Author: Amanda Triolo

Plumbers unclog drains on a regular basis, but how do drains get clogged in the first place? You might encounter this problem in your home and need to understand ways to fix the clog and prevent it from being a recurring problem. Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical reveals everything you need to know in this helpful guide.

How a Clogged Drain Affects Your Plumbing System

Say you have a clogged sink drain and don’t do anything to fix it. The blockage will continue to grow and restrict water flow through your system. In addition, foul odors can waft from your drain because of the clog.

Be mindful of how you approach clogged drains. Some at-home remedies can fix the problem but commercial cleaning products that feature harsh chemicals can damage your pipes. Consult a professional plumber if you have concerns and let them inspect your drainage system.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

How do drains get clogged? Multiple items can be to blame for clogging the drain pipe in your bathroom sink, toilet bowl, shower, and kitchen sink. Check out some of the biggest culprits below.

Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, and Feminine Hygiene Products

If human waste doesn’t lead to a clogged toilet, certain toiletries may be responsible. Flushing thick wads of paper towels and feminine products can block the pipe and cause water backup. Flush only toilet paper and use a reasonable amount, as this could also clog the toilet.

Mineral Deposits

Many bathroom drain clogs form because of excessive mineral buildup within the pipes. You might be tempted to use a chemical cleaner but this can eat away at your pipes. Experts recommend a hydrojetting service that uses pressurized water to blast away all built-up minerals.

Hair and Soap Scum

Shower drains tend to clog with hair and residue from bar soap. Drain screens can protect the plumbing pipes but if residue manages to get through them, you can use the following steps to break down the clog:

• Fill the drain with a cup of baking soda.
• Pour a cup of vinegar into the drain to form a chemical reaction.
• Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, and flush the pipe with boiling water.
• Repeat the process if necessary.

Helpful article: 4 Homemade Drain Cleaner Recipes

Tree Roots

If you have a clogged kitchen sink but use a drain cover and garbage disposal to keep food out of the drain line, a tree may be obstructing the pipe. Roots expand as the tree grows and can infiltrate plumbing systems. Call a professional plumber to inspect the drain pipes and clear the obstruction.

Using hot water or chemical drain cleaners to clear the way won’t do the trick if a tree’s roots are to blame.

Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service Today

Stop wondering, “How do drains get clogged?” and reach out to the plumbing professionals at Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. We’ll restore your pipes with proven drain-clearing techniques and give you tips for keeping them free of clogs. Call (518) 545-3271 to request service.

When your water heater tank starts making a popping, knocking, or banging sound, it’s definitely a cause for concern. What leads to a water heater making popping noise and what can you do about it? The licensed plumbers at Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical have the answer in this brief guide.

Don’t Ignore Water Heater Maintenance

Just like any plumbing fixture, your hot water heater needs routine maintenance or it won’t work properly. Sediment buildup inside the steel tank prevents the bubbles in boiling water from escaping which results in a distinct popping noise.

Both gas and electric water heaters can experience this along with the following issues:

• Tank leaks
• Decrease in the water heater’s efficiency
• Heating element damage

Discover how plumbers safeguard hot water systems by flushing the tank of sediment and mineral deposits.

How to Flush a Water Heater Making Popping Noise

Don’t hesitate to drain and flush a water heater making popping noises. You’ll enjoy a silent system that works efficiently when you perform the following steps.

Kill the Unit’s Power Supply

You must turn off the water heater before doing anything else. Cut off power to the heating element by either closing your gas valve or flipping the switch on your home’s circuit breaker, depending on which type of tank you have.

Turn the Tank’s Cold Water Supply Lever

Near the top of your tank, you should find a cold water lever that supplies the system with water. Turn this feature off to prevent the tank from filling up.

Once the cold water valve is off, start running a hot water faucet, such as your kitchen sink or shower faucet. Then locate your tank’s pressure relief valve and open it to prevent a vacuum from forming in your hot water pipes.

Connect a Hose and Drain the Tank

You’ll find the water heater’s drain valve located near the bottom of the tank. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and turn the spigot to safely drain the tank’s contents. Make sure the other end of the hose flows into a bucket or basement drain.

The water supply that comes out of the hose may have an odd smell or appear discolored due to the sediment buildup. When the tank empties, toggle both the pressure relief and cold water valves. Let the water continue to run until all remaining sediment is going and the water comes out clear.

Restart Your Water Heater

To get your water heater working again, perform the following tasks:

• Disconnect the hose and close the drain valve.
• Shut off the running faucet.
• Restore power to the system.
• Wait a few minutes for the tank to heat up.

After all of this, you’ll have a water heater that works without issue.

Schedule Water Heater Repair and Maintenance Services Today – Contact Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Is your water heater making popping noises? Let the experts at Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical take care of your gas or electric water heater and flush it so you don’t experience any more strange sounds or unwanted water heater repairs. Give us a call at (518) 545-3271 to schedule a maintenance appointment.

