Beware of Plumbing Blockages This Spring

Three Important Things To Know About Outdoor Clogged Pipes 

Outdoor pipe blockages can happen anytime, any place. But what exactly are they? Like how indoor appliances can get clogged (such as kitchen drains, faucets, and toilets), outdoor appliances can also get clogged. For instance, a pool pump might get clogged if too many leaves and debris get stuck in the filter. 

Thankfully, the best way to prevent underground pipe clogs is to know three basic things: what appliances these clogs affect, how these clogs happen, and how professionals clear clogs. 

What Types of Appliances Do Outdoor Clogs Affect?

• Sprinklers
• Swimming pools
• Hot tubs and jacuzzi 
• Fountains and other decorative fixtures 
• Outdoor showers 
• Hoses
• Faucets 
• Spigots 

One of the best ways to avoid outdoor clogs is to be vigilant. For instance, if a once-flowing fountain struggles to maintain a steady water supply, this could indicate a clog. Clogs do not fix themselves; they require immediate attention or risk causing further problems. 

How Do Outdoor Fixtures Get Clogged? 

Outdoor clogs happen the same way indoor clogs do. When blockages arise where they don’t belong, this can disrupt how water flows through a system. This can result in poor water pressure, higher-than-normal energy bills, and burst pipes in colder climates. 

Outdoor clogs can happen when: 

• Animals (such as rodents) get stuck in a pipe and die, obstructing water flow
• Mud gets inside a hose or faucet
• A pipe develops a leak, causing dirt and mud to seep in
• Water freezes inside of the pipe or water main

As noted, clogs don’t go away on their own. This makes it imperative for homeowners to know the signs of an outdoor clog. Signs include:

• Mold growing around a faucet or drain 
• Poor water pressure 
• Odors coming from a drain or faucet 
• Wet spots forming on the floor or ceiling 

Homeowners should avoid using drain cleaners to remove clogs. Using drain cleaner isn’t just unreliable; it could wear down the pipes’ metal over time, causing serious problems. 

How Do Plumbers Remove Outdoor Clogs?

A trained plumber will never use over-the-counter drain cleaners to remove a clog. To clear a pipe clog, a professional may: 

• A drain snake: A drain snake is a long flexible pole with a coil. Plumbers can use the crank at the end of the pole to wrap around hard-to-get-to clogs. 
• Manual applications: A plumber might remove a section of pipe and remove the clog by hand. For instance, if there’s an easily accessible clog (like one under the kitchen sink), this might be a feasible fix. 
• Hydro-jetting: Imagine a water pressure washer and the jet of water that comes out of it. Now, imagine taking that stream and positioning it directly into a drain. The force of the water would break down the clog or push it deeper into the system where it can be dissolved. 

About Chris Wilson Plumbing & Heating Repairs Inc

Homeowners in Seaside, California, know who to turn to for their home improvement needs. Whether one is dealing with an outdoor or indoor clog, these professionals have residents covered. Interested parties can call today for drain cleaning!

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