clogged drain Archives - Fort Myers-Naples HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical Services

Clogged Drains? When To Call a Professional

Sharique Khan on August 16, 2023

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve had to deal with a clogged drain at least once. Dealing with plumbing issues can be daunting and you may be wondering when you should turn to a professional for help with drain clearing. We’ll unclog the confusion and help you determine when it’s time to enlist the help of a professional drain clearing service.

Common Drain Issues

When it comes to dealing with drain issues, it’s important to have an understanding of the common drain issues that homeowners face. By familiarizing yourself with these issues, you can better assess whether or not you need to call a professional for help.

Clogged drains

One of the most common drain issues is a clogged drain. This can occur in any drain in your home, including sinks, showers, and toilets. Clogs are often caused by a buildup of debris, such as hair, soap scum, and food particles.

Slow drains

Another common issue is slow drainage. If you notice that water is taking longer than usual to drain from your sinks or showers, it could be a sign of a clog or a blockage in your pipes.

Bad odors in drains

Additionally, foul odors coming from your drains can indicate a sewer line blockage or a buildup of debris. These issues not only cause unpleasant smells but can also lead to more serious plumbing problems if left untreated.

By understanding these common drain issues, you can better determine when it’s time to call a professional for drain clearing.

Signs You Need a Professional

If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog or recurring drain issues, it’s important to know when it’s time to call a professional for help. While some minor clogs can be cleared with DIY methods, there are certain signs that indicate you need the expertise of a professional drain clearing service.

One clear sign is when your drains are consistently clogging despite your attempts to clear them. This could indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as a blocked or damaged pipe.

Another sign is if you’re experiencing multiple clogs in different drains throughout your home. This could indicate a larger problem in your plumbing system that requires professional attention.

If you’ve tried DIY methods and they haven’t resolved the issue, it’s time to call in the professionals. Remember, professional drain maintenance is crucial for preventing future issues and ensuring your plumbing system is running smoothly.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the plumbing professionals at Best Home Services if you’re experiencing any of these signs. We have the expertise and tools to effectively diagnose and resolve your drain problems, saving you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Give us a call at 239-420-7647, or schedule an appointment online.

Reasons to Hire a Professional for Drain Clearing

When it comes to drain clearing, hiring a professional is the smartest decision you can make. Here are a few key reasons why you should hire a professional for your drain clearing needs.

1. Expertise and Knowledge: Professionals have the necessary experience and expertise to accurately diagnose and resolve drain issues. They understand the complexities of plumbing systems and can quickly identify the underlying cause of clogs or blockages. With their knowledge, they can determine the most effective solution to clear your drains and prevent future issues.

2. Preventive Maintenance: Regular professional drain maintenance is crucial for preventing future drain issues. By scheduling routine inspections and cleanings with a professional, you can catch potential clogs or buildups before they become major problems. This proactive approach can save you from costly repairs down the line and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

3. Specialized Tools and Techniques: Some clogs are simply too stubborn for DIY methods to handle. Professionals have access to specialized tools and techniques that are specifically designed to clear tough clogs and blockages. These tools and techniques ensure that your drains are fully restored and functioning properly.

4. Peace of Mind: Hiring a professional for drain clearing gives you peace of mind. You can trust that the job will be done safely and efficiently, without causing any further damage to your plumbing system. Professionals are trained to handle these situations and will take all necessary precautions to protect your home.

So, if you’re dealing with a stubborn clog or recurring drain issues, don’t hesitate to call Best Home Services at 239-420-7647 to take care of your home plumbing issues.

Choosing the Right Professional for Your Drain Clearing Needs

When it comes to choosing the right professional for your drain clearing needs, it’s important to do your research and find someone who is experienced and reputable. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Qualifications and Licenses: Make sure the professional you hire is properly licensed and certified. This ensures that they have the necessary training and knowledge to handle your drain clearing needs.

2. Reputation and Reviews: Take the time to read reviews and testimonials from previous customers. Look for professionals who have a strong reputation for providing quality service and customer satisfaction.

3. Pricing and Estimates: Get multiple quotes from different professionals to ensure you are getting a fair price for the services you need. Be wary of professionals who offer extremely low prices, as this could be a red flag for subpar service.

4. Insurance and Guarantees: Ask if the professional has insurance coverage in case of any damages that may occur during the drain clearing process. Additionally, inquire about any guarantees or warranties they offer on their work to ensure you are protected in case any issues arise in the future.

5. Availability and Response Time: Consider the availability and response time of the professional. Plumbing issues can often be urgent, so it’s important to find someone who can respond quickly to your needs.

