaired by drugs or alcohol. These states can impair your reflexes or judgment, resulting in injury or property damage.

Use a tool belt, caddy, or box

Carrying tools in your pocket poses a risk of injury.

Follow the proper codes

These include all applicable building and plumbing safety codes and laws. Make sure you know these rules and have obtained the necessary permits before you start working.

If you’re not sure you can complete a plumbing job safely by yourself, consider calling a licensed plumber to complete the job.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Drain Cleaning: Unclogging the Overflow Drain in a Bathroom Sink

It often goes unnoticed, but it can save you from having to clean up a mess. It’s that small opening near the top of your bathroom sink, usually located beneath the faucet or at the front of the sink.

This little opening in a bathroom sink bowl does have a name. In fact, it is referred to by a number of different names, including the “emergency drain,” “overflow protection device” and the “overflow drain.” Its purpose is to prevent rising water in a clogged sink from overflowing. Instead of pouring out onto the sinktop and the bathroom floor, the rising water will seep into the overflow drain and be directed back into the sink’s drain pipe.

Cleaning a Clogged Overflow Drain

It is a relatively rare occurrence that an overflow hole will become clogged. However, if a clog should develop within an overflow drain, it shouldn’t require the assistance of a plumbing professional.

A clog in a sink drain or overflow hole will typically be caused by the buildup of soap scum, hair and other debris that can often be cleared up by the homeowner without too much trouble. But unlike the drain at the bottom of a sink bowl, overflow drain clogs usually cannot be addressed with a plunger due to their location.

Therefore, the best approach is to use an auger or “plumbing snake” to clear debris from the overflow drain assembly. Simply insert the auger into the overflow hole and twist, push and pull, moving it around within the assembly to dislodge any debris. Once you are confident the drain is clear, use a funnel to flush it with hot water. You may also want to use the funnel to insert the auger to prevent damage to the perimeter of the overflow drain.

It is wise to regularly clean sink drains and overflow drains so clogs and plumbing problems can be avoided. Use a drain brush to clean around the insides of these drains. Then flush the drains with boiling water or a baking soda and vinegar mixture. This should keep the drains in your bathroom sink healthy. It will also help you avoid potentially serious drain problems that may require expensive plumbing repairs.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Checking the Plumbing Before Buying a Home

When shopping for a home, people often fall in love with a property before the inspection -- and are later disappointed to find out that many costly repairs are needed. One of the main things you should check when deciding whether to buy a new home is the plumbing. For example, a plumbing system with low water pressure can cause frequent toilet clogs and other issues. Fortunately, there are some simple checks that you can do yourself to determine if the house has low water pressure, as well as other problems, like leaks and venting issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Check all faucets for leaks, including all sinks and the shower. While checking the bathroom faucets, you shouldn’t smell any foul odors; this may indicate improper venting or a drain without a P-trap. Also note the water temperature and pressure, and listen for noisy or banging pipes when the water is turned on.

• Flush the toilet in every bathroom. If the water level drops or takes a long time to refill, this could indicate a partial blockage or low water pressure.

• Look around the house for wet spots that could indicate a leak.

• Check the water pressure at the farthest point from the main valve, and verify that pressure here is just as strong as at the closest point.

• Inspect the hot water heater. Check to see if there are signs of corrosion on the water heater’s elements; if there are, the appliance needs to be replaced. Also make sure the water heater is of an adequate size for your family and find out how old it is.

• Go to the main water shut off valve and make sure it is in working order. When the valve is shut off, no water should come out of any of the taps.

• Ask about the type of sewage system – septic tanks can have problems requiring expensive repairs, and they also need regular maintenance.

• Inquire about the material of the pipes in the home. Copper pipes are the most desirable, followed by brass, and then galvanized steel. As you may know, lead pipes are a safety hazard.

• Ask to see utility bills showing the monthly water usage and costs, or get this information from the utility/billing company if possible. See if the bill fits your budget and if there is any exorbitant usage that could indicate a leak. A good realtor should have this information on-hand.

Don’t be afraid to “nose around” and ask questions; an owner or realtor with nothing to hide will encourage this. Even though you will probably get an official inspection later, it is good to get a picture of what you’re dealing with before then so you can start thinking about negotiating a lower price. If you decide to purchase a home requiring plumbing repairs as-is, be sure to hire a reputable plumber to do the necessary repairs.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

(Photo via Flickr)

What is Hydro Jetting?

You may have heard of hydro jetting or hydro scrubbing as a way to unclog sewer lines, but what are the details of this process and how does it work? Is it the solution to your sewer problems? Check out the answers to these questions below to see the benefits of hydro jetting.

Hydro jetting, sometimes called hydro scrubbing, is a way to remove debris or clogs from sewer lines by shooting streams of high pressure water out of a hose and into the sewer lines.

The water speed can reach up to 3,500 pounds per square inch during this process. The water moves from a tank into a hose and a nozzle, where it is pressurized from a machine at a rate of 18 gallons per minute. An average hydro jetting process can clear clogs or debris in a sewer line more than several hundreds of feet long.

The water for hydro jetting goes in through an opening in the sewer line that's a standard for every sewer system. The nozzle is placed in the downstream part of the sewer line and pushes its way upstream, and any debris cleared by the highly pressurized water moves naturally back downstream and out of the system by way of the drain.

