Get the 411 on Clogs Outdoors
As the sun shines warmer and the days get longer, people begin to take time outdoors. Pruning, planting, watering, and cleaning may be on the agenda for the weekend. In this time of cleaning and renewal, people need to be reminded that a good deal of a home’s plumbing system is outdoors. This article will discuss the reasons for outdoor clogs and how they can be dealt with.
What Plumbing Is Outside?
- Hose Bibs/ Faucets
- Outdoor Showers
- Pool Pumps
- Outdoor Drains
- Sprinkler Systems
- Underground Drainage Pipes
These fixtures are hooked up to the water supply and the main drainage system, just like everything that is inside the house.
What Clogs Outdoor Drains?
There are several reasons for outdoor clogs, and while many are natural and cannot be predicted, some simply come from poor practices on the part of the home’s residents. Preventing clogs can be as simple as being mindful of what goes down the drain.
- Grease: This is a preventable sort of clog. Pouring grease down a drain, whether inside or outside the home can cause buildup in the drain pipes, and then other detritus is more likely to get stuck, causing the drain to run slowly or, in more extreme cases, clog completely.
- Food Garbage: Even with the garbage disposal, starchy food trash such as potato peels can still cause problems for exterior pipes.
- Hygiene Products: While toilet paper is meant to be flushed, many other things are not meant to be flushed and can cause serious problems for the main drain pipe. These types of products include baby wipes, diapers, feminine products such as tampons and sanitary napkins, and paper towels.
- Leaves: Dead leaves are a natural result of the autumn season, but can spell big trouble for an outdoor drain. If leaves enter the drain they are likely to build up layer upon layer, proving difficult to remove.
- Roots: Both plants and trees can disrupt drainage with their water-seeking roots. These roots often find weaknesses in a drainpipe and burst through, creating a leak and a web-like structure that readily creates clogs.
How to Handle Tough Clogs
With underground clogs, it is almost always necessary to call in the professionals simply due to the difficulty in reaching such clogs. One can use a long pipe auger or snake to break up clogs, but hydro-jetting is one of the most efficacious and least damaging forms of clog removal.
Hydro-jetting uses the force of highly pressurized water to punch through the clogs and send them on their way. Using water prevents damage to the pipes that result from other forms of chemical or physical intervention.
About All Purpose Plumbing
Locally owned and operated out of Tacoma, WA, All Purpose Plumbing offers 100% satisfaction guaranteed work by the best-trained plumbers in the area. Call today for confident, experienced plumbing and emergency service.