Remember, it’s always better to be proactive and address plumbing issues sooner rather than later to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Best Home Services. Give us a call at 239-420-7647, or schedule an appointment online. We’re always here to help you!

Signs You Need a Drain Clearing Service

Sharique Khan on July 31, 2023

Despite your best efforts to keep your home’s plumbing system in perfect shape, clogs can still sneak up on you. You might be using a shower drain filter, avoiding disposing of oil in the sink, and ensuring that no non-flushable items go down the toilet. Yet, occasionally, a stubborn clog will form, disrupting the smooth operation of your drainage system.

Understanding when to seek professional help is crucial to prevent minor annoyances from turning into significant problems. So, in this blog post, we’ll guide you through the signs that your home needs a drain-clearing service.

Key Takeaways:

Sluggish drains can be a clear indication of a clog forming.
Unpleasant odors from your drains may signify a bigger issue.
The frequent need for plunging shows an underlying problem.
Water backup is a serious sign that you need professional drain-clearing services.

Sluggish Drains

One of the earliest signs you might need a drain-clearing service is sluggish or slow drains. If your sink, shower, or bathtub is taking noticeably longer to drain, it might be the first indication of a clog forming.

Although minor blockages can sometimes be cleared with a plunger, persistent issues should be addressed by a professional to prevent further complications.

Unpleasant Odors

Unpleasant odors emanating from your drains are a telltale sign of an issue. This might be due to food debris, grease, or other waste materials accumulating in your drains, creating an environment ripe for bacterial growth.

If you notice a foul smell, it’s time to call a professional to thoroughly clean your pipes and remove the source of the odor.

Frequent Need for Plunging

If you find yourself frequently reaching for the plunger, it’s a sign of a deeper issue within your plumbing system. Regularly having to unclog drains can indicate that a larger obstruction is lurking in your pipes.

Water Backup

Water backup is a severe and unmistakable sign that you need your drains cleared. If water is coming back up out of your drains or toilet, you will likely have a significant blockage in your main sewer line.

If you don’t act fast, even small leaks can lead to damage to your property and create a health risk.

Frequent Clogs in Multiple Fixtures

Clogs that occur in multiple fixtures at the same time can be indicative of a problem in your main sewer line. If you find that your toilet, sink, and bathtub are all draining slowly or not at all, there’s likely a blockage somewhere in the main drain.

How to Prevent Clogs

Preventive measures can save you from dealing with stubborn clogs. Be mindful of what goes down your drains – avoid disposing of grease, food scraps, and non-flushable items in your sink or toilet.

Even soap scum and other buildup can cause your pipes to clog, especially in sinks & showers. At the first sign of low performance, you should consider scheduling regular drain cleaning services to maintain a smooth and efficient plumbing system.

When in Doubt, Call Best Home Services

Remember, drain issues are not just inconvenient—they can lead to larger, potentially damaging problems if not addressed promptly. Don’t wait until you’re dealing with a major blockage or backup!

At Best Home Services, we understand the importance of a well-functioning plumbing system and are committed to providing top-quality services. Our experienced 5-star rated team is ready to tackle any drain issue, big or small, ensuring your home’s plumbing is running smoothly.

Contact us today to schedule a drain clearing service, or to discover more about our comprehensive plumbing services.

Common Causes of Drain Clogs

Sharique Khan on March 25, 2022

Do you suspect you’re dealing with clogged drains and pipes in your home? If you answered yes, take some small solace in the knowledge that you’re certainly not alone: one of the most common problems that professional plumbers like those at Best Home Services deal with are drains that have become completely clogged.

Just because clogged drains are a typical occurrence, though, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take them seriously. Water that gets blocked up in your pipes due to a clogged drain can eventually cause you a whole slew of problems: flooded basements, reduced water pressure, and completely backed-up pipes are just a few that come to mind.

Doesn’t sound fun, right? We didn’t think so.

Luckily, there are plenty of tips you can follow to prevent the headaches that come with a clogged drain in your home. And for your convenience, the plumbing pros at Best Home Services have put together a list of the biggest tips to keep in mind to help you keep clogged pipes at bay for as long as possible.

If you’re a homeowner living in and around the Naples area, then read on to discover the most common causes of clogged drains and the best ways to prevent them!

Cause #1: Residue Left Behind by Soap

The bar of soap you use in the shower leaves behind a little bit of residue every time you use it. That residue more often than not finds its way into your drain. When this happens, nasty scum starts accumulating in your drain from soap residue that’s been left behind.

Now, we’re not saying that you need to stop using your soap bar in the shower. What we may be so bold to suggest, though, is that you find a different variety of bar soap to start using.

