When the drains in your Covina, CA home start to develop issues, it can lead to water damage and unpleasant odors. Clogged drains can also disrupt daily tasks, like washing dishes, doing laundry, or even showering. Drains play a crucial role in routing wastewater and solid waste away from your home, and when they’re clogged, slow-moving, or dirty, these problems can quickly escalate. Read on to discover the five most common drain issues in the area.
1. Mineral Buildup
Covina has hard water. Hard water has high concentrations of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals create buildups in wastewater pipes and drains. If you don’t schedule regular drain cleaning, they’ll eventually decrease the space that wastewater has to move through. Hard-water buildups can cause your drains to move slowly or stop moving at all. Treatments like hydro-jetting and rooter service will flush these and other buildups out and optimize your drains’ performance.
2. General Drain Debris and Biofilm
Hair, soap scum, grease, and food waste can accumulate in p-traps, pipes, and drains over time, creating blockages that restrict water flow. These buildups provide an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and viruses to thrive, eventually forming a slimy, foul-smelling layer called biofilm.
Biofilm is especially problematic because it offers a protective barrier for the germs within, making them more resistant to common cleaning agents like ammonia and chlorine bleach. As a result, heavy biofilm buildup in your drains increases the risk of exposure to harmful germs when using sinks or showers. This makes routine cleaning and maintenance essential to ensure a safe and hygienic environment in your home.
3. Unpleasant Drain Odors
Biofilm and trapped, rotting waste can cause foul smells in your sink and shower drains. If left unaddressed, these odors can spread throughout your home, eventually seeping into carpets, furniture, and fabrics.
Dirty drains also attract pests such as fruit flies, roaches, and drain flies. They are drawn to the moisture, warmth, and food residue present in pipes. These pests use drains as breeding grounds, leading to infestations. Keeping your drains clean can help prevent these unwanted guests from making your plumbing their new home.
4. Tree Root Encroachment
All the drains in your home eventually lead to your main sewer line. When this line develops a blockage, it can cause drainage issues throughout your home. One of the most common causes of sewer line issues in Covina is tree root encroachment.
Trees can extend tiny lateral roots that infiltrate sewer lines through small cracks and openings. Once inside, they absorb moisture and nutrients, growing rapidly and creating significant blockages that impede wastewater flow.
Older homes in Covina often have terracotta sewer pipes, which are prone to drying out and cracking over time due to their clay composition. These cracks create easy entry points for roots.
To avoid tree root encroachment, plant trees at least 10 feet away from your sewer line. If your sewer line is made from terracotta, consider replacing it with a more durable option.
If tree roots have already invaded your sewer line, a plumber using specialized equipment, such as a reaper nozzle while hydro-jetting, can clear the blockage. However, they will need to repair or replace any damaged pipe sections to prevent future root intrusion.
5. Whole-House Backups
Whole-house backups occur whenever wastewater cannot clear the sewer line. In addition to tree root encroachment, whole-house backups are also caused by offset or collapsed pipe sections, trapped waste, and heavy buildups of sediment.
The signs of an impending whole-house backup include:
- Gurgling or bubbling sounds coming from drains and toilets
- Slow drains
- Frequent clogs
- Sewer gas odors emitting from drains
How Often Should You Schedule Drain Cleaning Services?
It’s essential to schedule professional drain and sewer line maintenance to prevent drain issues and whole-house backups. Ideally, have your drains professionally cleaned once a year and arrange for a sewer line inspection and maintenance every 18 to 22 months. This proactive approach helps keep your plumbing system running smoothly and minimizes the risk of unexpected blockages and costly repairs.
Contact Your Local Experts
At Drain Doctor Plumbing & Rooter, we are a locally owned business that has been serving the residents of Covina, CA and the surrounding areas since 1996. We help homeowners in Covina maintain healthy, high-functioning plumbing systems. We offer top-notch plumbing, drain, and sewer services. Additionally, we can help with all your water heating and gas line needs. Contact us today to schedule a drain cleaning appointment with one of our experienced team members.
