4 Common Drain Pipe Symptoms & Solutions

Every day, thousands of New Yorkers are battling their drain pipe systems and dreading the plumbing issues they cause. These problems can be minor, like a slowly draining sink, or extensive like a sewage backup. Luckily, the most common drain pipe problems can be remedied if you act fast.

Our experts at Pride Plumbing Services have listed the issues for your convenience and what you can do to fix them.

1. Clogged Toilets

A clogged toilet is probably the most common drain pipe issue in New York, and many property owners have to deal with it almost every year. If you flush the toilet and the water continues to accumulate, the culprit is likely an obstruction somewhere in the pipework.

Using a trusty plunger and maybe some rubber gloves, here are the steps you can take to fix it:

1. Put the plunger with the bell shape covering the toilet’s trap and push it with minimal force. Try to be as gentle as possible to avoid blowing water everywhere.
2. After forcing out the air, you can start plunging more vigorously in and out while maintaining the seal. Repeat this process up to 20 times if necessary.
3. Keep enough water in the bowl to ensure the plunger stays covered. Otherwise, you won’t be able to generate enough pressure to remove the clog.

Most toilet clogs are simple to fix with the right tools, but the process understandably turns most people off, and they simply refuse to do it themselves. You can always call one of our professionals to fix the issue for you without any hassle.

2. Slow Drains

Another annoying problem that property owners have to face is a slow or completely blocked drain. If the water from your plumbing fixtures is draining much slower than usual or not at all, there might be a blockage in the pipe. Hair is a common culprit when it comes to showers and bathtubs, while kitchen sinks often get clogged with food debris, grease, and oil.

Here are some DIY fixes you can try:

• Use a plunger and following the process we’ve shared above
• Pour down hot water or baking soda and vinegar to soften up the blockage
• Use store-bought drain cleaner (don’t rely on this method too frequently as it can corrode the pipes)

If these methods don’t work out, investing in a drain pipe tool can help you get more challenging obstructions out. Of course, calling a professional plumber will save you the hassle and avoid the risk of accidentally damaging your plumbing.

3. Leaking Drain Pipes

Leaking drain pipes are one of the most dangerous plumbing problems because people often don’t notice them until the damage is already done. What you can do is keep a vigilant watch of these warning signs and call a plumber immediately the moment you spot them:

• Warped and stained surfaces
• An unexplained rise in your utility bills
• Poor drainage
• Mold growth
• Strange odors

If you want to fix a leaking drain pipe on your own, you can shut off your main water supply and try to apply a pipe sealant. Make sure the damaged area is completely clean and dry to ensure the sealant properly cures. Keep in mind that most drain pipe leaks should eventually be handled by professionals, as DIY treatments serve only as a temporary fix.

4. Drain Pipe Backups

While not as common as the first three plumbing problems we’ve mentioned, drain pipe or sewage backups are definitely among the most troublesome issues you can face. Unfortunately, there’s no easy fix for backups since most of them stem from a problem deep within your system. The only solution is to call a professional.

If you want to avoid a similar plumbing issue in the future, here are some preventative measures you can take:

• Don’t abuse your kitchen drains: Never put oil, grease, or large pieces of food down your kitchen drains because they might accumulate in the main sewer and cause a clog.
• Dispose of bathroom products properly: Throw your paper towels, cloth diapers, and feminine products in the trash, not your toilet.
• Invest in plastic piping: Plastic pipes are more resistant to tree root damage, a common problem for drain pipes.
• Consider a backwater prevention valve: A backwater valve keeps sewage from going back into your property. When installed and maintained correctly, it can serve as the last line of defense in sewage backup prevention.

The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning

Think about what goes down your drain pipes daily: food particles, grease, soap, hair, and dirt. If you don’t get your drains cleaned regularly, all this buildup will eventually wreak havoc on your plumbing. Scheduled professional cleaning can:

• Keep your pipes healthy
• Get rid of foul odors
• Keep expensive repairs at bay
• Protect your floors and walls from water damage
• Provide faster drainage
• Reduce clogging problems

Consider reading our page if you want to know more about the importance of drain cleaning! 

How Often Should You Get Your Drains Cleaned?

Many factors can determine your drain cleaning schedule. The amount of wastewater that goes down your pipework can vary if four people are on your property instead of one. The age and condition of your drainage lines are other significant factors.

If you don’t know when your drain pipes were last cleaned, then now is the best time to have it done before an issue occurs. For most properties, annual professional cleaning is enough. If you have a higher volume of usage, your drains might need more frequent servicing.

Get Premier Drain Cleaning Solutions Today

We at Pride Plumbing Services believe that prevention is always better than the cure. If you want to avoid these common drain pipe problems, we recommend investing in Pride Services’ drain cleaning services. Call us at 516-744-5230 to reach out to our experts today!

Published: Oct 09, 2021