Is hydro jetting the solution for your clogged sewer line? Usually, hydro jetting is suggested when a plumber's snake isn't enough to solve the problem. When roots have made their way into the sewer line, hydro jetting is often an appropriate solution. However, if the roots have cracked the pipes, there will need to be extra measures taken.

It is also a good fix when mineral deposits have built up inside the drainage line.

Depending on the kinds of problems you are having with your sewer line, a plumber can recommend the best solution to clear the line and get things working again.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Plumbing Problems: Addressing Drain-Clogging Calcium Deposits

Pipes and drains in a home can become clogged as a result of the buildup of hair, soap scum, food and other debris. But water with a high mineral content, also referred to as “hard water,” can also be a major culprit in restricting water flow and causing a variety of other plumbing problems within a home.

Hard water is notorious for leaving a calcified residue around faucets, shower heads and drain covers. This residue usually has a light-colored “rusty” or “flaky” appearance, and is quite noticeable on the outside of these and other plumbing devices around the home. But calcium deposits can also build up within pipes and on the inside of drains, which can not only diminish water flow rates, but can damage pipes and cause hot water to run cold.

What Can the Homeowner Do?

If any of these circumstances should arise, there are ways for the homeowner to address calcium buildup problems before beginning a search for plumbing contractors. To remove calcified residue from “detachable” fixtures such as shower heads, faucet tips and drain covers, place them in a container of white vinegar, or a commercial lime and calcium remover such as CLR, and let them soak for a few hours.

These solutions can also be used for drain cleaning and to flush your water pipes if calcium deposit buildup is suspected within your plumbing. Of course always carefully follow the instructions whenever commercial chemical-based cleaning products are used; these products are often required to be diluted with a certain percentage of water. Also, be sure to keep any cleaning solutions away from reservoirs reserved for drinking water.

To prevent future calcium and mineral deposit buildup problems, long-term solutions are available. These include having a water-softening or water filtration system installed in your home. Although these systems are not cheap, they can save you maintenance headaches and potentially costly repairs down the road. These can be purchased at your local hardware store or through a plumbing supply outlet. If you are not comfortable with even minor do-it-yourself plumbing repairs, maintenance or the installation of plumbing devices, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Life Without a Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is a modern convenience that many of us rely upon and use every day. However, not everyone has a garbage disposal, and it is entirely possible to live without one. In fact, garbage disposals are not used in certain parts of Europe, including France. There are even benefits to not using a garbage disposal, one being that without a garbage disposal, there is one less piece of your plumbing to clog and break!

In living spaces without garbage disposals, food scraps are either thrown away or composted, rather than processed with the garbage disposal and washed down the drain. Of course, composting is the more eco-friendly option.

One benefit of not having/using a garbage disposal is that less water is consumed to wash dishes. You use less water to clean up after a meal, and the water treatment system can also use less water to process your wastewater. In addition to the environmental benefits, another benefit of a garbage disposal-free life is that you have more under-sink space!

For people with septic systems, garbage disposals can cause clogs, resulting in system failure. They also cause the tank to fill with solids much quicker, requiring more frequent pumping. Although it is possible to use a garbage disposal with a septic tank, you must use a top-of-the-line disposal that processes food bits into very small particles that the system can digest.

One problem with not having a garbage disposal is that food particles can sometimes get washed down the drain anyway and cause clogs. To keep this from happening, protect your kitchen drain with a strainer. People who don’t have a garbage disposal should also be sure to wipe off and throw away or compost all visible food particles on dishes before washing them.

To fix tough clogs in your kitchen sink or elsewhere in the home, call a reputable plumbing professional.

 

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Plumbing Repairs: Fixing a Pop-Up Drain Stopper in your Bathroom Sink

When a pop-up drain stopper is difficult to open or close — or doesn’t operate at all — it is usually due to hair, soap scum buildup, or a loose worn or broken part somewhere within the mechanism. There is no need to call in the plumbers for this problem. These devices are often fairly easy to fix.

Drain Stopper Repair

The first order of business is to remove the stopper from the drain. This can be done by twisting and then lifting the stopper, or by loosening the nut closest to the drain on the pivot rod and pulling it away from the drain. The pivot rod is the horizontal “bar” that runs into the drain and is connected to the stopper on one end, and to the lift rod or “plunger” on the other. The lift rod is the vertical bar that comes up through the faucet and controls the stopper.

A little drain cleaning and clearing of the scum and debris from the stopper may be all that is necessary to get the assembly to operate smoothly again. But if the hole at the bottom of the stopper is broken and can no longer attach to the pivot rod, the stopper will likely have to be replaced.

Check all screws along the length of the lift rod and pivot rod. Tighten them where necessary. Also, take a look at the gaskets to make sure they aren’t broken or leaking. Inspect the clevis fasteners on the rods for looseness or damage.

Once the assembly is tight and working properly, place the stopper back into the drain and maneuver it around until it connects with the pivot arm. This may take a few tries, or even some adjusting of the pivot rod. But once the stopper is back in place you should once again have a fully functioning pop-up drain stopper assembly.

Among the plumbing problems that can arise in your home, issues surrounding the drain stopper are usually minor and can be repaired in do-it-yourself fashion.

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Written and published by Thompson Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

 

(Photo via Flickr)