Drain and sewage problems can run the gamut from minor annoyances to full on disasters. The key is fixing the minor problems in your Waterford, MI home before the disasters happen. This is where Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can come to your rescue.

How it all works

Drains and drainpipes make up the drain system. It’s part of all the plumbing fixtures in the home. Sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, etc., all flow into the drain system which empties into the main sewer pipe. This carries the waste outside the house and connects to either a municipal sewer system or to a septic tank.

Common household drain problems

In most cases problems start small and get worse. Over time debris builds up on the walls of drainpipes causing dirt, grease, hair and soap scum to collect. Now it’s able to trap even more solid material. Fat and oils make things worse and suddenly you have a clogged drain or one that drains very slowly. For the most part, these are an annoyance that can be cleared either by the homeowner or a Kotz plumber.

Sewer pipe problems are another story

When the problem is in the sewage pipe carrying waste outside the home, things get much more serious. A clog can cause raw sewage to back up into the house, perhaps even spewing out of multiple drains at the same time. Whether you are on a sewer system or have a septic tank there are common problems that can have disastrous consequences.

• Clogs—Many times this happens because the wrong thing has been flushed down the toilet or put in the drains. The no/never/ever list includes:
  • Cooking grease & food
  • Tampons & sanitary napkins
  • Baby wipes & wet wipes (it doesn’t matter if the label says flushable, they aren’t)
  • Dental floss
  • Q-tips & cotton balls
  • Paper towels, napkins & facial tissues

Here’s something to live by when it comes to flushing things down the toilet: Number 1, number 2, and toilet tissue. That’s it. Nothing more.

Tree roots—If you used human terms to describe tree roots, stubborn and resilient are two words that fit perfectly. They can wrap around sewer pipes and literally drill through whatever is in their way. Once the root enters the pipe it traps anything solid and quickly plugs the line completely. 

Leaks—If there’s an area in your yard with oddly green grass it could mean there is a sewage leak going on. While more common on septic systems, it can happen to your sewage pipe as well. The wastewater could be saturating your yard. You might even find puddles or raw sewage on your lawn, which isn’t a good thing.

Call Kotz for help

Don’t procrastinate when you notice plumbing problems in your home. A slow drain isn’t going to fix itself and the problem is only going to get worse. Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has licensed plumbers who can fix minor problems before they cause major issues in your Oakland, County, MI home.