Category Archives: drain maintenance

If You’ve Got Drain Problems, Chicago Plumbing Experts Will Solve It!

drain problems for one of our customers in chicago.

Having drain problems in your home can be a real headache. Whether it’s a clogged sink, a backed-up toilet, or a slow draining bathtub, these issues can disrupt your daily routine and make your living space uncomfortable. Luckily, if you’re in Chicago, there’s no need to worry. The city is home to a team of plumbing experts who are well-equipped and experienced in solving drain problems efficiently and effectively.

Understanding Drain Problems

Before we delve into the ways Chicago Plumbing Experts can help, it’s essential to understand the common drain problems that homeowners face. Drain issues can occur in various areas of the house, including the kitchen, bathroom, basement, or utility room. Some of the most common drainage issues include:

  • Clogged drains
  • Slow draining sinks or tubs
  • Blocked toilets
  • Backed-up sewer lines
  • Foul odor from drains
  • Water pooling in sinks or showers
a professional plumber repairing plumbing.

Our expertise ensures that the problem is resolved correctly, without causing further damage to the plumbing system.

The Importance of Professional Plumbing Services

While some homeowners may attempt to solve drain problems themselves using store-bought drain cleaners or DIY methods, it is often best to seek assistance from professional plumbing experts. Here’s why:

1. Expertise and Knowledge:

Chicago Plumbing Experts have extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with drain problems. We can quickly identify the root cause of the issue and provide the most appropriate solution. Our expertise ensures that the problem is resolved correctly, without causing further damage to the plumbing system.

2. Specialized Equipment:

Our professional plumbers have access to specialized tools and equipment that are specifically designed for drain cleaning and repair. These tools enable them to tackle even the most stubborn clogs or blockages efficiently and safely.

3. Time and Cost Efficiency:

Attempting to solve drain problems on your own can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t have the necessary expertise or equipment. Hiring a professional plumber from Chicago Plumbing Experts saves you valuable time and reduces the risk of causing further damage to your plumbing system. Additionally, our services typically come at a reasonable cost when compared to the potential expenses of DIY attempts gone wrong.

the science behind hydro jetting.

Our professional plumbers use advanced techniques, such as hydro-jetting, to thoroughly clean drains and remove any build-up of debris, grease, or other materials.

How Chicago Plumbing Experts Can Help

Chicago Plumbing Experts offer a wide range of services to address drain problems effectively. Here are some of the ways they can assist you:

1. Drain Cleaning:

Our professional plumbers use advanced techniques, such as hydro-jetting, to thoroughly clean drains and remove any build-up of debris, grease, or other materials. Hydro-jetting involves using high-pressure water to clear out clogs and restore proper drainage. This method is highly effective and ensures a long-lasting solution.

2. Drain Repair and Replacement:

If your drain pipes are damaged or severely clogged, Chicago Plumbing Experts can provide repair or replacement services. We will assess the condition of your drains and recommend the most appropriate solution to restore optimal function. With our expertise, you can trust that the repair or replacement will be done diligently and to a high standard.

3. Sewer Line Inspection and Repair:

In cases where the main sewer line is causing drain problems, our professional plumbers can conduct thorough inspections using specialized cameras. This allows them to identify any cracks, blockages, or other issues within the sewer line. Once the problem is detected, our plumbers can proceed with the necessary repairs, ensuring that your drainage system is back in working order.

running water through a drain helps sewer odors.

Proper waste disposal plays a significant role in preventing clogs and blockages.

Tips for Preventing Future Drain Problems

While it’s comforting to know that Chicago Plumbing Experts are just a call away, it’s always better to prevent drain problems from occurring in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you maintain a healthy drainage system:

1. Dispose of Waste Properly:

Avoid flushing or rinsing down items that can clog drains, such as grease, coffee grounds, food scraps, and non-flushable materials. Proper waste disposal plays a significant role in preventing clogs and blockages.

2. Regular Maintenance:

Schedule regular maintenance with professional plumbers to inspect and clean your drains. Routine maintenance can help detect any potential issues early on and ensure that your drainage system remains in optimal condition.

3. Use Drain Screens:

Install drain screens or stoppers in sinks, tubs, and showers to catch debris and prevent it from entering your drains. Regularly remove and clean the screens to avoid build-up.

4. Be Mindful of Tree Roots:

Tree roots can infiltrate underground pipes and cause significant damage. Be mindful of where trees are planted, especially in close proximity to sewer lines, and ensure they are regularly trimmed.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing drain problems in your Chicago home, don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of our plumbing experts. Their extensive knowledge, specialized equipment, and range of services make them well-equipped to solve any drain issue efficiently and effectively. Remember to also take preventive measures to maintain a healthy drainage system and reduce the likelihood of future problems. By entrusting your drain problems to Chicago Plumbing Experts, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a properly functioning plumbing system.

