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!

The last thing you want to deal with as a homeowner is an unexpected and inconvenient plumbing problem. From burst pipes to clogged toilets and leaky faucets, a lot of things can go wrong with your plumbing system. Plumbing issues can vary widely in terms of severity. But you always want to detect them as soon as possible.

A minor problem that you ignore can quickly turn into a major issue. So, how can you detect plumbing problems, and what should you do next? We’ll explain everything you need to know.

How Can You Find Plumbing Problems in Your Home

Problems like a burst pipe leaking water all around your home are obvious. But other plumbing issues aren’t as apparent. The key to minimizing water damage is catching and fixing the problem as early as possible.

How? Here are a few tips for finding potential problems in your plumbing system before they have a chance to become something worse.

Keep an Eye on Your Monthly Water Bill

Your water bill could tell you if there’s a problem. You should check it every month and keep an eye out for any unexplained or drastic increases. An increase in your water bill points to an increase in the amount of water your different plumbing fixtures use. So, if your bill increases without a change in water usage, it could mean that you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

Look Out for Any Slow or Clogged Drains

Slow drains can be annoying and a sign that something is clogging your plumbing pipes. You can fix this issue without professional help in some cases. For instance, if you just have one slow-draining sink, you can fix the leak by removing the drain cover and pulling out the clog.

However, the clog is likely somewhere deep within your plumbing system if you have multiple slow-draining fixtures throughout your house. Only a professional plumber can safely and effectively remove this type of clog.

How Do Professional Plumbers Detect and Fix Different Kinds of Plumbing Issues in Your Home?

The above tips can help you detect common plumbing problems early. But you’ll still need a professional to find the actual location of the issue and provide a reliable solution. Professional plumbers use a lot of innovative equipment to inspect plumbing systems.

For example, sewer camera inspections provide an in-depth look at your pipes. Meanwhile, hydrojetting uses highly pressurized water to clear away deep, stubborn clogs without damaging your plumbing system. Professional plumbers also know what repairs to deliver so that you get a long-lasting and reliable solution that restores your plumbing system.

Get the Plumbing Repairs You Need By Reaching Out to Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Today

Are you dealing with a clogged drain or sump pump failure? Is your water bill a lot higher this month, and you’re not sure why? Need a plumber that you can trust?

No matter what plumbing issues you’re dealing with, we’ve got your back. Call (518) 240-3807 today to schedule a plumbing inspection with Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical! Trust us to help.

You might be ready to enjoy endless carefree summer days, but plumbing problems don’t care what season it is. While you might not have to worry about frozen pipes bursting during the summer, there are other issues that often appear at this time of year.

Here, we highlight some of the most common summer plumbing repairs and how summer plumbing maintenance can help you avoid issues that need professional attention.

Seasonal Plumbing Issues Local Homeowners Face

Chances are your home’s plumbing system sees more use (and wear and tear) during the summer when the kids are out of school, you have more family gatherings, and you spend more time outdoors and use more water. While anything can go wrong at any time, it’s more likely that you’ll need the following plumbing repairs during summer:

1. Clogged Toilets

Toilet clogs top the list of common summer plumbing repairs since it’s likely your toilets will see more usage during this busy season. The frequent flushes can put more pressure on internal components, and when you have large parties, there’s a greater chance that guests will cause clogs. Not to mention, summer heat and humidity can speed up corrosion and mineral accumulation in the toilet pipes, resulting in clogs and leaks.

2. Sewer Backups

As with toilets, extra usage can cause sewer clogs and backups. Heavy summer rains can also overload the sewer lines and cause a backup into your home. Arrange a professional inspection and sewer line cleaning at the beginning of the summer to ensure the pipes are clear and you won’t have any problems.

3. Washing Machine Troubles

Summer vacation often means more laundry, and your washing machine has to work hard to keep up with all the extra dirty clothes, beach towels, and swimsuits. All this extra wear and tear can weaken the hoses, seals, and hinges, and clogs are always a risk. Keep an eye on the machine and call a plumber for help if you notice excessive vibrations, strange noises, or drainage issues.

4. Slow and Clogged Drains

Slow and clogged drains are common plumbing problems in summer because there’s a greater chance that your family will send things down the drain that don’t belong there. Rinsing off the excess dirt and sand after a day outside, for example, can block the drains. Food waste, fats, grease, oil, and hair can all stick to the pipe walls and cause clogs, so use drain traps to stop them.

5. Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal Problems

Dishwashers and garbage disposal problems frequently require warm weather plumbing repairs, usually due to clogs. Overloading the dishwasher and not adequately scraping food debris off the dirty dishes is the most common cause of dishwasher clogs, while grease and large food waste lead to disposal malfunctions. Only put as many dishes as the washer can handle into any load, scrape food waste into the trash, and never pour grease down the drain.

6. Sump Pump Malfunctions

If you have a sump pump to keep your basement dry, a heavy rainstorm can cause flooding if the device malfunctions. Sump pump malfunctions are common summer plumbing problems, usually due to a lack of maintenance. Allowing dirt and debris to accumulate around the pump and power failures are the most frequent issues, but you can avoid them with maintenance and testing.

