If you find stagnant water in your drains, remove the visible blockage with a plunger or drain snake. If the problem persists, seek professional help from experienced plumbing companies. Here is more information about what to do if you notice standing water in your drains:
Evaluate the Problem
Start by inspecting the drain with standing water, determine the severity of the problem, and confirm whether other drains are affected. If several drains have clogs, it might mean that the main sewer line is blocked. This may cause water to back up in other drains on your property, including toilets, sinks, and showers. Some of the things to do after assessing the situation include:
- Use a pair of tongs or a similar tool to remove debris from your drains.
- If the debris is not visible, position a plunger over the drain opening and forcefully push it up and down to unclog small obstructions in the system.
- Flush the drain with running water to check if the problem has been resolved.
Use a Drain Snake
If the plunger does not get rid of the standing water, use a drain snake or a plumber’s auger to clear the block. Insert the snake into the drain then guide it down the pipe by turning the handle. This enables the tool to pass through the bends and curves of the plumbing system. Keep on turning the handle to break up or hold on to the obstruction. After pushing it through the clog, pull the snake back and discard any debris. Rinse the area with water to test if the drain is working.
Try Chemical Drain Cleaners
If the manual procedures don’t solve the problem, chemical drain cleaners are made of solvents that may unblock your drains. Pour the chemical into the drain as indicated and allow it to settle for a few minutes. Rinse the drain with hot water to help the cleaner dissolve the clog. Note that regular use of chemical cleaners may negatively impact your plumbing system and should be used sparingly. Wrongly using them can damage your pipes or cause health complications. Get help from a plumbing professional if you are unsure of the proper usage methods.
Seek Professional Help
If the above steps do not get rid of standing water in your drains, hire professionals from plumbing companies. A licensed plumber has the skills and tools to analyze and solve problems affecting drainage systems. They have advanced tools such as hydrojetting machines and video inspection cameras that can identify and eliminate an obstruction. The professionals can investigate the possible root cause of the blockage, such as pipe damage or root intrusion. Depending on the damage severity, they may also recommend repairs or a complete overhaul of the drainage system.
Explore Preventive Measures
Once your drains are fixed and in good condition, take preventive measures to prevent such an occurrence from happening again. These practices may include draining a specific section of the pipes regularly. Drain screens or guards will prevent debris from flowing into the pipes. Do not pour oil, grease, or coffee grounds down the kitchen sink or let hair get into your bathroom drains. You can maintain your plumbing system by hiring a professional to perform a routine check for signs of wear and tear and fix minor plumbing problems.
Hire Plumbing Companies Today
If you notice standing water in your drains, you can use a drain snake wire, plunger, and chemical to solve minor problems, and if the remedy does not work, a professional will help identify the problem and recommend a solution. Carrying out preventive measures may help avert future drain blockages. Consult plumbing companies to achieve a functioning draining system.