Behind the Scenes with Chicago Plumbing Experts: An Inside Look at Daily Operations

a chicago plumbing expert technician performing a drain cleaning service.

As a homeowner, it is essential to have a reliable drain cleaning company on speed dial. Keeping your drains clean and functional is crucial to avoid clogs and potentially expensive repairs down the road. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a drain cleaning company? We spoke with the team at Chicago Plumbing Experts to get an inside look at their daily operations.

24/7 Availability for Emergencies

One of the critical aspects of drain cleaning is the ability to respond to emergencies quickly. Drain clogs and backups can happen at any time, and the longer they go untreated, the more damage they can cause. Therefore, Chicago Plumbing Experts offers round-the-clock availability for emergency services.

The team has a dispatcher on duty at all times, ready to take calls and dispatch technicians to handle urgent cases. The company prides itself on prompt response times, with most emergency plumbing services being carried out within an hour of the initial call.

sewer camera equipment in chicago.

Latest Technology and Equipment

Drain cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all operation. Different types of drains and clogs require specific tools and methods to address them effectively. Chicago Plumbing Experts stays on top of the latest technology and equipment to ensure that they can tackle any type of drain cleaning job.

The company utilizes high-pressure water jetting technology to blast away clogs and clean drains thoroughly. This equipment is powerful enough to remove tree roots and other stubborn blockages that traditional methods cannot handle. They also have specialized cameras that allow them to inspect drain pipes and identify the exact location of clogs or damage.

Professional and Knowledgeable Technicians

The success of a drain cleaning company hinges on the expertise and professionalism of its technicians. Chicago Plumbing Experts employs a team of highly trained professionals with extensive experience in the drain cleaning industry. The technicians undergo regular training to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in drain cleaning.

The company places a strong emphasis on customer service, ensuring that their technicians are courteous and respectful. They take the time to explain the work that needs to be done and answer any questions that customers may have. The team is also trained to work quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruptions to the customer’s daily routine.

commercial drain cleaning services in chicago.

Focus on Preventative Maintenance

While Chicago Plumbing Experts excels at emergency services, they also have a focus on preventative maintenance. Regular drain cleaning is essential to prevent clogs and backups from occurring in the first place. The company offers a range of maintenance packages that can be customized to fit the customer’s needs and budget.

Regular maintenance helps to extend the life of drain pipes and prevent costly repairs. It can also help to improve the overall health of the plumbing system, reducing the likelihood of issues down the road. The team at Chicago Plumbing Experts works with customers to develop a maintenance plan that fits their unique situation.

Conclusion

At Chicago Plumbing Experts, drain cleaning is more than just a job. It is a commitment to providing top-quality services and ensuring the satisfaction of their customers. With their 24/7 plumbing service availability, state-of-the-art equipment, professional technicians, and focus on preventative maintenance, the company has earned a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable drain cleaning partner for homeowners throughout the Chicagoland area.

Be Wary of Summer Sewer Line Backups

a summer sewer line cleaning in chicago.

Summer Plumbing Issues

The arrival of summer brings with it the promise of outdoor fun and relaxation. But the sun, warmth and humidity that come along with the season can have an unpleasant consequence on plumbing systems across the country. Homeowners must be aware of the potential summer sewer line backups that come as a result of extreme weather and lack of preventive maintenance.

Sewer line backups are a serious plumbing concern that can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Any damage to the sewer line will affect the entire plumbing system of a home, leading to costly replacements and repairs. During the summer months, hot weather contributes to the expansion of air pockets and pockets of moisture in the sewer line, creating a thick layer of slime that can damage pipes and block them completely.

The best way to prevent summer plumbing disasters is to stay vigilant and be aware of the signs of problems. Homeowners should inspect their plumbing regularly to identify any leaks or blockages in the system. Common signs of sewer line backups include a foul smell coming from the sink or toilet, slow draining pipes, and gurgling coming from the drains. If these signs are present, it is important to contact a plumber in your area right away to assess the issue and address it before the problem worsens.

Sewer Line Maintenance

To reduce the chances of experiencing a summer sewer line backup, there are preventive steps that homeowners can take. Regular sewer line maintenance is key to avoiding major plumbing issues. This includes using a sewer auger or drain snake to clear away any buildup in the line, as well as removing any debris or microorganisms present. Homeowners should also watch for tree roots infiltrating the sewer line, as these can back up the entire plumbing system.

