3 Easy Ways to Deal With Slow Drains

3 Easy Ways to Deal With Slow Drains

  • Plumbing
slow drains

When water doesn’t go down your drains at all, that’s an obvious problem; anyone would know to call a plumber up at that point. But it’s rare that clogs like that just happen overnight. Usually it’s a slow burn over the course of weeks or even months that sees your drain totally stopped up in such a manner. What’ll normally happen is that water will start going down your drain slower and slower, bit by bit. This is the prime time to address whatever problem is brewing in your pipes before it becomes a much more extensive and expensive headache. We’ve compiled three easy ways to deal with slow drains.

Plunge It

A simple plunger is sometimes all it takes to unclog a drain, even one in the sink or tub (though you’ll probably want consider buying a new, unused one first) For smaller drains like the aforementioned sinks and bathtubs, they make smaller, cup-sized plungers that are much more effective at removing the soap and grease build ups that often plague these drains. Simply fill the fixture with a small amount of water, cover the drain completely with the plunger, and go at it until the clog is removed.

Baking Soda Volcano

Don’t check your screen, there’s nothing wrong with it. You read that entirely correctly: Baking Soda Volcano. You probably remember these from elementary school science fairs and helping your kids learn how chemical reactions work. You’re probably surprised to learn it’s an effective way of clearing minor blockages from your drains. The semi-explosive reaction when the vinegar hits the baking soda propels the solution through the blockage and down the drain toward it’s intended destination down in the sewers. This is a much, much better option than store-bought drain cleaning chemicals. These products, while semi-effective short term solutions, do MASSIVE damage to your pipes over time, as they breakdown more than just the debris, they break down the pipes themselves. They should only be used in the most unique of circumstances. Every other instance, though? Go make your fifth grade science teacher proud, dump that baking soda and vinegar.

Zip-It Tool

Hair clogs down shower drains are among the most frustrating to clear, since the hair gets tangled and knotted. Thankfully, there’s an easy to use, cheap, and widely available. Zip-It is a long thin rubber rod that you can put down your drain. Little nubs on the rod catch and tangle the hair on the tool, which comes out attached to the rod when it’s pulled out.  It’s a cheap, easy solution to a problem; your favorite kind.

These are some of the easiest ways to clear minor issues that haven’t quite developed into full-scale clogs just yet. Failing any of these, if your drain is still draining slow, it is probably a much larger issue than you’re able to comprehend without professional assistance. Milltown is equipped with the tools to properly diagnose and remedy any major drain clog in record-setting time. Our team members are here and standing by to fix your slow drains!

Call Milltown today for slow drain repair!

Don’t take our word for it: listen to one of our many happy customers!

By Milltown Plumbing

The Critical Benefits of an In-Line Sewer Camera Inspection

The Critical Benefits of an In-Line Sewer Camera Inspection

  • Plumbing
sewer camera inspection

Today’s technology has changed the home sewer inspection process tremendously. In many cases a full sewer line excavation is not necessary. Where there is intrusion and line repair needed, it’s now possible to isolate the problem or to repair it from the inside instead of a full excavation and new line installation. Much of this advancement has come about because of in-line plumbing camera technology.

In-line sewer video cameras offer multiple benefits for the trained technician. These include determination the nature of a line blockage (roots, line separations, artificial material blockages, material flow problems), integrity inspection of the sewer line, and extent of the damage to be repaired or replaced. Cameras also help plumbers prepare with the right equipment when salvaging an existing like with industrial equipment such as high pressure jet cleaning tools. The wrong tool could damage the pipe, but a camera will confirm the condition and proper pressure approach every time.

On the other hand, not using a camera can be extremely costly for a homeowner. For example, a misjudgment of the line problem could end up in charges for a far more extensive line repair that turns out not be necessary, including excavation. In addition, there could be problems with estimating the exactly location of the issue as well, which could make the problem worse and bigger repair. Again, accuracy in knowledge is a win-win for everyone involved.  

The main features of an in-line sewer camera are primarily based around the camera apparatus itself, the data feed cable which comes in the form of an insulated and sealed fiber optic cable for heavy duty applications, the LED lighting mechanism on the end of the camera to illuminate the details filmed, and the video monitor above ground which allows the technician to see the progress in real-time as well as record the findings for review and analysis.

Camera Head and Assembly

If there is a critical part in the entire in-line sewer camera system, it’s the camera head. This is the most expensive component in the setup and the part that captures the critical information. It is also extremely sensitive and easy to damage. An untrained technician or someone new to the job can do a lot of damage very quickly forcing the camera apparatus through a line and, in essence, making the camera head a luxury battering ram to a blockage. Not only does that ruin the whole purpose of the effort, it can also damage any information capture as well. While these industrial cameras are specifically designed and built for their environments, repeat use of jamming the camera through resistance simply destroys it over time. That’s why the best technicians use a very light approach, working slowly and methodically. It saves the equipment and produces crystal clear images with easy to analyze recordings of what’s going on inside the line.

Cabling

Attached to the Camera rear is the fiber optic cabling, shielded in an industrial sheath wrapping so that the materials and moisture in a sewer line don’t damage the fiber itself. It’s also designed for easy cleaning so that the equipment be sanitized after the fact before packaging again for transport. This type of cabling doesn’t do well with extreme bending or folding. Instead, it is wound on a large wheel assembly for protected storage when not in use. The fiber optics allow for significant data transfer from the camera to the monitor, allowing for high detail with a closed circuit system. The cabling and camera are sent through the line with a push rod that gives the technician control and the ability to propel the camera through the line at distance.