Homeowners often ask plumbers, “Can I flush my water heater myself?” Experts at Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical are here to answer that question and explain how they maintain a hot water tank with annual flushing. Discover how you can tackle this project like a professional.

Importance of Water Heater Maintenance

Letting your hot water heater run without performing routine maintenance can lead to gunk and mineral deposits collecting inside the tank. Electric and gas water heaters need proper maintenance for optimum efficiency and performance. You can have a plumber flush a water heater or you can take on the entire flushing process yourself.

Steps for Flushing a Hot Water Heater

Performing gas or electric water heater maintenance requires precision. Ask an expert, “How can I flush my water heater myself?” and they’ll tell you to complete the following steps.

Shut off the Thermostat and Gas Supply

Powering off a hot water heater’s thermostat can be as simple as flipping a switch on the unit. For those with an electric hot water heater, this requires shutting off the power supply from the home’s breaker box.

Safely flushing a gas hot water heater requires you to also turn off the gas supply. Locate the gas pipe leading to the unit and turn the knob on the gas line to shut off the supply. Keep in mind that to use an older gas water heater after flushing, you’ll have to reignite the pilot light.

Turn off and Drain Your Hot and Cold Water Supply

You’ll then have to turn off your cold water valve. This prevents the tank from filling with water so you can effectively flush all of its contents. Turn on a hot water faucet and leave it running for the rest of the draining process.

Many plumbers recommend opening the water heater pressure relief valve as this facilitates draining and flushing the tank.

Connect Garden Hose to Your Drainage Spigot

Hook up a hose to your water heater drain valve and make sure that it extends either outside or inside a basin you can empty. This hot water spigot will dispense all of the tank’s water supply along with any sediment inside the tank. While draining the gas or electric heater, you might find discolored water because of the sediment and mineral deposits.

Flush the Tank

Once your tank empties, locate your cold water spigot leading to the hot water heater and switch it on. This will add water into the tank to flush out any remaining sediment. Experts recommend keeping the water running until it comes out of the hose clear.

To finish up this maintenance task, perform the following:

• Remove the hose from your closed spigot.
• Restore the relief valve and shut off your running faucet.
• Restore power to your water heater.
• Wait several minutes for the tank to heat up again.

Schedule Water Heater Maintenance With Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “Can I flush my water heater myself?” If you’d rather hire an expert, contact the licensed plumbers at Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. Call (518) 545-3271 to schedule a service today.

Various cultures have used underground plumbing and water networks for thousands of years. Therefore, the concept and usage of underground pipes is hardly new. However, they can still develop clogs despite centuries of perfecting the way they work.

Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical outlines how to tell if your underground drain is clogged. We listed some tell-tale clues to help you determine when to call our experienced plumbers.

How Underground Drains Work

First, learn how your underground drain pipe network functions. Your plumbing network includes a series of subterranean pipes that direct water flow away from your home’s foundation. For example, your drainage system removes wastewater from your plumbing fixtures.

The wastewater enters the underground drain and eventually enters the sewer system. It also directs rainwater away from your home when seasonal storms raise the groundwater levels. As you can imagine, waste and water movement can lead to debris clogging the drain pipes.

You might not notice at first. However, concerning warning signs will eventually arise.

How to Tell If Your Clogged Underground Drain

A clogged drain pipe might develop because of:

• Tree roots breaching the pipes
• Organic material, like leaves and twigs, forming a clog in narrow pipe networks
• Household waste, like soap, hair, oil, and grease, sticking to the inside of the pipe

These clogs can manifest in myriad ways, having noticeable and sometimes damaging repercussions on your property.

Overflowing Gutter System

Your gutters and downspouts drain water off of your roof and away from the building. The gutter system prevents ground soil erosion, roof damage, and foundational water damage. The gutter system can easily become clogged with debris.

If each downspout drain connects to your underground drain pipes, then it relies on a clear pathway to direct excessive water. As you likely know, gutters can easily become backed up with leaves and dirt. These blockages result in overflowing gutters and a backed-up downspout drain pipe.

Cleaning your gutters and downspout attachments regularly prevents clogged underground drain pipes. Remember to flush out your downspout drain and inspect the adapter seams for damage.

Water Overflowing From Drainage System

You can tell when your underground drain is clogged if an in-home water source, like a sink or tub, doesn’t drain quickly. You might also discover water moving back up into the fixture rather than flowing downward. This suggests a sizable clog that may need professional attention.

You can prevent drainage overflow by limiting the materials you rinse down the drain pipe. For example, leftover food and grease should go in the trash. Only flush water, soap, and toilet paper down your drains to prevent an overflow from a clogged underground drain.

