Archive for the ‘Drain and Sewer’ Category

This Holiday Season, Protect Your Plumbing System

Monday, October 18th, 2021

drain-with-water-going-downSure, the holiday season is still several weeks out. But it’s never too early to think about the health of your plumbing system! And something you should know, is that the holiday season is when we receive the most service calls for drain services in Southern Vermont. Wonder why?

Well for starters, homeowners like to cook big meals for the holidays, and don’t necessarily consider the limitations of their garbage disposal systems. Garbage disposals do make life so much more convenient. But you can’t really enjoy modern conveniences like this if you’re also dealing with clogged drains. We’re going to uncover how to avoid this problem as well as other problems that tend to come up around the holidays–with the potential influx of guests in your home–such as an overwhelmed water heater or clogged up bathroom plumbing. Read on to learn more about how to protect your plumbing system this holiday season!

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What’s Causing That Drain Clog?

Tuesday, December 17th, 2013

No plumbing problem is more common, or more of daily hassle, than a drain clog. Sometimes you can fix the problem with a basic sink plunger, and other times the clog will steadfastly refuse to go away. When that happens, you can call on a professional plumber to eliminate the trouble. Plumbers like those at HB Energy Solutions have seen every kind of clog imaginable, and they can get rid of the clog that’s stopped up your kitchen or bathroom drain. Call us for any plumbing service in Southern Vermont that you need done.

Here are some of the common causes of drain clogs:

Hair and soap scum

It’s almost impossible to prevent some hair and soap scum from getting into the drains of bathroom sinks and showers. A drain cap will help prevent excess build-up of both; without a cover of some kind, the hair and soap will start to build up in the p-trap (the curved section of pipe beneath the sink) and eventually create a complete clog.

Fat, grease, and oil

This is a common issue with kitchen sink drains. People often assume that liquid fat, grease, and oil are harmless when poured down drains, but this is untrue. Once these liquids dry, they turn into waxy solids that will rapidly begin to coat the inside of drain pipes and eventually lead to extremely difficult, heavy clogs. To avoid this problem, pour fat, grease, and oil into a can and deposit it in the trash.

Damage to the sewer line

The most serious reason for drain clogs is one that goes deeper than the drain pipe itself and originates in the sewer line that carries waste water from your home to the municipal sewer system. If the sewer lines sustains damage (often because of tree roots, landslides, or construction), it will start to back-up drainpipes around your home. If you notice clogs in numerous sinks, you need to have plumbers investigate the sewer line immediately; if not repaired, sewage could begin to flood into the lower parts of your home.

Some drain clogs are simple enough for you to break them apart using a plunger. If the plunger doesn’t work, then don’t turn to caustic and dangerous chemical cleaners: call for professional plumbers to assist. Plumbers can use advanced tools like mechanical drain snakes and hydro-jetters to clean out your drainpipes thoroughly. And if you have a sewer line problem, they can remedy that as well with pipe replacement.

Contact HB Energy Solutions for your professional plumbing service in Southern Vermont. We’re available 24/7.