Pumpkin patches, cider mills, and the changing leaves are some of the many things our team at Universal Plumbing And Sewer loves about fall. With Halloween being less than a week away here, are three scary plumbing problems to get you in the spooky spirit.
1. Ghost Flushing
If your toilet flushes entirely on its own, your house could be haunted, but before you call the priest, you should know that it is most likely just a leak. Ghost flushing, more commonly known as phantom flushing, is caused by a leak in your toilet’s tank. This leak allows water to seep into the bowl, causing the toilet to flush when it gets too full. This problem is fixable by replacing the flapper, but if that doesn’t rid the ghost, call a professional because there could be a more significant issue at hand.
2. A Clog Could be Lurking in Your Pipes
A clog doesn’t sound that spooky, right? Well, have you ever thought about what’s in that clog? A clog is often composed of oil, fats, hair, soap scum, dirt, dead skin, and whatever else is thrown down your drain. Fortunately, most clogs are preventable. Here are a few tips and tricks to help prevent future clogs this fall:
a. Dispose of hair in the trash. Hair is one of the most common causes of clogs. When we shower, we can’t help the hair that falls out and down the drain but putting a screen over your shower drain can help prevent clogs. When you clean your hairbrush, it is better to do it over a trash can instead of your sink to avoid any loose hairs falling down the drain.
b. Dispose of oils and fats properly. When warm, fats and oils are in a liquid state that seems safe enough to pour down the drain, right? Wrong! Although the oils and fats seem safe for the drain, they are not. When oil and grease get colder, they become solid. These substances in solid form can and will clog your drains. Dispose of your grease by pouring them into an old can or another disposable container.
c. Flushable wipes and feminine products are never actually flushable. The truth is nothing but waste and toilet paper should be going down your toilet. Many people use flushable wipes and feminine products, but what everyone doesn’t know is that they can clog your drains. Although flushable wipes and feminine products typically fit through your pipes, they are not as biodegradable as most toilet paper is.
d. Pumpkin guts will clog your sink. Dispose of your pumpkin’s insides in the trash. The seeds and guts are not suitable for your disposal. The pumpkin guts may stick to the disposal blades and harden, causing a clog in the future.
3. Spooky Reasons to Call For a Plumber.
a. Gurgling sounds. Gurgling sounds when you use the toilet or run the dishwasher may be the first signs of a compromised or clogged drain.
b. Slow draining. If you find that your sinks or tub is draining slower than usual, it is best to call a professional to locate the clog’s source. Chemical drain cleaners are not the right call because they can deteriorate your pipes. They can also harm your plumber if you don’t disclose a chemical cleaner in your system before they begin working on them.
c. Frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage. Don’t wait to call a plumber. An easy way to tell you have frozen pipes is if your water won’t run. Don’t try to thaw the pipes yourself, or you could risk damaging your pipes or a burst. To prevent frozen pipes in the winter, leave your sink cabinet doors open and let your faucet drip cold water overnight.
For all your horrific plumbing problems, call Universal Plumbing and Sewer. We have been proudly serving the community since 2005. 1-(586)-979-4000