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Clogged drains are the most common type of plumbing issue we assist our customers with. It’s bound to happen over time even with perfect habits. It can be a real headache! What can be even more frustrating is when your drains are slow. It can be tough when you’re not quite sure how extensive the problem is. We want to give you some clarity, so you have a better idea of what may be wrong with your plumbing! Here are four common causes for slow drains and how you can solve them.
A Standard Clog
Your drain doesn’t have to completely stop to signal that you have a clog. Remember that there are so many types of clogs and often there is only a partial blockage. It will only get worse over time, so it’s important to deal with it right away.
We can clear the blockage for you, but afterward, it’s important to change the habits that may have contributed to the clog in the first place. Make sure you are properly utilizing your garbage disposal for example. Coffee grounds, vegetable peels, and grease all commonly cause clogs. We recommend disposing of these in the trash.
Hard Water Buildup
One plumbing issue that tends to crop up in our area is mineral buildup. Unless you have a water softener system there isn’t much you can do to prevent this. Most water sources throughout the country are impacted by what is called “hard water”. This is water with high mineral content. These minerals aren’t dangerous. In fact, magnesium and calcium are essential for a healthy body. However, they can narrow the usable portion of your pipes and dry out your skin and clothes.
Installing a water softener is a great choice, but if you want a smaller investment, a drain cleaning is the way to go. Our drain cleaning tools can clear away years of mineral buildup, so you won’t have to worry about this issue for a long while.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can create major problems in your sewer lines. Trees are extremely determined in their search for water and nutrients and it’s not uncommon for their roots to squeeze into tiny gaps in your pipes to siphon water away.
If this is your problem, it can be quite tough to solve. You’ll need specialized equipment and the know-how of your local plumbing professional to clear the drain lines from a tree root invasion. Luckily, Benicia Plumbing is more than happy to help!
Ventilation Pipe Problems
Ventilation has a vital role to play in the health of your plumbing. Your pipes are designed to use air in specific ways to help the system function. Air pressure can be used to create seals and contain smells.
You may notice an issue with your vent pipes if you notice strange smells, or a gurgling sound when water drains down your pipes. Slow drainage can also be a sign if the vent pipe is not able to create the necessary equilibrium to allow things to flow as designed.
In some ways, a slow drain is better than an outright clog. If you notice a slow drain, there’s likely still time to fix the problem before it escalates. You never know if it’s a simple blockage or a tree root infestation, until you have your local plumbing pros come to take a look at it.
If you’re having trouble with slow or clogged drains, we’d love to help! Just give us a call at (707) 745-2930 or fill out an online contact form to schedule service!