Although your preferred brand of bar soap may smell great and leave you feeling fresh and clean, it may also be contributing to a clogged shower drain. Lots of bar soaps build up a small film on your hands when you use it to clean yourself, and this same film often makes its way into your drain.

This film is responsible for the buildup of scum that we commonly see and tons of shower drains. If you know you’re dealing with a shower drain that seems like it’s getting clogged, chances are good that it’s because of the type of soap you use.

We recommend that you switch to liquid soap to prevent soap scum from clogging your shower drain and potentially causing your home’s plumbing pipes to clog. Liquid soap doesn’t create the same kind of thin film on your hands that bar soap does, and it doesn’t leave behind any gross scum in your shower drain, either. Plus, liquid soap doesn’t make the bottom of your shower floor slippery — no more cause for concern that you’ll slip and fall when getting in and out of the shower!

If you’re dead-set on sticking with a brand of bar soap you love, we suggest that you, at the very least, regularly clean your shower drain to reduce the risk of backed-up pipes. If you’re not sure how to do this yourself, the pros at Best Home Services are happy to lend a hand to keep water freely flowing through your drain!

Cause #2: Fats and Food Oil

We as U.S. homeowners are spoiled in that most of us have a garbage disposal readily available in our kitchens. Americans love using their garbage disposal, especially after they come home from work and don’t feel like washing lots of pots and pans after making dinner.

In fact, many of us often get rid of the waste left behind in the sink by simply dumping it all down the sink drain! After all, that’s much easier than putting your leftover bits of food and waste into the trash bag and throwing it out yourself.

But before you push the garbage disposal button and say goodbye to food leftover in the sink, you should know about the things you should NEVER dump down the drain. Always resist the urge to get rid of fats, greasy food, and oil left behind from your last meal by putting it down your garbage disposal. Dumping this stuff down the sink drain is simply asking to back up your water flow and cause problems with your plumbing.

Why is this the case, you may ask? Well, for starters, things like food oil, fats, and even bigger pieces of leftover food don’t get broken up properly by your garbage disposal. Instead, they either get lodged somewhere down your drain or harden completely and prevent your water from flowing normally. Be particularly careful about putting fats and oils down your drain since, once they’re down there, they’ll likely stay there permanently and never get broken up into smaller particles.

So, if you can’t dump your cooking oils and fats down the drain and get rid of them with your disposal, what do you do with them instead? Easy: throw them into a heat- and melt-proof container, let them harden, and then simply wipe down your container with a dry towel or cloth — don’t forget to throw all of that junk away afterward (NOT via your garbage disposal!)

Cause #3: Mud, Dirt, and Debris

Coming inside from a long day spent ankle deep in the dirt? Whether you’ve been playing sports, mowing your lawn, or simply taking a stroll along a nature path, you’re likely going to track dirt, debris, and mud inside your home. And where is all of that gunk going to go if you don’t wipe it off your shoes before hopping into the shower? You guessed it: right down the shower drain.

Always get into the habit of shaking off debris from your shoes after spending a lot of time outdoors. It’s impossible, of course, to get every last bit of dirt off of your feet before you head into the shower, but you can still do your best — otherwise, you’re eventually going to have a shower drain that’s full of mud and muck on your hands.

Keep in mind that when you track in mud after coming inside, you’re probably also bringing things like weeds and pebbles with you as well. Weeds and pebbles stick to the mud on your shoes, and they can sometimes find their way into your shower drain.

If these weeds and pebbles get into your drain, they’re probably going to lodge themselves in your pipes and cause your pipes to get backed up. Not only that, they can even cause damage to the inside of your plumbing pipes if they’re lodged for long enough.

If you think you’ve gotten pebbles and weeds lodged in your shower pipes after spending time outside, you may want to contact plumbing pros like those at Best Home Services to try and flush out your shower drain. Otherwise, it’s only a matter of time until all of the mud and dirt you’ve tracked into your shower causes you serious plumbing issues that can’t be fixed overnight.

Cause #4: Hair

Ah yes, hair — this cause for clogged drains is probably the one that most frequently comes to mind when talking about backed-up plumbing pipes. Hair that’s become tangled around a drain is one of the most common culprits responsible for backed-up plumbing pipes; thankfully, it’s also incredibly easy to prevent hair from clogging your drain.

If you or someone in your family has long or curly hair that’s likely to tangle itself around a drain, then we highly recommend that you invest in a drain cover to keep hair at bay. Drain covers are cheap, easy to find, and even easier to dispose of once they’ve gotten too dirty to keep using. You can purchase drain covers at your closest hardware store and get them set up around your drain in just a couple of minutes.

