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All About Outdoor Plumbing Clogs

Man looking in a sewer
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Plumbers in Rancho, Cucamonga, CA, share what homeowners should know about clogs in the plumbing.

Everything to Know About Outdoor Clogs

Plumbing clogs in the outdoor, underground piping are more than just a nuisance. If neglected, these blockages can cause backups, burst pipes, flooding, and property damage, so they should be addressed as soon as possible. This blog will share all about these outdoor blockages, including warning signs, common causes, and how plumbers get rid of them.  

Signs to Help Homeowners Detect Clogs

Outdoor plumbing consists of a complex system of piping that transports clean and dirty water separately. Since the inside of these pipes is not visible, clogs can be identified by certain warning signs instead. The smell of sewage and gurgling sounds are a few obvious signs of a clog. Sewage smells can be found in the bathrooms but are often noticed throughout the home or yard.

If drains are backed-up or drain slowly, this can indicate a blockage in the sewer line. Underground blockages can cause drainage issues in sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets. Since the plumbing system has multiple drains that flow into a main sewer line, there is likely to be more than one drain affected simultaneously when the clog is in the sewer line. If only one drain is affected, the clog is likely closer to the drain. If homeowners notice these signs, they should call a plumber for drain cleaning.

How Do the Clogs Occur?

To prevent outdoor plumbing clogs, knowing how they form is essential. Pipes can get clogged for various reasons, such as a buildup of debris, like dirt, grease, food scraps, hair, and other materials, or tree roots growing into pipes. Clogs tend to form in sections of the pipe that are curved because materials may become stuck or accumulate there. This buildup restricts or blocks water flow and eventually leads to clogs.

Water and nutrients inside the underground piping can also attract strong tree roots several feet away. Once the roots have found their way into a line, they will continue to grow inside the pipes, forming a blockage and restricting water and sewage flow. Homeowners should never put grease, food scraps, hair, and anything other than toilet paper down a home’s drains and toilets to help avoid clogs from these causes. Additionally, root barriers or planting trees far from the outdoor piping can help prevent tree root intrusion.

How to Get Rid of Outdoor Blockages

Drain snaking and hydro jetting are two drain cleaning services that a plumber can provide to clear pipes of clogs. A drain snake or plumber’s snake is a long, metal cable with a coiled spring at the end used to break up blockages. Depending on the type, some plumbing snakes may have a drill attached at the end.

Hydro jetting, on the other hand, uses highly pressurized water to blast away blockages and any other debris inside the pipes. Because the water is so powerful, it can also dissolve grease and buildup on pipe walls that can build into clogs in the future. When plumbers inspect the lines for a clog, they can determine the most effective solution for the blockage.

About Rooter 66 Plumbing Inc.

Rooter 66 Plumbing is a family-owned and operated company serving Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding areas. They provide honest, competitive pricing, extended hours, and thorough communication. Call them today for drain cleaning services in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.