LED Lighting

Attached to the top of the camera apparatus is a sealed LED lighting unit that provides a tight concentration of illumination. While it’s not going to light up a neighborhood, the LED unit provides more than enough light for the camera to pick up detail and show in clarity and even color what’s going on in front of it. With good practice, the lighting and image gives the technician enough information to see what’s happening as he sends the unit through, how to navigate issues, and when the line cannot be traveled any further.

The Monitor

Finally, the monitor is the display that the technician watches and records with as the camera inside the line does its job. Directly connected to the fiber optics cabling, the monitor will display in detail and real time what is happening in front of the unit in the line as well the time stamp. Some advanced units can also display various sensor data such a temperature and humidity as well, which is why this kind of equipment is also used by archaeologists and law enforcement/public safety for similar confined space visual examination.

As discussed above, modern plumbing technology is now light years from where it was only two decades ago. And in-line pipe inspections allow far better repair performance as well as saving consumers thousands of dollars from unnecessary repairs. In comparison to how things used to be done, it would be foolhardy to attempt any sewer line repair today without a camera inspection first.

Call MillTown today and get your sewer camera inspection!

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By Milltown Plumbing

The Importance of Maintaining Your Sump Pumps

The Importance of Maintaining Your Sump Pumps

  • Heating
sump pumps

Rain or snow, there’s one appliance that needs constant maintenance, and that’s your sump pump. Hidden in your basement, it’s easy to forget about the appliance that keeps your basement dry and flood free. A poorly maintained sump pump, however, could mean thousands of dollars in water damage. No homeowner wants to deal with a soggy basement, and luckily you don’t have to.

Knowing the Warning Signs

A good place to start is to know when something is wrong with your sump pump. Your home’s plumbing equipment is complicated, and your sump pump has many parts that are susceptible to damage. There are several reasons as to why your sump pump isn’t working the way it should be, if at all. The good news is that there are plenty of warning signs as well. If you suspect something is wrong with your sump pump, here are a few signs to watch for.

  • Strange noises. A low hum is a normal sound, but if you start hearing any screeching, squealing, or grinding, there could be a mechanical problem with the sump pump. Loud rattling or grinding usually indicates a jammed or damaged impeller. If you think the loud noises are coming from your sump pump, a plumber can help determine what the problem is.
  • It won’t turn on. If the sump pump doesn’t seem to be turning on, it could be an issue with the float switch. If it’s a tethered switch, it could simply be stuck, preventing the sump pump from sensing when it’s full of water. If repairing or replacing the float switch doesn’t solve the problem, it could be time to replace your sump pump.
  • The pump runs constantly. If it seems like your sump pump is cycling constantly, it could be a problem of size. The wrong sized sump pump means it’s constantly overwhelmed with water, and not fit to keep your basement dry. Depending on how much rain you receive throughout the year, you may need to upgrade your current sump pump. Battery backup sump pumps are also available in case of a power outage, and in some rare instances, you might want to install an additional sump pump.
  • Foul odors. One of the clearest signs of a damaged sump pump is if you start to smell foul odors coming out of your basement. Funky smells in your basement usually indicate that there’s stagnant water inside the tank, and the sump pump isn’t functioning properly.
  • Excessive vibrating. Occasionally your sump pump will suck in hard debris which can dent the impeller fan. The impeller works like a propeller, sucking in any excess water. A damaged impeller causes the entire sump pump to vibrate and will need to be replaced entirely.
  • Visible rust. Naturally, rust can happen when an appliance is working with running water, but it’s problematic if you start seeing visible rust on your sump pump. Rust can either be from a corroded battery or bacteria that can be harmful to your health and clog your plumbing.

How to Maintain Sump Pumps

Properly maintaining your sump pump involves more than fixing a problem whenever one comes up. In fact, most sump pump problems can be easily avoided with some simple maintenance. No homeowner wants to deal with a busted sump pump, and luckily you don’t have to. Here are a few easy tasks you can do to keep your sump pump working properly.

  • Clean the sump pump. It’s important to clean your sump pump at least every 3-4 months, to keep it clear of obstructive debris that can clog your plumbing or damage the pump. A vinegar solution can be run through the sump pump to clear out any dirt or debris.
  • Check the float switch. The float switch is an important component of your sump pump as it senses when the tank is full and needs to empty the tank. Check the float switch and make sure it’s not restricted in any way.
  • Check the discharge line. Another important component is the discharge line, which relocates water away from the basement and foundation of your home. Make sure to keep your discharge line clear and covered, as it can get clogged with debris or freeze in the winter season. 
  • Test the sump pump. An easy way to ensure your sump pump is functional is to periodically test it. Simply dump a bucket of water into the sump until the float switch rises, and wait for it to turn on.
  • Check the power cord. Your sump pump relies on electricity to function, so it’s important to make sure it’s plugged in properly. If the power cord looks damaged, replace it immediately.

Nobody Wants a Flooded Basement

Flooding is any homeowner’s worst nightmare, especially when it’s usually an avoidable problem. Maintaining your sump pump keeps your basement dry, and foundation free from water damage. Sump pumps aren’t built to last forever, however, and can wear down over time. Whether you’re due for inspection or need a replacement, you’ll need the help of a licensed plumber. Keep your home dry, by calling a plumber today.

Call MillTown today and get your plumbing checkup this Spring!

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By Milltown Plumbing