If there is an existing blockage in the line, it is important to not use any chemical treatments to attempt to clear it. These treatments can cause further damage to the pipes. In the event of a major blockage, contact a professional plumber to assess the issue. Professional plumbers have the tools and experience necessary to effectively clean out the sewer line and reduce the chances of future issues.

a sewer line repair service in chicago.

Keeping Up with Sewer Line Maintenance Will Help You Avoid Sewer Line Repairs as Shown.

Sewer Line Repairs

For homeowners who experience regular sewer line backups, the issue may be more serious than a simple blockage. Sewer line repair is a large task that can cost thousands of dollars, so it is important to take preventive measures before the problem escalates. Professional plumbing companies can conduct a sewer line camera inspection to identify any further issues in the line, such as breaks or cracks. If a major repair is necessary, the plumbers can recommend the best course of action to take.

In some cases, the homeowner may opt to have the sewer line replaced completely. This is a lengthy and expensive process that often requires excavation of the landscaping, but it can be necessary in order to protect the integrity of the entire plumbing system. Professional plumbers can assess the situation and provide advice on whether a replacement or repair should be performed.

Summer is a time for fun and relaxation, but it is important for homeowners to be proactive in preventing plumbing problems during this season. Through regular maintenance and aware of potential warning signs, homeowners can reduce their chances of experiencing a summer sewer line backup. Taking these steps now can save thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements down the road.

Drain Unclogging Service in Chicago

drain snaking service in chicago.

Drain Cleaning Chicago

Drain cleaning in Chicago is an important part of keeping your home or business’s plumbing system running smoothly. When drains become clogged, it can lead to a myriad of problems that can be difficult to resolve. From slow draining sinks to backed up toilets, clogged drains can cause inconvenience and, in some cases, health risks. When it comes to drain cleaning services in Chicago, hiring a local plumber can help ensure the job is done right and the problem is resolved quickly and efficiently.

Professional drain cleaning services in Chicago offer a variety of services that can help keep your drainage system functioning properly. From clearing out clogs to installing new fixtures and cleaning out pipes, drain cleaning companies have the experience and tools to get the job done right. A professional drain cleaning service in Chicago can also provide maintenance services such as sewer line rodding, hydro jet drain cleaning, and sewer video camera inspections to ensure your drains remain clear and in good condition.

When it comes to drain cleaning plumbers in Chicago, it’s important to choose a company that is experienced and knowledgeable about the specific needs of the area. A company that is familiar with the local plumbing codes, ordinances, and conditions can ensure the job is done correctly and safely. In addition, they should have the necessary tools and equipment to handle any job, no matter how big or small.

unclog drains in chicago.

Unclog Drain Chicago

If your pipes are blocked, unclogging the drain is essential. Professional drain cleaning services in Chicago can provide a variety of methods to unclog your drains. From using chemical cleaners to using a snake and auger, a professional can get the job done quickly and effectively.

Chemical cleaners are often the first line of defense when it comes to unclogging drains. These cleaners are specifically designed to break down and dissolve tough clogs. For tougher clogs, a drain snake or auger may be necessary. This tool is inserted into the pipe and then used to physically break up the clog. Pressure washers and hydro-jetting are also effective methods for unclogging drains.

When it comes to unclogging drains, it is important to exercise caution. Improper use of tools and chemicals can cause further damage to your pipes and plumbing system. It is best to leave the job to a professional who can ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

drain rodding service in chicago.

Drain Maintenance in Chicago

Regular drain maintenance is essential to keeping your plumbing system running properly. Professional drain cleaning services in Chicago can provide regular maintenance services to ensure your drains remain clear and in good condition. Maintenance services such as sewer rodding, hydro-jetting, and drain camera inspections can help prevent clogs and other problems from occurring.

Rodding is a common maintenance method used to clean out small debris and buildup that can cause clogs. Hydro-jet cleaning is a more powerful method of cleaning and can be used to clear out larger buildups and debris. Sewer scoping inspection is a great way to inspect your pipes for any problems and can be used to detect clogs and other issues that may be difficult to see.

Regular maintenance of your drains can help prevent clogs and other plumbing problems from occurring. Drain cleaning services in Chicago can help ensure your system is functioning properly and can help you save money in the long run.

When it comes to drain cleaning and maintenance in Chicago, it’s important to choose a reliable and experienced company. Professional drain cleaning companies have the experience and tools to get the job done right and can help keep your plumbing system running smoothly. From unclogging drains to providing regular maintenance services, a drain cleaning company in Chicago can help ensure your drains remain clear and in good condition.

Looking for help unclogging a drain or sewer line? Call us at 773-599-9181 or contact us below!

Can you Prevent Clogging of a Drain?

a free flowing drain.

