Protecting Outdoor Plumbing Against Blockages

Clogs are perhaps the most common plumbing problems. They are often easy to fix with a simple plunger. Unfortunately, underground plumbing can also have clogs and are much harder to eliminate. Outdoor plumbing blockages usually call for the help of a professional. Homeowners should know the signs of such clogs and how to prevent underground plumbing clogs.

Indicators that Point to Outdoor Plumbing Blockages

While it is easy to tell when a toilet or sink is clogged, the signs of a deeper clog are often more subtle. A slow-moving drain may be an indication of a deep clog. Sometimes the sound can be an indicator as well. Usually, this is a gurgling or glugging sound from the drain that will accompany the draining of water. The worst possible sign of an underground clog is a sewer backup. This can cause massive damage to the home and leads to a long cleanup process. It is best to detect the earlier warning signs so this plumbing emergency does not emerge.

The Causes Behind Underground Plumbing Clogs

They say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, which is certainly a true statement regarding plumbing blockages. Blockages are preventable through a few mindful techniques. Being mindful of what to flush and what not to flush is a major part. Deep outdoor plumbing clogs usually result from a buildup over time and not from a single incident of the wrong thing being put down the toilet or the drain. This can come from the overuse of toilet paper or from putting starchy food in the garbage disposal instead of in the compost heap or the trash can. Some of the other things that can lead to underground clogs include:

• Flushing cotton balls or pads
• Flushing feminine products
• Flushing paper towels
• Neglecting regular maintenance
• Pouring grease down the drain
• Putting microplastics in the sink like contacts lenses and glitter
• Roots invading the pipes

Most of these are just thoughtless or neglectful practices that can greatly impact the function of the entire home’s drainage.

Professional Methods For Clearing Out Underground Plumbing Blockages

Clearing tough clogs is not something a homeowner has to deal with alone. Plumbing professionals are there to help with tried and true methods for getting rid of stubborn outdoor plumbing clogs. The two primary professional drain cleaning methods are drain snaking and hydro jetting.

• Pipe Snake: A pipe snake or drain auger is a mechanical way of opening drains using a claw-like device on the end of a long flexible cable that either grabs onto the clog and brings it back up the pipe, or breaks up the clog and sends its contents on their way to the sewer or septic tank.
• Hydro Jet: This method is also mechanical to break up a clog, but it uses a high-pressure stream of water to attack the blockage. This method is the most gentle on pipes and works both to destroy clogs and clean the pipes thoroughly.

About Bedell Home Services

Bedell Home Services serves Carmel, IN and the Greater Indianapolis Area and offers reliable workmanship on all home services. This family-owned and operated company offers same-day service and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Call today for plumbing service.