Every home will have an interconnecting drainage and sewer system. Everything that goes down the drain and toilet will work its way through this piping system and eventually into the city’s sewage system. Often the care for the drain and sewer system is underrated and often major problems will develop. The better you understand how a drain and sewer system work, as well as knowing the signs of clogs, the better you can then properly care for your drain and sewer system. The Original $49.95 Plumber would like to cover how the drain and sewer system works inside a home, and signs of clogs.

How Does a Drainage System Work?

In a home, wastewater from sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures is carried away through an interconnected pipe known as the drain and sewer system. When water is used in a sink or shower, it flows down the drain and into a pipe that is connected to the home’s main drainage line. The main drain line is typically buried beneath the home and connects to either the sewer system or a septic tank. As the wastewater flows through the pipes, gravity helps to move the wastewater along. However, if the drain or sewer line develops clogs such as hair, grease, soap scum, or other debris, the water can back up and cause full on blockages. Worse, the wastewater can back up inside the home, causing waste damage and contamination. This is why it’s very important to avoid putting things like grease, coffee grounds, and other solids down the drain or toilets. In addition to clogs, in some cases a plumbing fixture may have a vent pipe that runs up through the roof. This vent pipe allows air to enter the system and helps to prevent negative pressure from building up. If negative pressure does build up it can cause water to drain slowly or even not at all.

How Do I Know if My Plumbing Drain & Sewer is Clogged?

• Slow Drains: One of the most common signs of a clog is slow draining water. If you notice that water is taking a long time to drain from your sink, shower, or bathtub, this could be a sign that there is a blockage in the drainage line.
• Foul Odors: Another sign of a clog is the presence of a foul odor coming from your plumbing fixtures. If you notice a bad smell coming from your drains or toilets, you mostly like have a clog.
• Gurgling Sounds: If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your toilets, sink or drains, this is basically air that is trapped in the pipes and most often due to a clog.
• Water Backups: Water backups are a clear sign of a clog in the drain and sewer system. If you notice water backing up into your sink or shower when you flush the toilet, this could be a sign of a blockage in the sewer line.
• Multiple Clogged Fixtures: If you have multiple plumbing fixtures in your home that are clogged at the same time, there is likely a clog in the main sewer line.

Drain Pipe Cleaning, Unclogging & More in Staten Island, Maspeth, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Yonkers, Queens, NYC Boroughs, New York City NY

If you have signs that you have a clog in your drain or sewer system, contact The Original $49.95 Plumber. We provide drain and sewer inspections and cleanings.