Plumbing issues are every homeowner’s nightmare, especially when they lead to emergencies like burst pipes or sewer backups. The reality is, most plumbing issues don’t occur overnight. Seeing and understanding what is going on with your drains before there is a major issue allows you to identify any potential problems before they become serious emergencies.
Calgary residents face specific challenges that can contribute to plumbing problems:
- Many homes in Calgary were built with Poly B pipes, which are prone to cracking and failure due to factors like cold temperatures and chlorine in the water.
- Calgary’s water is considered hard, meaning it has a high concentration of calcium and magnesium. This can cause mineral buildup and corrosion within plumbing fixtures.
- Calgary’s cold winters can exacerbate plumbing problems by freezing pipes and causing them to crack.
While the city is working to address these challenges and improve its infrastructure, homeowners need to be aware of the potential issues and take proactive steps to maintain their drainage systems.
Regular drain inspections are crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient plumbing system. In this post, we’ll examine a few signs that your Calgary drain needs an inspection.
What is a Drain Inspection?
All the drains in your home lead to at least one main underground sewer line. This sewer line collects the wastewater from your home and carries it to the municipal system or septic tank. A drain inspection is a thorough check of your home’s drainage system. A professional drain inspection involves specialized tools, such as a camera attached to a long, 200-foot semi-rigid line, which runs down your plumbing system. This allows your plumber to get a detailed look at your entire drainage system, addressing any minor issues before they escalate into major plumbing emergencies.
Signs Your Drain Needs an Inspection
Several signs may indicate your drains need an inspection, including:
- Slow Drainage – Slow drains are a common plumbing issue, but it doesn’t mean you should ignore them. If you notice that water is draining slowly from your sinks, bathtubs, or showers, it could be a sign of debris or a clog in one of your drain pipes. You can remove minor clogs with a drain snake, plunger, or a solution made from baking soda and vinegar. Use chemical drain cleaners sparingly, as they can damage your pipes and lead to bigger issues in the long run. Suppose the slow draining is evident throughout your home. In that case, the problem is likely in the sewer line—this is when professional drain cleaning services can help resolve the issue safely and effectively.
- Bad Smells – Unpleasant odors coming from your drains can signify a blockage in your plumbing system. Broken sewer lines have a strong odor, like sulfur or rotten eggs, that may come from your yard. If you suspect damage to your drainage system or sewer line, call a professional plumber right away.
- Frequent Clogs – Even minor clogs can lead to burst pipes, water damage, or sewer backups, and recurring clogs often indicate that your pipes are damaged in some way. Suppose you frequently encounter clogs in your drains. In that case, it may indicate a larger issue with the drain pipes or sewer line, making sewer drain cleaning a crucial step in identifying and resolving the problem before it escalates.
- Gurgling Sounds – Gurgling, bubbling, or other unusual noises coming from your drains or toilet can indicate a blockage or an issue with the main sewer line.
- Standing Water – Standing water can be caused by hair, soap scum, mineral buildup, or other debris. It can also be a sign of more serious plumbing issues like sewer line blockages or pipe damage.
- Water Backups – Water backing up in sinks, toilets, or bathtubs is a clear sign of a drainage problem and should be addressed right away. Wastewater from a sewer backup can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, leading to potential health risks as well as water damage to your property.
- Mold Growth – Mold that thrives in areas around your drains could indicate a damp environment caused by slow-draining or clogged pipes. In many cases, these point to the need for clogged drain repair to restore proper drainage and prevent moisture buildup. Mold and mildew can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues, so addressing the root cause quickly is essential.
- Pest Infestation – Pests like insects and rodents are drawn to moisture and food sources. If you’ve noticed these pets attracted to your drains, it could be a sign of a drainage issue in your system.
- Rising Water Bills – Unusually high water bills, without a noticeable increase in water usage, might indicate a leak or a problem within the plumbing system that needs to be inspected.
In Calgary, it’s generally recommended to have your drains inspected at least once a year. Regular drain inspections help ensure that your drains are functioning properly. By identifying and addressing potential issues early on, you can prevent costly, inconvenient repairs.
If it’s been a while since your last routine drain inspection, or if you’ve noticed any of the signs we’ve listed above, call us today at Mr. Mike’s Plumbing. We offer drain inspection, plumbing repair, and 24/7 emergency services.
