Three Crucial Things About Hidden Clogged Pipes
Clogs can affect anything that supplies or transfers water. This means pool pumps, sprinklers, and even decorative fountains can suffer clogs. But what happens when there’s a clog in one of these appliances? Is it any different from a clog in the kitchen sink?
While indoor and outdoor clogs generally pose the same complications. Plumbers may apply different techniques to remove each. Here, homeowners can learn all about outdoor plumbing blockages, including how they can be fixed and avoided.
Outdoor Clogs Can Affect These Devices
- Low water pressure
- Water doesn’t come out of the faucet
- Foul odors coming from a drain or faucet
- Mold growing around the drain or faucet
That said, these issues can arise in:
- Pool pumps
- Sprinklers
- Fountains
- Outdoor showers
- Hot tubs
- Pools
- Jacuzzis
Clogs generally do not go away on their own. If a homeowner notices that a clog affects any of the appliances, they could consider consulting a professional.
Outdoor Clogs Can Happen in a Variety of Ways
Whether indoor or outdoors, Clogs have one thing in common: obstructions. The types of obstructions, however, are different. For instance, indoor clogs usually comprise grease, fat, and food residue. Outdoor clogs are generally:
- Leaves
- Insects
- Dead animals (such as rodents)
- Dirt
- Gravel
- Mud
- Rocks
- Plant sprouts
There are endless ways these items can make their way into a pipe or drain. The most important thing to know is that, when faced with an outdoor clog, there is help available.
How a Professional Will Remove Tough Clogs 
Homeowners should avoid drain cleaners at all costs. Prolonged could damage the entire plumbing system, leading to chronic problems and thousands of dollars in repairs. That’s because drain cleaners comprise corrosive chemicals that can eat away at pipes over time. The cleaners’ corrosive nature is what breaks down clogs.
That said, a skilled plumber will not rely on corrosive chemicals to break down tough clogs. First, they’ll likely turn off the home’s water main to prevent complications. Then, to remove the blockage, they may use:
- A drain snake: A drain snake is a long coil with a spring that wraps around and removes obstructions. Some drain snakes even come with cameras, allowing plumbers to get an up-close-and-personal look at an obstruction.
- Manual applications: A plumber may locate a clog using a device that employs soundwaves. Then, after finding the clog, they may remove the pipe itself to manually remove the blockage. A plumber will likely detach the pipe using an adjustable wrench.
- A hydro-jetting tool: Imagine a pressure washer. Now, imagine that pressure washer jet directed into a clogged pipe. That’s essentially what a hydro-jetting tool does. The pressure bursts through the obstruction break it apart and send it into the sewer main.
A plumber may employ other measures to clear a pipe clog.
About Drain Nerds
Drain Nerds has proudly served residents of Fort Myers, Florida, for years. These professionals offer 24/7 support, discounts, and reliable service. Homeowners experiencing outdoor drain clogs can call these professionals today for plumbing services.
