Three Steps To Take If You Have Slow Moving Drains
Slow-moving drains in your home are frustrating, but they are also indicative that a major drain line issue is imminent. The following steps can help you solve the problem.
1. Camera Inspection
A camera inspection will help you deliver the exact reason why the drains are emptying slowly, while also pinpointing the location of the problem. Your drain service will feed a pipe camera into the drainpipe by accessing the pipe via one of the cleanout ports. These cameras send back video in real-time. Most are also equipped with a locator, so your technician can map the drain line and tell exactly where problems exist. The issue may be something as common as tree roots, or a more severe problem such as a collapsing drain line. The only way to be sure is to schedule the camera inspection.
2. Drain Line Clean Out
Once all the problems that are causing the slow drains are found and examined, cleanout can occur. Your technician may use a motorized auger to remove the blockage. This drill-like cable is sent down the drain line, where it rotates and reams out any tree roots or other items blocking the lines. In some cases, your tech may use hydrojetting instead. With this method, a high-pressure spray of water is sent down the line, which pushes out any blockages that are forming while simultaneously cleaning out any residue in the drain line. Depending on the type and severity of the clog, your technician may use one or both of these methods to clear the drain.
3. Damage Repair
If the inspection found damage, this will need to be repaired once the blockages are cleared. If a section of the line is collapsing or has a hole, your tech may be able to insert a liner into the drain line and deploy it. The liner then cures in place, with no need to dig or damage your lawn. If lining the damaged area isn't an option, you may need to have the drain line dug up and replaced. This is more time consuming and it will disturb your lawn, but it's better than dealing with constant leaks or blocked drains. Sometimes the line isn't damaged but tree root overgrowth is threatening the line. In this case, your tech will treat the line with chemicals meant to kill the tree roots. They may also recommend that your remove the problem trees.
Contact a company like American Minuteman Sewer & Drain to learn more.