FAQ & TIPS
Clogged Drains
A: Once you get to a point where the water is backing up in multiple fixtures it means either the main sewer line from the house to the city sewer or septic tank has a blockage. Once these lines get filled, a small hand snake is ineffective. The same with chemical clog removers. You’re way past that point. Right now you are at the stage where you need a professional to solve your sewer problems.
A: Hot water will not work to remove grout. Unfortunately, concrete and grout are what we use to make larger sewer lines. Since grout sets up under water, you may have to get a licensed plumber with powerful sewer and drain cleaning technology to clear the line. If the line is plastic, you may be able to break up the grout and push it down to a larger line. But if your pipes are steel, then it may be impossible to get the grout out of the line, unless it is a very thin layer. If it is a lot of grout, it may break loose and go down and clog another line. Sometimes it’s necessary to break up floor drains and other lines.
A: You probably have a clogged drain and need to schedule a professional cleaning. These lines get clogged with grease, food particles and soap scum. Eventually the buildup is so thick that the internal diameter of the drain is reduced and water cannot pass quickly through the pipe.
Sewer Line Issues
A: Once you get to a point where the water is backing up in multiple fixtures it means either the main sewer line from the house to the city sewer or septic tank has a blockage. Once these lines get filled, a small hand snake is ineffective. The same with chemical clog removers. You’re way past that point. Right now you are at the stage where you need a professional to solve your sewer problems.
A: When you have run a main line cable down your drain and it is still backing up, it is time for a camera inspection. Many times when people rent sewer and drain cleaning equipment, they break through the clog, but don’t remove all of the roots. It takes an experienced technician to do a thorough job. The roots simply grow back again or fall back into place because they were just moved aside by the cleaning equipment and not cut out. Pipes need to have all of the roots scraped off of the full interior diameter of the pipe and pushed out to the sewer main. It is possible that the city sewer is backing up but not as likely as what I’ve described above. In addition, if you have roots in your piping, I would have a professional run a video inspection camera down your line and the two of you can examine the condition of the piping by looking at the video monitor. Many people resist paying the extra money for the camera inspection, but you will learn the exact condition of the piping, any damage caused by roots and how much longer your pipes will last. Just remember the sewer line in your yard is your responsibility, it doesn’t belong to the city.
A camera inspection will show you if the problem is inside the house or out in the yard. The camera will also measure the distance between clean-outs and even locate missing clean-outs you didn’t know were there. With a camera, you can see the vertical riser for a clean-out coming off the pipe and locate it exactly with the radio transmitter on the end of the camera head.
Leak & Water Line Problems
A: Yes! FixIt has specialized underground leak detection equipment that allows a service technician to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. Modern underground water leak detectors are sensitive and accurate – and allow our team to create repair your pipe as quickly and efficiently as possible.
A: Over time, galvanized pipes fill up with calcium and minerals, and there is no code-approved way to clear the line. Calcium and minerals are leeched out of the water and bond to the inside of galvanized pipe, it forms a rock-like substance. These minerals begin to choke off the inside of the pipe and slow the water down. As water slows down, more calcium is removed from the water. Eventually the inside diameter is reduced so much that water does not flow freely. The best solution to this drain problem is to replace the line with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, which will provide better pressure and will not accumulate calcium and minerals.
Winterizing and Freezing Protection
Pipes can freeze and even burst if a homeowner fails to keep water flowing through during the winter. Remove hoses from hose bibs before the freezing weather hits and close the shut-off valve leading to the outside faucet. Open the outside faucets to release residual water and close them before freezing temperatures. Inside, leave cabinet doors open during cold weather so the heat from the house can circulate to the pipes. A blow dryer or heat gun can be used to thaw pipes, but never use a blow torch.
If you live in a location with hard water, sediment can build up in your tank, causing rust to develop inside. This rust can then find itís way into your drinking, cooking and bathing water. If your hot water heater is already rusted or is too old, consider purchasing a new one before cold weather sets in.
Until warm weather arrives again, your best home plumbing practice is to disconnect, wrap up and pack away your garden hose. Leaving a hose outside in winter can cause water left inside to freeze and expand, freezing your faucets and connecting pipes as well.
