Living in the desert brings many perks, but our local water supply is notoriously hard on residential plumbing. So when the water is lingering in the kitchen sink or takes forever out of the shower, it’s hard to take it seriously as a problem that needs fixing. Failure to pay attention to these warning signs can result in putting in place huge plumbing problems that cost thousands of dollars.
The Hidden Danger Of Hard Water Scale
The water in southern Nevada is rich in mineral salts, such as calcium and magnesium. This hard water deposits a rough mineral scale on the walls of the pipes as it passes through your plumbing. This scale will attract soap scum, loose hair, and food particles as much as a magnet. As time passes, the opening in your pipe becomes significantly smaller. Failure to act promptly to help a slow drain will cause the small accumulation to harden and form an impassable blockage. Calling a professional for drain cleaning las vegas at the first sign of a slowdown is the best way to strip away this scale.
Minor Clogs Create Major Pipe Pressure
Without the ability to move freely, sewage backup forces its way back into the waste lines, building up standing pressure within the lines. Constant pressure from retained water is the last thing your pipes and joints need, with water pressure being their top priority. This continuous stress can cause pipe joints to become loose and cause potential hidden leaks in your walls or under your concrete foundation. If you see major water damage in your drywall ceiling or bathroom floors are warped, the repair costs will be much more than a normal clean-up service.
Foul Odors And Indoor Health Concerns
Slow drains serve as breeding habitats for bad bacteria. In stagnant water within your pipes, organic material, such as hair, grease, and food waste, starts to rapidly decompose. This breaks down and releases unpleasant sewer odours which can creep back into your kitchen or bathroom. These persistent odours are very unpleasant to breathe in, and may produce mild headaches or nausea. Drainage must be able to move swiftly, so that you are able to safely remove all organic waste from your home.
Multiple Slow Drains Reveal Sewer Issues
If you see that your shower, bathroom sink, and kitchen sink are all clogged at the same time, the issue is probably not a clog. If this is the pattern, it’s likely that your main sewer line is blocked, and it’s probably serious. The city’s main pipe that runs from the house can become clogged by invasive tree roots, soil movement or a large grease plug. If this serious warning sign is ignored, raw sewage will eventually back up in your clean bathtubs and floors without warning.
Chemical Cleaners Often Make Things Worse
Most homeowners will automatically pick up a liquid, store-bought drain cleaner upon coming across a pool of water. These chemicals are tough and produce a lot of heat, which breaks through clogs fast. These chemicals are abrasive and can cause plastic pipes to warp and corrode older metal pipes, especially in a hot climate when pipes are already subject to the extremes of temperature and the stress of harsh minerals. Professional mechanical clearing using specialized cables or hydro jetting is much safer for your entire plumbing system and actually removes the root clog completely.
Conclusion
A slow drain is simply your plumbing system asking for immediate help. This will reduce the risk of pressure build-up in the pipes, stop the fumes from going astray, and keep you from having the absolute nightmare of a sudden and messy sewage backup. In addition to all the other issues that homeowners encounter in their area, extreme hard water scale is a specific problem that homeowners have to address on a regular basis, which is why drain maintenance is so important to home health. Do not wait for a minor annoyance to turn into a flooded bathroom or ruined kitchen floor. Be aware of exactly how your sinks and showers drain and engage a qualified expert immediately when they begin to drain slowly.