Routine Maintenance for Drain Tile in Vancouver Homes

During spring thaw, accumulated snow could melt at an alarming rate. Combined with the amount of rainfall experienced at this time of the year, faulty drain tile in Vancouver can cause long-term damage to a building’s structure from the ensuing floods. Water seepage also causes houses to be chronically wet, which increases the risk for respiratory diseases and allergy from fungus spores. Frequent flooding also depreciates property value.

The drain tile is the most important component of a subsurface drainage system. This specialized pipe is more popularly known as a French drain or weeping tile. This is metal or plastic perforated piping meant to be installed underground along the perimeter of a building to direct storm water away from the footings and foundations of homes.

How to diagnose a clogged drain tile

Check the walls of the basement for moist or wet spots. This could be a sign that the drain tile needs to be cleaned. It is common for roots, soil, and debris to get into the drain tile through the gaps in its perforated surface.

To determine whether or not the water seepage is caused by a blocked drain tile, look at which part of the foundation is wet. Dampness at the lower part of the foundation will move up through the floor to the walls. Anything higher than that indicates a grading or downspout problem.

Unclogging a Drain Tile

Trained plumbers like those at Milani Plumbing, Drainage, & Heating, may use a sewer snake to unclog a drain tile. This tool is a flexible cable that has a rotating blade at one end. When the contraption is threaded into a pipe and rotated, the blade can gouge through debris that might be clogging the passage. It is inserted into a water collection point while water at high pressure is used to flush out the bits of debris pushed out by the rotating augur. Pipes that are too clogged or damaged to be cleared out with a sewer snake may need to be dug up and replaced.

Just as late autumn or early winter is the right time to have the heating in your Langley home looked at and calibrated, spring’s one of the best times to put your drainage system through a routine check-up. Having a professional conduct regular maintenance on your home can help you avoid costly repairs and save you from many a major headache.

Gurgle, Gurgle, Toilet, and Trouble: Signs of Clogged Sewer Lines and Drainage in North Vancouver Homes

Your home’s plumbing and sewer lines are silent servants that continue to do their job despite their near invisibility. However, when trouble arises and the pipes give way to natural deterioration due to years of servitude, you’re sure to feel their presence and appreciate the importance of keeping them clog-free. Hence, take note of the following early signs of problems in sewer systems and drainage in North Vancouver homes, to ensure that you know when to call in professional plumbers from established companies like Milani Plumbing, Drainage & Heating.

Slow-running or backed-up fixtures

Dysfunctional drains that don’t do their job well are the primary sign of plumbing issues. Slow draining in your sinks, tubs, and toilets can be indicative of drain or vent system blockage or a failing septic system. Also remember that when you notice water or sewage backing up in your drains, avoid using any of your plumbing fixtures until the stoppage is cleared out.

Drains that make gurgling noises

As mentioned above, your home’s drainage system should ideally be “silent” – unless it’s actually calling out for help. Clogged drains and sewer lines will try to catch your attention by making “glub glub” or gurgling sounds. Such noises are often brought about by defects or blockage in the vents. To be sure, it’s best to bring in a skilled professional to inspect your home’s plumbing.

Unusual reactions when using fixtures

When you flush your toilet or pour water onto your sink, you expect the water to go down. But, clogs in the sewer drain or pipes can make your plumbing fixtures act strange. For example, every time you flush the toilet, water backs up in the shower or tub drains. You should also know that water levels in the toilet bowl must not rise and fall or overflow.

Sewage odor inside or around your house

It seems that you won’t only hear and see signs of a clogged drainage line, but also smell it – especially when the problem has reached your sewer systems. Unpleasant smells emanating from your drains require immediate attention. Waiting too long can lead to irreparable damage and costly replacements.

Once you notice the signs of trouble stated above, you should call for plumbing services in Vancouver without delay. Your home’s drainage and sewer systems may be out of your sight, but they should never be far from your mind.