Can you prevent clogging of a drain? 

Clogged drains are a common problem in modern plumbing systems. Mostly due to aging pipes or a general lack of plumbing maintenance, every year, thousands of American households find themselves dealing with plumbing issues caused by obstructions inside their drain lines. Clogged drains make up a significant part of all insurance claims related to water damage.

What causes a home’s drains to become clogged?

Keyrenter Broward explains there are two significant reasons; natural causes beyond the homeowner’s control and artificial causes from how you use the home’s drains.

The natural causes of clogged drains are less crucial because they account for a considerably small portion of drain issues in the house. These natural causes include:

  • Normal wear and tear on aging pipes: This is a common cause of clogs in old metal or clay drain pipes. The internal diameter of the pipes often becomes narrow as a result of rust or decay. When this happens, water finds it difficult to pass through the drains, increasing the rate of buildup inside the pipes.
  • Tree roots intrusion into drain lines: Tree roots may find their way into drainpipes via fractures in the piping or through weakened connections. Once inside the pipes, the roots can grow until they form a ball that partially or completely blocks the drain.
  • Earth movements: These are small shifts in the soil beneath a home. These slight movements can dislodge or damage a pipe because the proper slope of the drain is altered, making it more predisposed to build up.

But as already stated, natural causes of drain clogs are less critical than artificial ones because they are less frequent. The majority of drain clogs result from poor maintenance and improper use of the drains. Drain systems are designed to carry very specific types of waste. If the wrong items or materials are flushed into drains, they will clog.

a woman washing her hands in a sink.

Can you prevent drain clogs?

You can prevent the majority of drain clogs since most drain clogs are artificial. The key to keeping a home’s drain free of obstructions is to understand the everyday mistakes that cause this problem and avoid them. Below is a list of things that predispose the drains to clogs and how to avoid them.

Keep FOGS out of the drain

Fats, oils and grease (FOGs) are the number one enemy of drain pipes. Once inside the drain, these materials become congeal, sticking to the sides of pipes and trapping the debris inside wastewater until the pipes are clogged or blocked completely. Pour FOGs into a sealable container and dispose of them in the trash.

Avoid forbidden items

In addition to FOGs, food waste like starchy foods (rice or mashed potatoes), eggshells and coffee grinds should never be flushed into the drain. Starchy foods, for instance, will absorb water and swell to many times their normal size inside the drains. Eggshells and coffee grinds slow the water movement by settling at the bottom of the drainpipes.

Watch what you flush

A few items people dump into their toilets include wipes, paper towels, diapers, female hygiene products, dental floss, paint, or paint thinner. All these items increase the risk of clogs inside a drain system. It has no business inside the toilet if it is not human waste or toilet paper.

Install strainers over drain openings

As unlikely as it sounds, hair and soap scum will block the shower drain. It is not possible to keep your body from shedding hair inside the shower. Soap scum is also an unavoidable product of using soap. To keep soap scum and hair out of bathroom drains, install a mesh screen or a shower drain hair catcher over the drain opening.

Avoid chemical drain cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are quick fixes that can result in bigger issues. Chemical drain cleaners can clear your drains because they contain strong corrosives. But these corrosives can weaken the drainpipes and make them more liable to leak. To prevent drain clogs, avoid chemical drain cleaners.

a man repairing a faucet

Tackle problems early

As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This adage is completely true when dealing with drain systems. Most drain issues start as minor problems that produce telltale signs. These small issues become major problems when those signs are ignored. Prompt action to solve problems will prevent most drain clogs.

Finally, even after doing all of the above, it is still possible to have clogs inside the home’s drain system. That is because modern plumbing systems are extensive and complicated. Homeowners can’t keep an eye on everything going on with their home’s drain lines. But there is a simple way to get around this problem.

Annual drain camera inspections should be a central part of the plumbing maintenance program for you to prevent clogs in the system. These inspections are vital for picking up problems at the early stages and solving them quickly and cheaply instead of waiting until they escalate into considerable costs. A local plumber should perform these inspections.

5 Reasons to Call a Professional Plumber for Drain Cleaning

a drain cleaning plumber in chicago

So, you think something inside your drain obstructs the channel and would like to clear it out. But how are you going to do that? What is the best way to clean your drains? Should you do it yourself or hire a professional plumber?

Doing it yourself typically means using a chemical drain cleaner. But while this is a quick method to get water flowing through the drains again, there are good reasons why it is not a good option, warns Rent Appeal, especially if you consider the long-term impact of this solution.

Most homeowners use chemical drain cleaners because they think they save time and money. But the sad truth is that chemical drain cleaners do not save you money. Using them in your drains will cost you more money in the future.