7. Sprinkler System Issues

Plumbers often have to respond to problems with sprinkler systems in the summer. Leaks, damaged sprinkler heads, timer malfunctions, and water pressure fluctuations can all affect the lawn irrigation system and potentially damage your home or send water bills skyrocketing. Professional maintenance, including properly winterizing the system at the end of summer, can keep this from happening.

For additional assistance with lawn irrigation, lawn care maintenance, outdoor pest control needs, or other lawn care services we highly recommend our friends over at Groundhogs Lawn Care!

8. Faucet and Pipe Leaks

Leaks can happen any time of year, and summer is no exception. Metal pipes and fittings expand and contract in the heat, and humidity can speed up corrosion and cause leaks.

Proactively addressing these common summer plumbing repairs is the best way to prevent expensive damage. If you hear running water or dripping sounds, notice water stains or moisture around fixtures, or experience a sudden increase in water bills, call a plumber for repairs.

Call Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical for Summer Plumbing Solutions You Can Trust

Watching for plumbing problems and taking care of them quickly is the best way to prevent damage and inconveniences that dampen your summer fun. Turn to the plumbers at Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical in Clifton Park, NY for fast and common summer plumbing repairs. Call (518) 240-9889 to make an appointment.

When a sink or shower drain develops a clog, your first thought might be to reach for a bottle of liquid drain cleaner to break up the blockage and get the water flowing again. However, before you do, you should be aware of the effects of liquid drain cleaners on your plumbing and your health, as you might think twice about this seemingly simple solution.

Many homeowners ask, “Do liquid drain cleaners damage pipes?” when we caution them against picking up a bottle to deal with minor clogs. Damaged pipes are just one of the many liquid drain cleaner concerns, which we’ll explain here.

How Do Liquid Drain Cleaners Work?

To understand the impact of drain cleaners on pipes, it’s important to understand how these products work.

All drain cleaners create heat to break down the blockage in the pipe so water can flow freely. There are three primary types of cleaners:

• Caustic, which contains lye or potash that reacts with aluminum in the water to heat the blockage and speed decomposition.
• Oxidizing, which contains bleach and nitrates that dissolve the clog.
• Acid, which contains high amounts of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid that eat away at the hair, soap scum, and grease that make up the clog.

Although these ingredients can effectively remove some of the pipe blockage, as you might expect, the chemicals contact more than whatever is clogging the pipe. They also touch the walls of the pipes, which begs the question, “Do liquid drain cleaners damage pipes?”

The Risks of Liquid Drain Cleaners

Whether your plumbing pipes are metal or PVC, there is a risk for drain cleaner pipe damage if you use commercially available products to clear clogs. Not only can the caustic chemicals eat away at the pipes, but the excess heat that they create can soften the pipes (especially PVC), putting them at risk for a leak. The longer they remain in contact with the plumbing, the greater the impact of drain cleaners on pipes.

Not only do you create the risk of pipe corrosion from drain cleaners, but the products can react with existing corrosion and cause unexpected issues. For example, the excess heat can crack the joints and seals in the plumbing and cause leaks. Drain cleaners can also damage fixtures like toilets, especially if they are old and already have deterioration or damage.

While drain cleaners can damage your pipes, they also create other risks to your family’s health and well-being, including:

• Unpredictable chemical reactions with chemicals or substances in the pipes can create toxic fumes.
• Environmental damage if the chemicals leach into the groundwater; even the bottle itself contains toxic residue that can harm the environment when it goes into the landfill.
• Physical injuries due to splashback or otherwise coming in contact with the caustic chemicals; in some cases, a chemical reaction when the product contacts the clog can cause the cleaner to blow back from the pipe and cause injury.

Alternatives to Using Drain Cleaners to Eliminate Clogs

Given that the answer to “Do liquid drain cleaners damage pipes?” is “yes,” what can you do to deal with pesky clogs that doesn’t involve as much risk to your plumbing or health?

The easiest and safest way is to use a plunger, which puts additional water pressure on a clog to change its shape so it can flow freely down the pipes. A drain snake or pipe auger is another option for breaking up the clog and removing it.

If these methods don’t work, or you have repeated stubborn clogs, get help from a professional plumber. A professional drain cleaning ensures complete clog removal the first time, without damaging the pipes or putting anyone at risk.

Relying on a plumber instead of a bottle of harmful drain cleaner means not having to deal with bigger, messier, and more expensive plumbing issues in the future. A plumber can also help you figure out what’s causing the repeated clogs and find ways to avoid them.

Call Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical for Help with Clogs and Other Plumbing Concerns

The next time you have a clogged sink and think about picking up a bottle of drain cleaner to clear it, remember that if you were to ask a plumber, “Do liquid drain cleaners damage pipes?” they would say, “Yes.” Unless you want to cause more problems, put the bottle back on the shelf and contact Grasshopper Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical for help instead. Call (518) 545-3271 to request a plumber at any time in the Clifton Park, NY, area.