clogged Archives - Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Avoid Costly Repairs: Spot the Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line Early

How To Recognize When Drain Cleaning is Needed

Knowing and understanding the warning signs of a clogged sewer line is a great way to be proactive. Rather than waiting until a major backup or clog requires expensive repairs, homeowners can act when they see the smaller warning signs and prevent big drain issues from occurring.

Gurgling Sounds are Audible Warning Signs

When the pipes and plumbing start gurgling, problems are coming, and no signs will be visible. However, that gurgling sound should never be ignored. It happens when water is pushed through the pipeline but struggles to pass through, forcing air through the opening.

The only reason air would get trapped is some sort of obstruction. While the obstruction is not yet a full blockage, it could quickly become one. That’s why taking action now can avoid huge drain repair-related issues.

Water and Sewage Backups are a Clear Red Flag

What starts out as a sewer line clog can easily lead to a sewer line backup. When the sewage backs up and won’t go down at all, there is a problem that needs to be handled very quickly. Be cautious if you have sewage backing up, as this health hazard requires proper safety precautions.

Sinks, tubs, and toilets are all meant to flow freely. However, a blockage will prevent the free flow of materials. When that happens, materials start to reverse, looking for a place to flow. There are many things that can cause backups, such as these:

Debris
Tree roots
Grease buildup
Hair buildup

Always know what is safe to flush and what isn’t. Properly care for your drains to prevent grease or other debris from building up and leading to a backup. If there are signs of a backup or things not moving freely like they should, contact a plumber right away.

Slow Draining Fixtures Should Be Addressed

If appliances, bathtubs, or other drains are draining slowly, this is a clear warning sign. There isn’t a backup yet, but there is an obstruction, and a backup is imminent if it is not resolved. What starts as slow drainage can quickly become a sewer line clog.

In most cases, these obstructions and clogged sewer lines can be handled with drain cleaning options. Plumbers will use a drain snake or a hydrojetting system to help clear out the lines, clean the drains, and ensure the sewer line can operate as it is intended to.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company provides five-star services for every customer, using affordable pricing and a friendly approach to take care of your needs. If you need sewer line repair or help with drain cleaning, contact them today for drain cleaning services in Apple Valley, MN.

Distribution Links +

Keep Clogged Toilets From Ruining the Valentine's Day Magic

What Causes Chronic Toilet Clogs?

It’s Valentine’s Day, and everyone is getting ready for a night on the town. The anticipation is palpable as everyone gets ready for a big date, but what is the one thing that can ruin pre-date preparations? A clogged toilet that won’t flush or, worse yet, spills sewage out onto the floor.

A clogged toilet is a pain any time of year, but on one night when it has to be reliable, it can be a real letdown. Here is a quick guide from the experts about why toilets clog and how to prevent this disaster from ruining a meaningful and fun evening.

Pay Attention to What Gets Flushed

During hygiene rituals leading up to the big night, it can be tempting to discard things in the toilet for quick convenience. Cotton swabs and disposable towels may be quickly tossed in the toilet, but the consequences of doing so can be detrimental to evening plans.

The most common cause of clogged toilets is unflushable items being flushed down the commode. Toilets are designed to break up fragile items like waste and toilet paper so that they flow easily through the drain of a toilet and subsequent sewer lines. When other items that weren’t intended to be flushed are tossed in the toilet they can interfere with the normal flushing action of the toilet. Unflushable items that don’t break up during the flushing process are:

Paper towels
Diapers
Hygiene products
Wipes

Keeping these items out of the drain will prevent most chronically clogged toilets. Always err on the side of caution and even avoid flushing products deemed “flushable.” discard these items in the trash and only flush toilet paper.

Restrict Toilet Paper Usage

Paying attention to what goes into the toilet can prevent many clogged toilets, but unfortunately, even zealous paper-only flushers can damage their toilets and sewer lines. Toilet paper is also a common contributor to clogged toilets. As mentioned earlier, toilets break up toilet paper as the stool flushes. However, this is contingent on having enough turbulence in the basin to break up toilet paper. If too much toilet paper is flushed at once, the toilet can’t break up the mass, and a nasty clog will result.

Instead, try using less toilet paper or attempting to flush a smaller volume down the drain in one flush. This can be accomplished by buying toilet paper that isn’t as sturdy or by flushing multiple times during a session as toilet paper accumulates.

Prevent Problems Like Sewer Line Clogs

A clogged toilet is only as reliable as the sewer line it is connected to. The truth is many clogged toilets are misdiagnosed. The problem lies further down the system in the sewer lines. Paying attention to the first two suggestions in the article can help keep sewer lines clean, but professional assistance can ensure that clogged toilets aren’t a problem. Routine drain and sewer line cleaning by a professional can keep sewer lines clean so they don’t cause problems like clogged toilets.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company wants to help celebrate love on Valentine’s Day. With same-day service and a no-mess guarantee, everyone can be certain they won’t have to deal with a clogged toilet on the big night. Call today for a free estimate and award-winning toilet service in Apple Valley, MN.

Distribution Links +

3 Certain Ways To Get Your Clogged Toilet To Flush!

What to Do If Your Toilet Won’t Flush

One of the most embarrassing situations for a homeowner is when the toilet won’t flush. Having to explain away the situation of a clogged toilet is hard and causes a lot of distress. Not only that, but the situation can have serious health effects as well for everyone living in the home.

When the worst should happen, it is important to get help right away in order to unclog the toilet. On the other hand, preventing the toilet from backing up in the first place will save a lot of inconvenience, stress, and money. Below, expert plumbers share three ways to avoid a toilet that will not flush.

Plumbers Offer Hydrojetting Service

One of the best ways to keep your drain lines clear is by having a hydrojetter clean out any build-up periodically. This system will eliminate clogs due to excess hair, soap scum, dirt, mineral build-up, oil, and grease. This debris can cause major clogs and keep your toilet from flushing.

Using high water pressure is beneficial as well, a hydrojetter is a stream of water that is sent through your drain pipes to clear it of any debris. This is typically done during drain cleaning which is also another great service to have performed to keep your toilets working as they should.

Drain cleaning, along with hydrojetting, should be done every two to three years. Depending on the state of your pipes, it may need to be done more often. Another benefit of dream cleaning is that it can provide information on the state of your pipes and prevent future repairs.

Watch Your Water Level

Another tip for keeping your toilets flushing is to watch the water level in your toilet tank. The water in the tank is what will flush your toilet. When you flush the handle, the water is released and gravity assists it in washing away all of the waste.

When there is not enough water, it won't accumulate the force needed to flush. If you have a leak or other type of issue with your tank, you may not have the water needed to successfully use the toilet. Typically, the water level should be at least three-quarters of the way full for a successful flush. If it is not, this may be the culprit behind your flushing issue.

Your Flush Handle May Be the Problem

The toilet handle on your toilet is another important aspect of flushing and one of the main causes of any issues. The handle is the mechanism that releases the water from the tank into the toilet which will then wash away the waste.

When the handle is broken or the attachment has come loose, it will keep your toilet from behaving as it should. As this is a very common cause of a non-flushing toilet, it can be overlooked. Thankfully, the fix for this issue is quite simple.

A technician will start by ensuring that the handle is connected to the ballcock in the tank. If that is fine you may need to have your handle replace which can usually be done quite simply by a technician. Overall, having a successful flushing toilet is important for your health and well-being.

Trust Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company has been serving the community of Apple Valley, MN for over 10 years. They are committed to serving the community and ensuring your plumbing system is working properly. They are available for drain cleaning, hydro-jetting, and emergency repairs. Their expert technicians are courteous and provide quality workmanship.