How is that?

Why you should never use chemical drain cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners contain corrosives, principally sulfuric acid and caustic soda.  These chemicals are so corrosive that after about five seconds of being inside your drains, they will not only start to eat away at the debris inside the pipes but also corrode them.

But the damage to your plumbing is not immediately evident when you use a chemical drain cleaner. That’s because drain cleaners thin out the pipes, making your plumbing fragile, more susceptible to leaks, and exposing your home to a greater risk of water damage.

The other reason not to use chemical drain cleaners is for personal safety. When using drain cleaners, you must wear rubber gloves and protective goggles. Additionally, you must pour the chemical very slowly because if it splashes on your skin, it will cause burns.

However, even if you succeed in pouring a drain cleaner into your drain without getting it on your skin or your eyes, drain cleaners sit inside your drain pipes for a long time. If the drain cleaner inside the pipe mixes with other cleaners, it can release deadly gases into your home.

So, if drain cleaners are harmful, what is the alternative?

You can buy a hand auger or plunger for nearly the same amount you pay for a chemical drain cleaner. These effectively remove clogs near the drain opening and can be used repeatedly. There are also lots of natural drain cleaning methods you can use.

But these methods do not address the root cause of the clogs in your drains. They only work as short-term fixes. The best long-term solution for keeping your drains in good condition is to hire a professional plumber. Why should you take this option?

Benefits of hiring a professional plumber

Solve problems effectively

Unlike when homeowners try to solve issues in their plumbing, a professional plumber does not just focus on the symptoms of the problem. A professional plumber will find the root cause of the problem. 

Also, unlike chemical drain cleaners, which do not distinguish between the debris inside the pipes and the PVC, metal, or enamel of your plumbing, the professional plumber can pinpoint the cause of the problem and solve it effectively.

They can educate you

Most blockages inside your drains are caused by the improper use of the drains, such as when you flush fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) into the drain or misuse of the garbage disposal. 

A professional plumber can prevent future problems by identifying behaviors contributing to your plumbing issues. They can give you advice that will help you avoid future problems and save costs.

Detect problems early

Most plumbing problems start as minor issues with early warning signs of the impending catastrophe. Blockages happen when those initial signs are overlooked. A professional plumber can save you money by catching problems at the beginning stages and solving them before they become significant costs; instead of compounding your plumbing issues, as chemical drain cleaners would, professional plumbers help you avoid problems.

Routine maintenance

A local plumber can help you do routine maintenance of your plumbing. Rather than wait for problems to happen before you pay attention to your drains, regular maintenance of the system will prevent issues. 

For instance, a camera inspection of your drains does not cost much, but this simple step will save you the thousands of dollars you would have spent to fix damage caused by a sewer backup.

Professional advice

A professional plumber will help you keep your plumbing up to date. From information about new regulations to innovative plumbing products that have just entered the market, your plumber is more in touch with the industry. 

They can ensure that instead of merely spending money to keep the system running, you can invest your money to improve your plumbing system. A professional plumber can help you build a resilient system with fewer problems and lower costs.

To sum up, why should you call a professional plumber for drain cleaning services? The straightforward answer is that only a professional plumber can clear the debris inside your drains. Chemical drain cleaners and other methods will not do it.

What Happens When Your Sewer Backs Up?

a plumber cleaning a back up sewer line

What Happens When Your Sewer Backs Up? – Sewer backups are the worst kind of plumbing emergency to have in your home. When the contents of your sewer line flow back into your home instead of emptying into the city sewer lines or your septic tank system, you are often looking at several thousand dollars in repair costs.

In addition to the cost of fixing the damage to the sewer line and your home, you also have to deal with the gross nature of this backup. A sewer backup may deposit raw sewage inside your home, exposing you and your family to unpleasant odors and the risk of illness, warns LevelPMG.com.

Why do sewer lines back up into the home?

Blockages inside the sewer lines cause all sewer line backups. These blockages happen for several reasons:

  • They may be an outcome of how the home’s drains are used.
  • Sewer backups can also be the result of natural events.
  • Sewers sometimes back up because of poorly maintained or aged sewer pipes.

When the backup is localized to one drain inside the home

If the backup is only happening in one of the drains in your house, it means there is a clog or blockage in the drain related to that fixture. For instance, if all other drains in the home are working perfectly but a single drain – sink, shower, or toilet – is slow, the problem is not in your home’s main sewer line.

You should look for the cause of the problem in the drain for that specific fixture. If this is a toilet drain, it could be that a non-flushable object is lodged in the drain. The drain could be blocked by hair or soap scum if it is a bathroom. You may have food waste inside the P-Trap if it is a kitchen drain.