If you have interior shut off valves leading to outdoor faucets, close them and drain the water from outside lines. Any water that remains in the lines and freezes could cause major damage.
Before cold weather hits, you will need to inspect and clean your sump pump and the pit in which it rests. When exposed to extreme cold, your pump can freeze, causing it to stop working.
If your sump pump malfunctions, water can enter your basement and cause flooding, especially when winter rains are in full swing. Do yourself a favor and inspect your pump and pit now to avoid massive flood damage and cleanup bills later.
Seal leaks around doors and windows to reduce cold air penetration.
Your water heater works harder during winter months. Flush it out and remove sediment buildup, which causes corrosion, shortens life span and reduces heating efficiency.
Clear leaves and debris from outside gutters and downspouts
This will ensure easy drainage when water freezes and thaws throughout the winter season.
Shut off the main water valve and drain the system
Do this if you are leaving home for extended periods: Open faucets at the highest and lowest points of the house.
Miscellaneous Tips
First try using the typical home remedy, The Plunger, with cleaning any clogged drain or toilet. An inexpensive tool, a majority of minor drain clogs can be cleared out with some instant plunger action.
Pour a brine solution (or very strong salt water) down any sink to eliminate odors. It is good for kitchen sinks because it keeps grease from building up in the drains after cleaning dishes from dinner.
Create you natural drain cleaner, with a half cup of baking soda poured into any drain followed by a half cup of vinegar and then some boiling hot water. The two ingredients react with one another to can get rid of any blockage without doing permanent damage to your pipes.
If, after a few attempts, these tips have not helped you to clear your drain of clogs, call FIXIT drain and leak experts to come and take over. Excess force on any drain can lead to permanent damage to your pipes and fixtures.
Run hot water down the drain, once a week to help keep it free-flowing.
Repair leaky faucets to avoid further damage to the fixtures and faucets.
Fit the tubs and showers with strainers that catch hair and soap chips. Clean the strainers regularly.
If the drain becomes slow or plugs, apply baking soda and vinegar mixture or an organic drain cleaner.
Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket: Do not flush facial tissue, cotton balls, make-up pads, sanitary products or diapers as they do not dissolve and can clog the lines. Keep a trash container in each bathroom and toss these items away.
Never put hard-to-grind, stringy or fibrous waste (poultry skins, carrots, celery or banana peels) into the garbage disposer.
Run cold water down the drain for 15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposer to flush waste through the line.
Don’t pour liquid grease down the drain. Wipe congealed grease from pots and pans with a paper towel and dispose of in the trash.
Run the washing machine only when it has a full load.
Inspect washing machine hoses for signs of wear: Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses. They last longer and are resistant to leaks and cracks.
Ensure that all drains have strainers to keep hair, soap and debris from entering and clogging the drain lines.
Use a strainer on your washing machine hose: Hardware stores have strainers specially designed to fit laundry hoses.
Ensure yard drains, gutters and downspouts are free of leaves and debris.
Remove leaves and debris from window wells.
Check for birds’ nests that may have been built in plumbing vent pipes, like the ones from the dryer to the outside.
Check all faucets and hose bibs to make sure water flows freely. If an outdoor faucet is barely dripping or if there is leakage the first time the hose is turned on, a pipe may have cracked and needs to be repaired.
Septic tanks should be inspected and pumped every three to five years to help prevent costly replacement of the filter field.
Don’t use excessive amounts of detergents, bleach or chemicals that may kill the natural bacteria in your septic system.
Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.
Leaky toilets consume more than 40% of your total water usage. Installation of a new toilet flapper and fill valve will keep your toilet running efficiently.
Conserve energy by checking the temperature setting on your water heater. It should not be above 120∞F or medium setting on older models.
Replacing an old shower head can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without sacrificing full spray action at low or high water pressures.
A leaky faucet that drips once per second can waste more than 8 gallons a day. That’s 3,000 gallons per year!
Clog Uncovered
Bathroom water leak warning signs
Who do We Serve ?
FIXIT is committed to answering any call for plumbing assistance, regardless of location or urgency, throughout Lebanon
Who do We Serve ?
FIXIT is committed to answering any call for plumbing assistance, regardless of location or urgency, throughout Lebanon
