The Importance of Proper Drainage In Home Plumbing Systems
Ensuring healthy drainage should be a top priority when maintaining and caring for your plumbing system. Blockages, leaks, and issues with your drainage system can affect the functioning of your plumbing system.
So, why is proper drainage so crucial to home plumbing systems?
Keep reading as we discuss the function of your drainage system, what happens when you have drainage issues, and how to maintain your home plumbing drainage system. If you need advice or assistance for your plumbing system, you can always rely on Caldwell Plumbing – our reliable plumbers have years of experience in the Durham region.
What Is A Drainage System?
Your home plumbing system can only operate efficiently if the wastewater is disposed of properly. A drainage system can dispose of different types of waste – from rainwater to sewage and wastewater from your home’s sinks and showers.
The primary function of your drainage system is to remove this waste without allowing sewage gases to make their way into your home. Sewage gases can be dangerous as they are highly combustible in large amounts, presenting a fire hazard.
When your home receives fresh water, it is outsourced from a water service or well and enters via piping structures. Each piping structure has a drain line to eliminate excess wastewater. The drain lines remove excess water using gravity and flow towards a sewer line that disposes the water to the correct channels.
Vent piping provides drainage for the air in your pipe systems, allowing sewer gases and other harmful substances out of the system.
Within your drainpipes, there are traps. Traps collect dirty water in your system while sealing it shut to prevent sewer gases from entering your home and plumbing system.
Common Issues With Your Drainage System
To help you understand the importance of maintaining your drainage system, below you’ll find a list of the most common issues you might encounter with your drainage system.
Clogging
Drain pipes are designed to let out wastewater, not hair or debris. So, if hair and debris make their way into your drainage system, it becomes necessary to remove a clog by snaking or flushing your drain.
This process should be performed regularly to ensure your drainage system is working properly. If your drain becomes clogged, wastewater could resurface in your sinks and showers. If you notice the water is not draining properly, this could indicate that your drainage system is clogged.
Sewer Line Breaks
When a sewer line cracks or breaks, it can have terrible consequences for your home plumbing system. Wastewater and sewage could back up, coming up through your drains. It is essential to contact a plumber if this happens, as they will need to locate the leak underground and dig up the pipe to replace the broken section.
Tips For Maintaining Your Drainage System
If you want to keep your drainage system functioning properly, there are some best practices and tips to remember.
Minimize Blockages
When using the facilities in your home, such as your kitchen sink, shower, and bathroom sinks, you should minimize drain blockages. Try and avoid food, debris, and objects making their way into your drainage system.
You can use bleach to clean your drainage pipes to reduce smells and break down any debris that makes its way into your drains.
For instance, after washing your dishes, it’s a good idea to use bleach or drain cleaner to break down any stray food in your drain. This will stop any smells from making their way back into your kitchen, too.
Snake Your Drains Regularly
You should snake your drains about once a year to ensure they function optimally. If you don’t do this, hair and debris can cause drain clogging.
You can use a drain snake to clear blockages if your system becomes clogged. However, performing this process regularly will reduce the potential for clogging. If you have a lot of hair, it might be necessary to perform this process even more frequently.
Dispose Of Fats Properly
You should never pour fats and oils down your drain. If you pour hot oil into your drainage system, this could cause severe damage. Fats do not blend with water, meaning they can stick in areas within your drain system, causing severe, difficult-to-remove blockages.
Choose Caldwell Plumbing To Ensure Proper Drainage in Your Property
Drainage is one of the most important aspects of home plumbing. It’s important to understand how to maintain your home plumbing system and prevent blockages, as this will reduce the likelihood of wastewater backup in your home – which can be very inconvenient.
If you need advice on maintaining your plumbing system or encounter any issues with your home’s drainage, you can count on our expert team at Caldwell Plumbing. Contact us today for reliable, honest, and exceptional plumbing services in the Durham Region.