Sewer backups affect every drain inside your home

If all the drains in your home are backing up at the same time or the sewer is backing up into the basement, the problem isn’t with the individual drains for your home’s plumbing fixtures but with your main sewer line. What is the reason for this kind of back up?

There are many reasons your home’s main sewer line may become clogged; they are explained below. Note that some listed reasons may apply to blockages within the individual drains for specific plumbing fixtures and not just your home’s main sewer line.

Blockages caused by FOGs

You should never flush fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) into your drains. These tend to congeal once they get inside the sewer lines. Instead of flowing through the pipes, FOGs clump together or form a sticky lining on pipe surfaces. These act as a trap for debris passing through the pipes until they accumulate enough material to block the lines.

Blockages by food waste

Food items that should never go into your drains include coffee grounds, eggshells, starchy foods like rice or potatoes, and hard objects like bones. Starchy foods swell inside the drain, and coffee grounds build up inside the pipes. Dispose of these items in the trash.

Blockages by non-flushable items

Hair, female sanitary products, wipes, and disposable diapers are a few of the items that should not be allowed into the drains. If they find their way into the drain, they can cause serious problems by stopping or slowing the wastewater flow.

Blockages by tree roots

Tree roots within and outside your property can damage your main sewer line and prevent waste from passing through them. Tree roots don’t even have to puncture your sewer lines to cause sewer backups in your home. Tree roots may grow around the pipes and dislodge them from their position.

Blockages caused by earth movements

Sewer pipes can be moved from their original position as your home settles. Due to seismic activity, upward or downward movements of pipes will push sections of the sewer lines above or below their average level. These changes will force the water inside the pipes to slow down, leading debris to settle in the area and eventually block the pipe.

Blockages caused by aging pipes

Old and worn-out sewer lines are more likely to cause sewage to back up into your home. This is because their diameter may become narrowed due to the corrosion, rust, and sedimentation that have happened over the years. This problem is more common with sewer pipes that are made of metal.

Blockages caused by the city sewer systems

Although it is less common, blockages inside the city’s sewer lines may cause a sewer backup in your home. Typically, if the sewer backup is caused by a problem with the city’s sewer lines, the issue will not be limited to your home. If your neighbors are also facing the same problem, you may want to contact the city officials.

Common Commercial Drain Cleaning Services

Common Commercial Drain Cleaning Services

Common Commercial Drain Cleaning Services in Chicago – There are lots of things owners or managers of commercial properties give their attention to but drain cleaning is not one of them. For most owners and managers, says Gifford Properties & Management, drains only come into the picture when some emergency threatens to disrupt the everyday operation of the property. The drains on the property are mostly ignored the rest of the time if they are functioning properly.

But like most maintenance issues in a commercial property, the best way to handle commercial drains is to ensure they don’t have any problems. The only way to do this is by establishing and following a program of routine maintenance. Regular maintenance of the drains will help keep problems at bay and you will be able to detect issues before they become real problems.

What should be included in a commercial drains maintenance program?

The first and most important part is to educate your employees and visitors on the proper way to handle the drainage systems. This means explaining the kinds of objects or materials that should never be allowed to get into the drains. It also means posting signs in prominent areas to remind your staff and visitors of these guidelines.

The second part of the drain maintenance program is to have a scheduled inspection and cleaning of the drain system. This should be done at specific intervals, regardless of whether you have a problem or not. Regular drain inspection and cleaning keep problems at a minimum. They help you avoid bigger issues down the road.

The third is to incorporate daily drain cleaning habits that will protect your drains and save you money. One such practice involves pouring hot water into the drain every day to wash away fats, oils, or grease that has found its way into the pipes. Pouring a cup of vinegar into the drain once a week will also help prevent problems.

Types of commercial drain cleaning services

Drain cleaning can be done as a corrective or preventive measure. Corrective drain cleaning is, of course, the preferred option. The financial cost of solving problems before they happen is a lot lower than the cost of solving issues after they have been allowed to take root. There are three kinds of drain cleaning services you will need at your commercial property.

Commercial drain rodding

This is the most common type of drain cleaning service. It is an older method but still in use because of its simplicity and effectiveness. Drain rodding is usually the first method a local plumber will use if there is an obstruction in your drainpipes. A drain snake is just a length of spring cable with an auger head attached to one end and a motor at the other end.

The auger has one or more blades to help it snag objects obstructing the pipe and pull them out, or cut them into smaller bits that are easily washed into the main sewer system. The cable along with the auger head is inserted into the drain opening until it reaches the obstruction. The motor is then turned on to rotate the auger head and cut through the obstruction.

