Most people may not realize how complex their drain system is. With pipes traveling behind walls and under floors, connecting this way and that, your drain system is a network of pipes, all of which must remain clog- and damage-free in order to function properly. Of course, when a clog occurs, you need a drain cleaning service or sewer line service. But which type of service is called for? Tioga Plumbing & Electric can inspect your drains to troubleshoot the issue and perform the necessary service. We offer a full range of skilled plumbing services for Bedford and surrounding areas. Here, we’ll explore the difference between drains and sewer lines.
Your Home’s Drains
Your home’s drains are connected to fixtures such as your kitchen and bathroom sinks. You may also have floor drains that aren’t connected to a sink, tub, or toilet. It’s common, for instance, to find floor drains in laundry rooms. Your drains collect wastewater that flows through the drain pipes that all feed into the sewer line. Your home’s drains can become clogged at times with debris such as food particles or hair. When they become clogged, you’ll need drain cleaning service to clear the lines and move the debris out toward the sewer system.
Drain Clogs and Slow Drains
Your home’s drains can fill with many types of debris, but the most common are grease, oil, fats, soap residue, hair, and biofilm. Often, you can tell that a clog is forming in a drain line because your sink or tub will start to drain more slowly than usual. The developing clog doesn’t let water pass as easily as it used to, so it takes longer for your fixtures to empty.
A drain clog occurs when wastewater becomes blogged by the clog in the drain pipe. The clog can prevent you from using the associated fixture such as the bathroom sink or kitchen sink until the clog is cleared. If you have a slow or clogged drain at your home, you can rely on Tioga Plumbing & Electric for our experienced drain cleaning service.
What’s a Sewer Line?
A sewer line is essentially a large drain pipe. It’s the pipe that all of your home’s drains feed into. Wastewater leaves your home’s drain pipes and enters the sewer line. The water flows through the sewer line, which runs mainly underground on your property, and enters the city’s sewer system. The sewer line that runs on your property is your responsibility. If it has a clog or is damaged, it’s up to you to maintain it.
Sewer Line Clogs
If you experience several slow drains in your house, there’s a strong possibility that there’s a clog forming in your sewer line. If you experience a single or multiple slow drains, it’s a good idea to contact Tioga Plumbing & Electric to line up drain cleaning service. A developing clog will cause several drains to drain slowly, and there’s no telling when the clog will block the pipe entirely, preventing water from flowing out to the sewer system.
If water cannot flow through the sewer line, it has to go somewhere. Often, it comes back up through your drain system and spills into your home. Wastewater backup is a serious mess that can damage flooring and walls. Plus, the wastewater can contain potentially hazardous pathogens that you don’t want to come into contact with.
Sewer line clogs can be more difficult to unclog than drains in many cases because they require a longer and more robust cable to auger them. Many sewer line clogs are caused by a buildup of debris–the same types of debris that can clog drain pipes.
Sometimes, however, sewer lines can become blocked by mud and landscape debris like leaves and twigs. After a storm, debris like leaves and twigs can flow into the sewer system. If a backup occurs, this debris can get pushed up into sewer lines of homes where it can cause a clog to form.
Another common cause of sewer line clogs are tree roots. Thin roots can enter the sewer line through small holes or cracks in the pipe or near its seams. The roots feed on the nutrients and water found in the pipe. As they feed, they will grow and grow until they block the line. Typical drain cleaning service may not clear tree roots. Your plumber will need a more robust auger with a cutter attached to the end in order to contend with tree roots. If you suspect tree roots have infiltrated your sewer line, you can call Tioga Contactors for help.
When to Call a Plumber
If you have a clog, whether it’s in your drain or sewer line, you should call a professional plumber. Our plumbing pros can auger the line in question or provide drain cleaning service. If your drains are prone to frequent clogs, you should schedule drain cleaning service every year or two as a form of plumbing system maintenance.
It’s usually not a good idea to attempt DIY drain cleaning service or you can damage your pipes and even make clogs worse. You should also avoid commercial drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes as well. Even though these products are widely sold, they’re not good for pipes with their caustic ingredients. It’s best to let a plumbing professional bring the ideal equipment to tackle the job.
If you need to clear a clog or address slow drains in your home, contact us for our drain cleaning service.
We can troubleshoot whether your problem is located in a drain pipe or in your sewer line. Then, we can provide the ideal solutions. Our plumbers at Tioga Plumbing & Electric are certified and experienced. You can rely on them for all your plumbing needs.
See our previous blog on this topic here.
Photo By Roman Tiraspolsky at istock
