Everything You Need to Know About Your Drains and More
BY MET Plumbing LLC | January 6, 2020
Our homes depend on drains to remove water from various activities such as taking showers, baths, brushing teeth, flushing toilets, doing laundry, and running dishwashers. Katy and Houston plumbers are frequently asked about drain-related issues, including these examples:
Q. How does the water drain away?
Gravity is responsible for moving water down into drain lines and out of homes via pipes, vents, and traps. To vent gases out of the home, air vents on the roof are used, while U-shaped pipes serve as traps to prevent water from returning up the drain.
Q. Where does the water go?
The outcome depends on whether your property is linked to a septic system or the city’s sewer system. In the case of a septic system, waste is usually directed to a septic tank, whereas grey water (from laundry, showers, etc.) is drained through pipes and reintroduced into the soil. City sewer systems, on the other hand, transport the water to a treatment plant where it is either repurposed or treated and discharged back into the environment.
Q. Why are there foul odors coming from my drains?
The accumulation of hair, grease, soap, shampoo, food, and other materials in drainpipes causes unpleasant odors. To eliminate the odor, you may pour boiling hot water down the drain. If this remedy fails, contact your local plumber and book a drain cleaning appointment.
Q. How often and when should my drains be cleaned?
Frequent drain cleaning can aid in avoiding clogged drains, unpleasant smells, and maintaining proper drain function. The necessary frequency of cleaning depends on the size of your household and the amount of material that enters the drains. It may be required annually, every 18 months, or every two years. Your plumber can determine the most suitable schedule for your household.
Q. Is it safe to use store-bought drain cleaners and clog removers?
Such products consist of aggressive chemicals and are incapable of clearing or eliminating clogs from various drainpipe types. In addition, several of these products may be hazardous to the extent that they can burn the skin, impair drainpipes, are inappropriate for use around children and pets, and pose an environmental risk. In the event of sluggish drains or blockages, it is recommended to use a plunger as the best option. If the plunger fails, it is advisable to seek the help of a plumber.
Q. Why are my drains gurgling?
When drains gurgle, it could indicate several issues, such as trapped air in the pipes, the onset of a clog, a broken sewer line, or a damaged backflow preventer. To determine the underlying cause of gurgling drains, a plumbing inspection is recommended.
Q. Is it safe to flush “flushable” wipes and cat litter?
“Flushable” wipes have a tendency to accumulate and block drainpipes because they do not disintegrate easily. Similarly, “flushable” cat litter can also result in blockages over time. It is advisable to use a diaper pail for “flushable” wipes and to gather cat litter in plastic grocery bags, which can be disposed of in regular trash bins.
Q. Is there any way to prevent clogs?
By using screens to prevent hair, food particles, and other debris from entering your drains, you can impede the development of clogs. Additionally, it is recommended to flush only toilet paper and waste down the toilet and dispose of foods specifically designed to break down in the garbage disposal.
If you require assistance with clogged drains or have any questions about drain cleaning, please contact MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning at 281-603-9949 today! Our services cover the Houston, Katy, Cypress, Sugar Land, Spring, and The Woodlands areas.