Auger heads come in various sizes. The right auger head for a clearing a pipe depends on the diameter of the pipe. Commercial drain snakes can reach deep into sewer pipes to find and remove clogs.

Sewer video camera inspections

This is a diagnostic tool rather than a drain cleaning method. Sewer video camera inspections are used by plumbers to locate the site of an obstruction, assess the extent of the problem, and its possible causes. The inspection gives the plumber the information they need to determine the best way to remove the clog. Video camera inspections are done before attempts at drain cleaning.

The video camera equipment consists of a waterproof camera attached to the end of a cable along with a flashlight. This cable is connected at its other end to a monitor where the live stream from the camera is monitored. The plumber inserts the video camera into the drain and works it through the pipes, while simultaneously monitoring the feed on the monitor.

Video camera inspections help plumbers pinpoint the exact location and the seriousness of a drain clog without the need for costly excavations.

Hydro-jetting

Hydro-jetting is very effective for cleaning drains and removing obstructions within drainpipes. It uses a powerful blast of pressurized water to dislodge buildup inside the pipes; it can even slice through tree roots. Hydro-jetting equipment consists of a hose connected to a water tank and a special pressurizing machine with a high-pressure nozzle at the other end.

This hose is inserted into the drain and the machine sends a jet of water of up to 5,000 psi into the pipes. The water pressure is strong enough to clear away grease, scum, tree roots, sludge, and other debris. Hydro-jetting is more effective than drain snaking since it doesn’t just poke a hole through the obstacle; it removes it completely.

However, this method is typically used if snaking the obstacle doesn’t work. This is because hydro-jetting is an aggressive method that can result in damage to old and weakened pipes.

Symptoms of a Sewer Drain Clog

Symptoms of a Sewer Drain Clog

Symptoms of a Sewer Drain Clog – A clogged sewer drain is one of the very worst plumbing problems to have in your home. Just imagine the spectacle of wastewater with human waste and all kinds of filth bubbling up from a drain and flooding your home. This problem is better imagined than experienced.

A clogged sewer drain will not only cause flooding in your home, but it will also expose everyone in the house to significant health risks, warns IPM Management. Preventing sewer drain clogs is the best way to deal with them. But to prevent a sewer drain clog, you must know the signs of problems with your sewer drains.

How sewer drains work

All homes that are connected to the city sewer service have a single underground sewer drainpipe that runs from the home to the city’s systems. This pipe collects wastewater from all the drainpipes inside the home and channels it to the city sewers.

This main pipe is usually 3 or 4”in diameter and hooked to the home’s main drain. Other drainpipes that run from the home’s main drain to its various plumbing fixtures (sinks, showers, or toilets) often have a smaller diameter of 1 ¼ to 2 ½”. 

If the main sewer drainpipe which connects the home to the city systems is blocked, wastewater from the home will not pass through. Instead of going to the underground city sewer lines in the street, it will build inside the pipes until it eventually backs up into your home.

Signs that your main sewer drain is clogged

Here are the signs you will see in your home when there is a clog in your main sewer line.

Plumbing fixtures are clogged at the same time

Depending on how you manage your home’s plumbing, you may experience clogged drains from time to time. But when this happens, it is either the toilet, sink, or shower drain is clogged.

You usually shouldn’t have multiple fixtures clogged at the same time. If you find that two or more of the drains in the main level of your home are clogged, you may want to inspect your main sewer lines.

Toilets that won’t flush

This is one of the clearest signals that your main sewer line is in trouble. Toilet drains can get clogged as a result of flushing non-flushable items down the toilet. If you hear a gurgling sound from a toilet whenever you use a sink, bathtub or washing machine, it’s a sign that your main drain may have problems.

Blocked tubs and showers

A clog in the main sewer drain will show up in the shower and tub before you see signs of it in the sinks. That’s because shower and tub drains sit at a lower level than sink drains. 

As a result, issues with the main drain will become evident in those lower drain openings first. If shower and tub drains are filling with wastewater or draining slowly, you could have a clog in your main drain.

Strange reactions when using a sink

Typically, you will not experience backflow of wastewater at the sink because sinks are at a higher level than toilets and showers. But you may have trapped air in the sink drain if your main sewer line is clogged. 

Another sign to look for is gurgling sounds from the toilet closest to the sink or a change in water level inside the toilet bowl whenever you run water in the sink.

Overflow/backup when using the washing machine

If your main sewer drain is clogged, one of the signs is when draining water out of your washing machine, the toilet to overflow or results in backflow inside a tub or shower drain. If this problem is also accompanied by toilets that do not flush properly, you can be sure that your main sewer line is blocked.