Standing Water or Damage Near the House Foundation

Your basement, crawlspace, or garage might show damage faster than the gutter and downspout system because these areas typically make up your home’s foundation.

Periodically inspect these areas for clog evidence like:

• Pools of water
• Water stains
• Warped or rotten materials
• Mold growth
• Foul smells

Clogged drains can push water into the lowermost level, resulting in signs that resemble a slow leak but come from a different source.

Water Leaks

Speaking of slow leaks, a severe clog can eventually lead to a leaking pipe. The excess drain water needs a place to go. If it can’t find a sufficient opening, it builds in force and pressure as the drain struggles to contain it. Eventually, the pressure may rupture the pipe, allowing water to spill in unfortunate areas.

Call the Pros at Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical to Unclog Your Drain Pipe

Contact Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical if your underground drain is clogged. Our plumbers will check your gutters, downspout drains, fixture drains, and other connected components to identify the location of the clog. Then, we’ll use advanced technology coupled with state-of-the-art heavy equipment to break up the blockage.

For example, our hydrojet hose can reach deep into the drainage system, blasting gutter and waste blockages with a forceful water stream. Call 518-545-3271 to schedule an inspection today!

Your main sewer line connects to numerous household drains. As hot water collects around your ankles while you shower, you ponder to yourself, “How can I unclog my main drain line?” Allowing the clogged sewer line to fester is not optional.

Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical understands the frustrations that come with slow drains, nasty smells, and stubborn blockages. Our advice might help you prevent future sewer line clogs and take action when they cause problems.

Why Clogs Form in the Main Sewer Line

You can’t unclog the main sewer line without figuring out the problem first. A main sewer line clog can develop for myriad reasons, including:

• Tree roots: A tree’s root system naturally gravitates toward running water sources. Sometimes, the roots infiltrate the municipal sewer system, blocking the lines.
• Sagging sewer lines: An older main sewer drain may need replacement. As it ages, the materials sag beneath the dirt, creating a divot that prevents water from freely flowing.
• Mineral buildup: Does your municipal water supply have a high mineral content? Minerals might stick to the main line, creating a stubborn clog that requires professional attention.
• Broken pipes: A broken pipe in a sewer line allows organic material to seep into the system. Dirt, roots, and rocks can form a stubborn blockage.
• Improper waste disposal: If you rinse materials besides toilet paper, water, and dissolved soap down your bathroom or kitchen sink drain, you could inadvertently contribute to a clogged main sewer line. This can be especially problematic if you rely on a septic tank.

Often, a professional plumber has to inspect and diagnose the cause of your blocked sewer line. Once the plumber finds the issue, you might ask them, “How can I unclog my main drain line?”

How Can I Unclog My Main Drain Line?

Their recommendations will likely include hydrojetting. Clogged sewer lines often contain tough, compacted, or sticky debris. The average drain cleaner won’t do much to dissolve the blockage.

Hydrojets shoot forceful streams of water at high speeds and pressures to loosen debris and unclog a main sewer line. If your plumbing fixtures can’t drain properly because of a damaged or infiltrated main sewer pipe, your plumber might suggest sealing or replacing the drain pipes altogether.

Finally, they may use a professional plumbing snake or auger to access and remove a nearby sewer clog. The chosen remedy to unclog the main sewer line ultimately depends on:

• The clog’s location.
• The clog material.
• Whether the main sewer line sustained damage.

Preventing Blocked Sewer Lines

An adage says that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can protect your sewer line or septic system from blockages with a few drain cleaning habits.

Limit Materials That Go Down the Drain Lines

As mentioned above, only toilet paper, water, and dissolved soap should enter your drains. Cover your fixture drains with protective grates or nets. These tools catch large debris that might otherwise escape into your drainage system.

You can also use a drain snake to pull out hair and other substances that escape into tub drains. Alternatively, pour a drain-cleaning solution of baking soda and vinegar into the clogged fixture to dissolve and push out blockages.

Don’t Overwhelm Your Sewer System

If you have multiple bathrooms and household occupants, discuss not flushing toilets at once. Too many flushes at one time can overwhelm the septic or sewer system. Additionally, limit the amount of toilet paper flushed at a time to prevent an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Maintain Your Plumbing System and Sewer Pipes

Don’t forget those annual inspections from professional plumbers. While drain snakes, baking soda and vinegar concoctions, and routine care are fantastic preventative measures, clogs form regardless of your habits. Your plumber can inspect the network and alert you to developing concerns.

Contact Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical About Your Clogged Drain Concerns

Wondering, “How can I unclog my main drain line?” Call 518-545-3271 to schedule routine or emergency drain cleaning services in Clifton Park, Albany, and the surrounding areas from Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical. Your favorite HVAC company also tackles plumbing issues!