How to Deal with Underground Pipe Clogs

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Beware of Outdoor Plumbing Clogs

Even as early as April, people start looking forward to summer. As the weather warms up and the rains come in, most people are aching to relax next to the pool and enjoy some time off. Unfortunately, too many people this summer will have their relaxation interrupted by a plumbing emergency related to their outdoor plumbing. 

Instead of leaving things to chance, take some advice from local plumbers who understand what homeowners have to deal with as the seasons change. In this blog post, experts discuss outdoor plumbing clogs, their causes, and how they are fixed. 

Outdoor Plumbing Features That Commonly Clog

sprinklerOutdoor plumbing has about as big a footprint as indoor plumbing but generally isn’t used as much. Examples of outdoor plumbing are:
  • Above-ground or in-ground pools and their associated pumps and piping
  • Fountains that are a part of landscaping
  • Irrigation systems that water grass and other plants
  • Landscape drains that shunt water away from a home or structure
  • Drain piping that serves the home like sewers
  • Outdoor kitchens or showers

Outdoor plumbing is exposed to harsher conditions than indoor plumbing, so it is fairly common to have problems with it. A common problem that can ruin summer plans is clogs in any of these locations. 

What Causes Clogs?

Clogs are more likely to form because of the conditions that outdoor plumbing fixtures find themselves in. Infrequent usage of these fixtures, such as the seasonal use of outdoor kitchens or rainy seasons where sprinklers aren’t needed, can cause problems of neglect like clogs. In normal plumbing fixtures, water is consistently pumped through the plumbing, which prevents solids and debris from settling in the bottom of the pipe. Clogs become very likely when fixtures sit for a season with no activity. 

Once normal use resumes, the water flow can push debris into itself, forming a tough clog that disrupts the flow in the plumbing fixture. The only answer in this situation is to call for professional help so that homeowners can get back to their plans. 

clogs

How Do Plumbers Remove Tough Clogs?

Outdoor plumbing clogs always catch people by surprise because of their unpredictability. Generally, when a clog is discovered, homeowners are motivated to take care of it as soon as possible, and calling for professional clog removal from a licensed plumber is the quickest way to get things back to normal. 

Clearing outdoor and underground plumbing clogs are easy for a professional with the right equipment. In many cases, plumbers will turn to an auger to remove a clog in a landscape drain or sewer line. An auger is a powerful tool fed into the offending pipe that grinds up clogs to remove them. 

For a more modern solution to outdoor plumbing clogs, plumbers may use a hydro jet. A hydro jet is a powerful stream of water that cuts through clogs and cleans the inside of pipes. Hydro jetting is a great method for clog removal, and it can also be used as part of a spring cleaning checklist to make sure outdoor plumbing clogs don’t disrupt summer plans. 

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing is a family-owned business that has served Miami-Dade and Broward County for over 25 years. They offer upfront, flat-rate pricing and 24/7 emergency service at no extra charge. Call them today for plumbing services in Miami, FL.

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Have You Ever Wondered How a Plumbing Snake Works on Clogs?

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Discover How Snaking Pipes Can Be of Help in Clog Removal

Plumbers use a pipe snaking tool to clear clogs that block drains. The tool consists of a long metal cable with a handle with an uncoiled spring at the end. Typical plumbing snakes can stretch up to 50 feet, with the ability to coil it up for ease of storage.

Usually, a snake or pipe auger comes in handy for clogs that are too stubborn to remove with a plunger. This article discusses the process of snaking pipes and how it can help remove some of the toughest blockages from your plumbing.

Removing Visible Obstructions Made Easy

removing visible obstructionsBlockages have a strange way of occurring unexpectedly. If you don’t take any steps fast enough, your drains will stop flowing completely, and can eventually lead to a bigger problem like burst pipes.

Before you call a plumber, you could try a few quick fixes such as pouring boiling water, baking soda or white vinegar into the drain. This can help breakdown the blockage and often removes smaller ones altogether. Similarly, you can stop this issue altogether in high-usage areas like your tube or kitchen sink by adding a drain filter - just remember to clean it.

Essentially, when you’re dealing with a clog, the first thing you should do is to try and remove visible blockages from the troubled area. If the clog is small enough, this will fix it, and you’ll be back to working order in no time.

Using the Snake for Drain cleaning

Snaking is not a replacement for drain cleaning, and an even less competitor when referencing hydro-jetting vs. snaking. So first off, you need to ensure that the drain is clear of obstacles. As mentioned earlier, boiling water and chemicals when poured into the drain help dissolve grease.

Nonetheless, using a snaking pipe is not difficult. You may have to put on work clothes as the task will get you dirty. Once you identify a point of entry, insert the snaking pipe into the drain. Do not force it but begin to rotate its handle slowly and maintain a consistent pace. Proceed until you encounter the obstacle.

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Once found, the snake will wrap into or around the blockage. After a bit of spinning, you can pull the snake, which will essentially pull the blockage out of the pipe. In some cases, you may have to repeat the process, but eventually, the pipe will be completely free and clear.

Contact a Professional Plumber

professional plumberSnaking until you eventually clear a clog sounds easy. That is not a surprise. However, cleaning your drain after unclogging involves a lot more work and experience and could possibly leave you a broken pipe to repair.

If you’re struggling to find a fix ditch the DIY methods and opt for professional help. Trained plumbing contractors have the expertise, heavy-duty machinery, and tools needed to break up and remove any blockage in your plumbing.

Not only will it provide you an effective fit, but also you’ll have some peace of mind knowing you have someone to call on if the issue returns!

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing offers burst pipe repairs, kitchen plumbing, toilet repair, and drain cleaning, among other services. The company provides its expertise to clients in Miami, FL, and the surrounding areas. It is a family business with over 25 years of existence.

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