What to do if your main sewer drain is clogged

Follow these steps if you think the main sewer drain in your home is blocked:

  • This is not a problem you can solve by yourself. Get a drain specialist to inspect the main sewer lines; they have the tools to correctly diagnose and quickly solve the problem.
  • Do not run the water in your home or flush any toilet. As long as you do not send more wastewater into your sewer drains, the problem will not get worse. Wait for the specialist to arrive.
  • To make sure a faucet in the home is not accidentally opened, shut off the water supply to the entire home from the main shut-off valve (not the shut off valve for individual fixtures).

What if after the drain cleaning specialist has inspected your main sewer drain, they determine that the problem is from the city sewer lines? What can you do in this situation? For issues with the city sewers, talk to city officials. The city sewer line is outside your line of authority.

6 Ways to Prevent Drain Clogging

Ways to Prevent Drain Clogging

6 Ways to Prevent Drain Clogging – Keeping the drains in your home free of materials that block them is not the most carefree way to use your home’s plumbing but it is certainly the least expensive. We like to think of clogs and blockages as an inevitable consequence of having modern plumbing in the house, says Brentwood Square Management Inc. But most clogs happen as a result of the way we use the plumbing; they are completely avoidable.

When drains are kept free of grease, food waste, soap scum, and materials that can block them, the benefits are manifold. Not only are you relieved of the stress of having to deal with plumbing emergencies at the most inopportune times, but the plumbing is also kept in an overall better condition. The final outcome is that you will spend less money on plumbing issues.

If you are looking for ways to maximize the use of your plumbing by minimizing the incidence of blocked drains, this post will help you. Below are simple steps you can implement today to make your plumbing system healthier and more efficient. Some of the tips are preventive steps you can take to avoid clogs; others are simple solutions for dealing with minor clogs.

6 ways to prevent clogged drains

Watch what you pour down the kitchen drain

As a first step, be careful of what you allow into the drains. Most drain clogs are the results of letting seemingly harmless stuff get into the drain. Some of the items or materials that should never go into the drain include:

Coffee grounds and eggshells

If your kitchen has a waste disposal unit, eggshells can damage the blades and their membrane can impede grinding. Once inside the drains, powdered eggshells will settle at the bottom of pipes and compound existing clogs. Coffee grounds will mix with oil and grease to form sludge inside your pipes.

Cooking oils, grease, and margarine

All oily materials should never go into your drains. This includes butter, mayonnaise, margarine, leftover fats, oils, and grease. If these find their way into the drain, they will mix with debris inside the pipes, line the sides of the drain, and trap solid materials moving through the pipe.

Starchy foods

Rice, pasta, potato skins, and flour should not go into the drain. These materials will swell to many times their original size when they get into the water. Secondly, because they are starchy, they will stick to the surfaces of the pipes and prevent the free flow of water through the drainpipes.

Protect your bathroom drain

As with the kitchen drain, you must be careful with what you allow into your bathroom drains. Even things as ordinary as soap or so-called flushable items can clog your bathroom drain. Here are steps you can take to keep the bathroom drain from getting clogged.

Use drain stoppers

Make sure there are drain stoppers, grates, or screens over drain openings in the sink, shower, and bathtub. These will catch hair, soap scum, and other things that can cause problems inside the drain. To retain their effectiveness stoppers, grates and screens should be cleaned frequently.

Brush your hair before shower

To reduce the risk of hair getting into the drain, brush your hair before you get into the shower. Another step to minimize the risk of hair getting into the plumbing is to bathe pets outside instead of in the bathroom. But if you must use the bathroom, cover the drain with a towel first.

What to do when clogs happen

The following steps will help you get rid of minor clogs:

Flush with hot water

If possible, run hot water through your kitchen sink after every use. This simple step will keep the oils in food waste running, instead of congealing and building up on the inside of your pipes. For bathtubs, fill them with warm water and then remove the plug to the water drain out. Do this weekly.

Clean with baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda is a great cleaning agent and an amazing deodorizer. Throwing a handful of baking soda into the drain, followed by hot water will help to clear the drain pipes. You can also do this with vinegar. Pour a cup of vinegar into the drain and leave it for 30 minutes. Afterward, pour some hot water into the drain.

Use vinegar and salt

If after you use vinegar and baking soda, you still have problems with clogging; make a mixture of one part vinegar to one part salt. Pour the mixture into the drain and let it foam inside the pipes for 30 minutes before pouring very hot water into the drain.

Call a professional plumber

These remedies may not work if the clog is located deep inside your drain. If the issue persists after you have tried the above solutions, it is time to have a local plumber look at the problem. While the plumber is at your home, you can also have them do a general check of your plumbing system to prevent future problems.

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