Already have a drain that’s got hair tangled around it? Consider purchasing a product such as Draino to clean out your drain and get rid of pesky hair that’s gotten all tangled up. If that doesn’t work and you still have a drain that’s clogged with hair, it’s a good idea to contact professional plumbers like those with Best Home Services to take care of the issue for you.

Cause #5: Toilet Paper

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention things that clog your toilet, too. It’s surprisingly common for too much toilet paper to clog up a toilet — a clogged toilet can’t flush very well, and a toilet that doesn’t flush very well leads to backed-up pipes and, of course, a toilet that’s overflowing without end!

An easy way to prevent clogged toilets due to toilet paper is to simply, well, use less toilet paper. Be more conservative when it comes to using toilet paper after you’ve done your duty in the bathroom and try to only flush as much as your toilet can reliably break down. Toilets can only break down so much toilet paper at a time, and if you try to flush too much paper at once, your toilet paper will clump up and get lodged inside of your toilet.

Still Experiencing Drain Problems? The Team at Best Home Services Is Here to Help

Although we haven’t listed every cause for a clogged drain, we’ve tried to cover the most common causes we see on a day-to-day basis. So, if you’re still experiencing problems with a clogged drain, it may be time to contact a team of professionals.

Are you still experiencing clogged drains in your home? If you’re living in or around Naples, Florida, the plumbing pros at Best Home Services are ready to put their more than 40 years of experience to work for you. We’ll inspect the drains in your home to quickly get to the bottom of what’s causing your problems and offer solutions to your issues.

Need to schedule an appointment with us or learn more about how we can help? Give us a call today at (833) 263-3097!

Plumbing Leak Prevention at Home: Our Tips

Sharique Khan on February 18, 2022

That little leak you’ve been neglecting can turn into a major issue! Water leaks can harm your plumbing, property, and yard in addition to increasing your utility costs. The good news? Many leaks can easily be prevented!

Here are some top tips from the plumbing team at Best Home Services on how to prevent these common household leaks, so you can ensure your home is protected and your plumbing system is working smoothly.

Identifying Common Leak Sources in Your Home

Most homeowners don’t realize that the average household’s leaks waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually. That’s enough to wash 300 loads of laundry! Understanding where leaks commonly occur is the first step to preventing them.

Washing Machine Leaks

Because your washing machine uses so much water, it is prone to leaks if not maintained. The hoses connecting your washing machine to water supply lines are particularly vulnerable. These rubber hoses deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to constant water pressure.

To prevent a leaky washing machine, replace hoses every five years and check the connections annually. Look for signs of bulging, cracking, or brittleness in the rubber. Consider upgrading to stainless steel braided hoses, which are more durable and less likely to burst under pressure.

HVAC System Leaks

When your air conditioning system works properly, moisture should be removed from the air conditioner by the drain pipe. If you have an air conditioner in your attic and notice wetness on your ceiling, it likely means the condensation line is blocked or the pan is full.

Drain line clogs are usually caused by dirt, algae, dust, and similar debris. The best way to prevent leaks from your HVAC system is to have it inspected and cleaned every year by a professional HVAC technician from Best Home Services. Remember, proactive maintenance also includes changing the air filter every 30-60 days.

Preventing Drain and Pipe Leaks

If your kitchen or bathroom sinks are clogged or leaking, it can cause serious property damage in your home. Clogs put excessive pressure on pipes and joints, leading to leaks at weak points.

To prevent these issues, be mindful of what goes down your drains. Don’t pour grease, coffee grounds, rice, pasta, or other food waste down your drains as they can harden and clog your pipes, putting stress on your entire plumbing system.

If your drains and pipes are clogged, avoid using caustic drain cleaners that can damage pipes. Instead, try a plunger or call a professional plumber who can clear your drains using methods that won’t harm your plumbing.

Toilet Leak Prevention

Toilets can leak at the supply line, or they can overflow when clogged. To prevent such leaks, check the supply line yearly to ensure that your tank doesn’t need repair or adjustments. Look for signs of wear on the flexible hose connecting the toilet to your water supply.

If there is a leak at your toilet’s supply line, work quickly to prevent damage. Follow these steps:

Open the toilet’s tank lid
Close the flapper
Lift the ball
Shut off water at the wall stop
Call a plumber from Best Home Services to take a look

Dishwasher and Refrigerator Leaks

Since dishwasher and refrigerator pipes are located under and behind these appliances, leaks can often go unnoticed for years. To ensure everything is okay, routinely inspect underneath and behind both appliances.

