Drain Repair & Replacement

Functional drains are an important part of your home. Without them, you may deal with problems disposing of wastewater and maintaining a safe and hygienic space. Over time, your drains may even suffer from wear and tear, resulting in severe blockages, leaks, and other issues. Understanding the most common causes of drain problems is essential for determining whether drain repair or replacement is a better way to treat your drainage system. 

Identifying Drain Problems

The first step in addressing drain problems is recognizing the signs of a deteriorating or damaged drainage system. These signs can appear in a variety of ways, depending on the drain and its location. Some of the signs of a drain problem include the following: 

• Slow Draining: If your sink, shower, or bathtub is draining slowly, this may indicate a partial or complete blockage. This blockage can be due to accumulated debris, mineral buildup, or tree roots invading your drain pipes. 
• Unpleasant Smells: Offensive smells coming from your drain may suggest the presence of materials trapped in the pipe, leading to bacterial growth. These smells may be particularly apparent around your kitchen sink. 
• Pooling Water: Standing water around drains or in your yard can signal a drainage problem. This drainage problem may be due to a blockage, damaged pipes, or poor drainage design. 
• Gurgling Sounds: Strange gurgling or bubbling noises when water is draining may be a sign of a venting problem in your plumbing system. This venting problem can affect the efficiency of your drainage system. 
• Backups: The most severe drain problem is a complete backup, where wastewater overflows from your sinks, toilets, and floor drains. This is a sign of a significant blockage or broken pipes.

Drain Repair

Once you’ve identified your drain problem, the repair process should be tailored to your problem’s severity and type. For minor problems, a DIY solution like plungers or drain snakes can often suffice. However, it is important to avoid overly abrasive chemicals, as they can do more harm to your plumbing system. 

If the blockage is more severe, it is best to hire a professional to perform a drain repair. When assessing the drain problem, your plumbing professional may recommend hydro-jetting, a high-pressure water jetting method that effectively removes clogs and cleans the inside of your pipes.

Some other drain repair services include repairing leaks and replacing damaged sections of pipes. This may require cutting into walls or floors to access the pipes, making professional expertise essential. Gurgling sounds or slow draining can sometimes be resolved by addressing venting problems.

In situations where tree roots invade underground pipes, particularly in older homes, specialized equipment like root cutters may be used to safely remove the intruding roots without harming the pipes. No matter what drain repair service you require, calling a professional for help is always your best course of action. 

Drain Replacement

While drain repair might help you temporarily, you may find yourself dealing with recurring problems. Some drain damage is too severe for a drain repair service and instead requires more intricate drain replacement. Several common problems may prompt drain replacement. 

In some cases, drain pipes suffer extensive damage, such as corrosion, cracks, or complete collapse. Making repairs to these pipes typically only offers temporary relief. It is much more cost-efficient and reliable to replace the damaged sections or the entire drainage system, ensuring your system works well in the long term. 

Aging infrastructure may also require replacement. Older homes frequently have drainage systems constructed of outdated materials like cast iron or galvanized steel. As time takes its toll, these materials deteriorate, leading to a reduction in system efficiency and reliability. In these situations, it is best to think of replacement as a long-term investment in your home, preserving the functionality of your drainage system. 

If you’re dealing with persistent problems, replacement is often your most efficient solution. By scheduling a drain repair replacement with your plumbing professional, you can improve the efficiency of your drainage system and bid farewell to backups, pooling water, and lingering odors.

Benefits of Well-Functioning Drains

There are many benefits to well-functioning drains in your home, including the following:

• Prevent Water Damage: With well-functioning drains, you can prevent water from accumulating where it shouldn’t, reducing the risk of water damage to your home.
• Health and Hygiene: Effective drainage keeps wastewater from lingering in your living space, keeping your home a hygienic environment.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your drain system is in good condition provides peace of mind, knowing you won’t unexpectedly deal with a plumbing emergency. 
• Cost Saving: Regular maintenance and repairs can prevent more extensive and costly issues. Investing in your drains can save you money in the long run. 

Choosing the Right Services for Your Home

Choosing the right service for your home can be incredibly difficult without the help of professionals. Our team at Drain X in Northern Utah can help you determine whether drain repair or replacement is a better fit for your home. If you’re dealing with persistent drainage problems and you aren’t sure how to address them, reach out to our team today.