One of the most common areas where homeowners experience plumbing problems is the drains. Slow drains tend to occur because of debris trapped in the pipes. This might be hair, food, or similar items that restrict the movement of water. Plumbers in Auburn, WA tend to handle this issue by removing the pipe traps and eliminating any buildup discovered there. Pipe traps, or p-traps, are the oddly-curved pieces of pipe found close to the drain. Their purpose is to block the return of sewer gases, and they function by trapping a bit of water in the curve of the pipe.
Another area where blockages occur is in the main sewer pipe. All the waste from the building enters a single pipe, and this pipe is then connected to the municipal sewer system or local septic tank. Unfortunately, sewage systems are low-flow environments, and this means the waste isn’t always on the move. Sewer pipes tend to clog because the solid waste snags on debris and causes a blockage to form. This inhibits the flow of waste and allows more debris to accumulate.
Another cause for sewer line clogs is the growth of roots in the pipes. Roots occur because plants are always in need of water and nutrients. A break in the sewer line or a poorly sealed connection allows a plant easy access to a nutrient-rich source of water. This food source speeds the growth of the plant and increases the number of roots that enter the pipe. A problem such as this usually requires expert plumbers in Auburn, WA because part of the piping may need to be replaced.
Of course, the drains are not the only areas where the homeowner can experience plumbing issues. Water pipes often develop leaks because the pressure used to deliver the water is constantly pushing against the pipe walls and joint connections. Luckily, this same pressure makes it possible to locate the problem by listening for certain noises. Water makes some unique sounds as it exits the pipes, and the plumber can use this information to determine where a leak can be found and how bad it may be.