Another way to detect a leak is to look for discoloration under your appliances. Water damage often appears as warping in wood floors or water stains on tile. A musty smell could also indicate a hidden leak. Make these quick checks part of your seasonal cleaning routine for good preventative plumbing maintenance.

More Essential Plumbing Leak Prevention Tips

To keep your plumbing system working properly and avoid costly water damage, follow these additional tips:

Don’t flush items down the toilet that should be thrown away in the garbage
Regularly check your plumbing for leaks, especially after season changes
Know where your main water shut-off valve is located
Install water leak detectors near high-risk appliances
Consider having annual professional plumbing inspections

Addressing small leaks promptly can save you from major water damage and expensive repairs down the road. Remember that even a small drip can waste thousands of gallons of water per year while slowly causing hidden damage to your home.

Managing Water Pressure and Water Quality to Reduce Leak Risk

Beyond just checking your appliances, managing your home’s water pressure and quality plays a huge role in preventing leaks. High water pressure might feel nice in the shower, but it puts constant strain on your pipes and connections. When water pressure exceeds 80 psi (pounds per square inch), it can damage your plumbing system over time.

Most homes should maintain water pressure between 40-60 psi for optimal performance and pipe longevity. You can test your water pressure with an inexpensive gauge that attaches to an outdoor spigot. If the reading is too high, consider installing a pressure regulator on your main water line to protect your entire plumbing system.

The Impact of Hard Water on Your Plumbing

Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium that can build up inside your pipes. These mineral deposits slowly narrow your pipes, reducing water flow and increasing pressure. Eventually, this can lead to pinhole leaks or even pipe failure.

Signs of hard water include spots on dishes, soap that doesn’t lather well, and a crusty white buildup around faucets. Installing a water softener can help prevent these issues by removing minerals before they damage your plumbing. While a softener is an investment, it’s typically cheaper than replacing damaged pipes and fixing water leaks.

Monitoring for Water Hammer and Pressure Spikes

Have you ever heard banging in your pipes when you shut off a faucet quickly? This is called water hammer, and it happens when flowing water suddenly stops, creating a pressure surge that can damage your pipes. These pressure spikes put stress on joints and connections, making them more likely to leak over time.

Water hammer arrestors can be installed at key points in your plumbing system to absorb these pressure surges and protect your pipes. They act like shock absorbers for your plumbing, reducing the stress that leads to leaks.

Watching for Signs of Corrosion

Municipal water often contains chemicals that help keep it safe but may gradually corrode certain pipe materials. If your water has a metallic taste or appears discolored (especially rusty), it could indicate pipe corrosion that might lead to leaks.

Check exposed pipes periodically for discoloration, flaking, or dimpling—all signs that your pipes are corroding from the inside out. Green stains on copper pipes indicate corrosion that needs attention before leaks develop.

Practicing Safe Drain Use to Prevent Blockages

Preventing drain clogs is an important part of leak prevention that many homeowners overlook. When drains clog, water pressure builds up behind the blockage, putting stress on pipe joints and seals where leaks commonly develop.

Kitchen drains are particularly vulnerable. Instead of pouring cooking grease down the drain, collect it in a container and throw it in the trash when it solidifies. Even liquefied grease will cool and harden in your pipes, catching other debris and creating stubborn clogs that are difficult to remove.

Coffee grounds, eggshells, rice, and pasta should also stay out of your drains. These foods expand or clump together when wet, creating blockages that strain your plumbing system. Scrape food waste into the trash or compost bin before washing dishes.

Avoiding Chemical Drain Cleaners

When you do have a clog, avoid using caustic chemical drain cleaners. These harsh chemicals can corrode your pipes over time, creating weak spots that eventually leak. Instead, try a plunger, drain snake, or enzymatic drain cleaner that uses bacteria to break down organic matter without damaging pipes.

For stubborn clogs, professional drain cleaning services like Best Home Services use methods like hydro jetting that clear blockages without harming your plumbing. The cost of professional drain cleaning is minimal compared to the expense of repairing water damage from a leaking pipe.

Protecting Your Plumbing System Long-Term

Installing mesh screens over drains in showers and sinks helps catch hair and debris before they enter your plumbing system. Empty these traps regularly to maintain good water flow and prevent clogs from forming.

Taking these proactive steps to manage water pressure, address water quality issues, and prevent drain clogs will significantly reduce your risk of plumbing leaks. Remember that most major plumbing problems start as minor issues that could have been prevented with regular maintenance and careful use of your plumbing system.

Don’t ignore plumbing problems. Fix them at the source with help from the professional plumbers at Best Home Services. Being proactive about leak prevention is one of the smartest investments you can make in home maintenance. Give Best Home Services a call or book an appointment online today.