Whether you are a homeowner or housesitter responsible for a property, learn about these most common home drainage issues and what to do to prevent damage. Read on to learn our four top tips to help you manage these most commonly occurring drainage issues.

Common Home Drainage Issues – How to Solve Them

Drains provide an issue due to their invisibility. When they’re buried deep below, you can only hope that everything is alright. However, the first indicator of a drainage issue is usually a foul odor or water that won’t drain. Or both. Many issues arise when it comes to water draining properly.

Most common home drainage issues to look out for

So, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top drainage problems homeowners experience, along with potential solutions to those problems.

1. Home drainage issues – Clogged and Blocked Drains

This is the most common drainage issue. When a drain is clogged, water can’t make its way through pipes unimpeded. Because of this, water cannot be effectively drained from the upper basin, and problems such as water in window wells or flooded basements occur.

This may happen for a number of reasons, including the gradual buildup of garbage over time or the repeated introduction of harmful substances into a drain.

Clogs may be caused by food, hair, soap and shampoo, fat and grease, or any other solid item.

Preventing blocked drains

The most effective measure of prevention would be to reduce the amount of these compounds washed down the drain. Exterior drain clogs are often caused by leaves and dirt that have accumulated and blocked the drains. A clogged outdoor drain is equally serious as a clogged inside drain.

What should you do?

If you have a clogged drain, calling a blocked drain business is your best bet. While some clogs may be fixed using do-it-yourself techniques, such as cleaning the p-trap, it is best to have a professional assess the situation and determine the best course of action, particularly if the clog returns regularly.

2. Home drainage issues – Broken Drain Pipes

The ‘wear and tear’ that drain pipes endure causes them to crack. They congregate most often along pipe connections, although you could also find them farther on. The ground might become unstable if wastewater leaks out of the pipes due to fractures and breaks.

What should you do?

If you think there may be a problem with your drain, a professional drainage expert may do a CCTV drain survey for you. A tiny camera will be sent into the pipes to find the source of the issue. A patch lining may then be used to fix the broken region.

3. Home drainage issues –

Root Intrusions

Sometimes plant and tree roots may tunnel all the way down to the drainage pipes. Water, oxygen, and nutrients are constantly sought by roots. Sewer lines and other piping systems include several of these, so tree roots will try to enter them via any available gap. They often enter the pipe at the joints, but they may “punch” through the pipe material and make a hole in the pipe itself.

Because of this, unpleasant odors and wastewater may leak out. If a root system has already begun to form within a pipe, there is a greater likelihood that paper towels and other debris may become lodged there and slow down the water flow.

What should you do?

Getting a professional to remove the roots is the most effective approach, while there are several do-it-yourself options, such as pouring copper sulfate down the lines.

4. Home drainage issues – Collapsed or Broken Section of Pipe

A collapsed pipe prevents wastewater from exiting the property, which is an emergency situation. Instead, it’s spreading to the neighborhoods around it. As a result, this is a serious issue that raises a number of additional concerns. If the pipe begins to leak, water may seep into the soil or grass nearby, perhaps causing mold to grow on your floors or walls.

Subsidence or the formation of a sinkhole may result from water seeping into the earth surrounding the property. Insects and rodents like flies and rats may be drawn to the standing water.

What should you do?

Get in touch with a drainage expert right away if you see any signs of a collapsed pipe. A survey may be required, and if so, you may be told to hire a professional CCTV drain survey firm to do the job. Should repair be necessary, drain excavation and drain relining are the two most common techniques used.

Due to the urgency of the situation, several firms provide round-the-clock emergency services and may often arrive at your location within an hour of receiving your call.

Final thoughts on common home drainage issues

These issues highlight the need for routine drainage system repair to forestall the escalation of costs. The aforementioned causes of poor drainage may not be immediately apparent, but they will help you diagnose the problem and find a solution.

Call the experts if needed, and remember the most common drainage problems. A properly working drainage system is essential to the plumbing anatomy of your house and your own financial satisfaction. 

FURTHER READING ON PROPERTY AND HOME MAINTENANCE

Common urban drainage issues

Outdoor drainage systems to improve 

Plumbing maintenance – What not to flush down the drains

Home construction – Guide to the right commode

Home maintenance – Signs of water damage to watch out for

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