Chatsworth Plumbing involves the pipes, valves, and fixtures that convey potable water and remove sewage and waste in a house. It is a skilled trade that requires extensive training and knowledge of mathematics and problem-solving.
For a simple drain cleaner, mix equal parts baking soda and salt and pour down the drain. Please wait for it to work its magic, then rinse thoroughly with hot water.
No one likes the idea of their plumbing pipes being blocked. When wastewater or other liquids encounter a full or partial blockage, the reaction can be unpleasant at best and destructive at worst. It is important to know what clues can indicate a problem and how to clean drains when necessary.
Slow-draining sinks or bathtubs and gurgling toilets often point to a serious issue. If the clog is causing the water to back up into other fixtures, it may even affect the sewer system, creating a hazardous situation that requires immediate attention from a professional plumber.
Grease, oils and fats (FOG) are notorious for clogging kitchen and bathroom drains. While they may be liquid when dumped down the drain, these substances quickly harden in the pipe and restrict water flow. The good news is that a simple mixture of liquid dish soap and hot water can break up these tough deposits. Pour a few tablespoons of the soapy mix down the clogged drain and then follow it with several gallons of hot water.
Chemical drain cleaners, available at supermarkets and hardware stores in powder or liquid form, can also be effective. When used as directed, these chemicals can break down hair, oil and grease in pipes, restoring drain flow. However, their harsh ingredients can corrode older pipes and cause them to deteriorate over time.
Another long-term solution is to clean the pipes regularly with natural products. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be very effective at removing buildup. The acidic vinegar creates a fizzing, foaming action that can dislodge and dissolve stuck-on messes, while the alkaline baking soda acts as a scouring agent to remove the remaining debris in the pipe. Simply pour equal parts of the mixture down the clogged drain, wait 20-30 minutes and then flush with hot water.
When a plunger fails to clear the clog, it is time to turn to a larger tool — a wire drain snake. Pull out the P-trap beneath the sink, expose the pipe’s stubout and then thread the snake’s tip into it. Start feeding the snake into the clogged drain and crank the handle as you move it down the pipe. Once the clog is broken up or removed, remove the snake and clean the trap.
Sewage Smells
If you smell a sewer odor in your home, it’s important to act quickly. Sewage odors are not only unpleasant, but they can indicate that your plumbing system isn’t working properly and could be leaking hazardous hydrogen sulfide gas into your home. Sewer odors can also cause headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
If the sewage smell is coming from one particular drain, it’s likely that the P-trap has dried out and needs to be refilled. A P-trap is a U-shaped pipe that connects to the drain on one end and to a line connected to the sewer on the other. This trap effectively creates a barrier that prevents sewer odors from entering your home. If the sewage smell is coming from multiple drains, it’s likely that your sewer line has a problem.
A clogged drain or toilet is another common cause of sewer odors in your home. Many people flush items down the toilet that shouldn’t be, such as baby wipes, paper towels, and other disposables. These items can cause a septic blockage and the resulting sewage smell. If you’re experiencing a sewage smell in your bathroom, try running water for a few seconds to see if it resolves the issue.
Another reason for a sewage odor is that your septic tank is full. If you notice a strong sulfur smell, it’s time to have your septic tank pumped out.
Smells of feces in the yard are also caused by broken sewer pipes. These problems often need to be fixed by a plumber, as the feces will leak through the ground and into your house.
If you have a rotten egg smell in your home, it’s best to call a professional plumber as soon as possible. The odor can be a sign of serious issues with your plumbing system and can lead to dangerous health complications for your family members. A plumbing technician will use a smoke test and a sewer camera to check the condition of your drain lines and sewer pipes. This will allow them to determine what the source of the sewage odor is and how to fix it.
Unpleasant Smells
Unpleasant smells coming from your drains may not seem like a big deal, but they can indicate serious plumbing issues. They can also be a sign of mold, mildew and other health problems that affect your indoor air quality. You can try to mask these smells with air fresheners, but it’s best to eliminate them at their source. Here are some common causes of unpleasant smells from your drains:
Odor-Causing Bacteria
The bacteria that live inside of your drains can cause noxious gases and foul odors. They feed on the residue in your pipes and release a hydrogen sulfide gas that has a distinct rotten egg smell. This odor can permeate your home and make it unpleasant to be in the kitchen or bathroom.
If you notice a rotten egg odor coming from your drains, it is likely due to a clog or buildup of gunk. You can try to clean the drain by pouring boiling water down it, but if that doesn’t work you might need to hire a plumber for further troubleshooting.
Musty Sinks
If your drains emit a musty odor, you may have an issue with mold or mildew. Fungus thrives in warm, dark and damp areas, which is why your drains are a perfect spot for it to grow. When this happens, you must act fast to remove the fungus and prevent it from spreading throughout your home.
Dry P-Trap
Your drain pipe has a “P” shaped curve called a P-trap that is designed to hold water and trap sewer gases. If your drains are not regularly used, the water in the P-trap can evaporate, allowing sewage gases to enter your home through the sink.
You can prevent this problem by regularly cleaning your drains and checking for signs of a clog. You can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or specialized drain cleaner to clear the odor-causing gunk. If you suspect the problem is with your sewage line or that there is a break in it, you should call a plumber immediately. They will be able to perform a thorough inspection and fix the issue before it becomes worse.
Water Damage
Water damage is a common problem that can affect almost any home or business. It may be a gradual process like rotting of wood or mold growth, or it can be instantaneous, such as floods or burst pipes. No matter the source, it can cause extensive damage to property and serious health issues. It’s important to understand how it happens and what to do to prevent it from happening again in the future.
Leaking water pipes are a major cause of water damage. Even a small leak over time can damage floors, walls, and ceilings and cost thousands of dollars to repair. Other sources of water damage include storms and flooding, which can be caused by heavy rains or hurricanes.
If you notice any signs of water damage, such as a musty smell or water spots on the ceiling or walls, it’s important to call a professional right away. They will clean up the affected area and sanitize it to prevent mold and mildew. They will also check for any signs of underlying problems, such as clogged drains.
Another sign of water damage is puddles or pools that appear in different areas of the house. If you see a puddle that appears in the same spot again and again, it could be a sign of a plumbing leak. The water in these puddles contains bacteria, viruses, fungus, and other harmful materials, which can lead to many health problems, including skin irritation, headaches, nausea, fatigue, respiratory problems, and more.
Categories of water damage
Water damage can be divided into three categories: Category 1 is considered clean water, meaning it is toxin- and sewage-free and is not harmful to people. Category 2 is gray water, such as that from washing machines or sump pump backups. Category 3 is black water, which is highly contaminated and can be dangerous to people’s health.
Some ways to prevent water damage include upgrading your plumbing system, installing a pressure regulator, and checking appliances regularly for signs of wear and tear. You should also have proper insulation and ventilation to prevent moisture build-up in attics, crawl spaces, and walls.
