Category: drain cleaning

5 Easy Drain Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners – McHales Plumbing

Mar 22, 2023

5 Easy Drain Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners – McHales Plumbing

  • drain cleaning
5 Easy Drain Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners - McHales Plumbing

If you’re a pet owner, you know that they can bring joy and love to your home, but they can also bring a lot of pet hair, debris, and other messes that can clog up your drains. Keeping your drains clean and free of blockages is important to prevent costly plumbing issues down the line. In this blog post, we will share 5 easy drain cleaning tips for pet owners that will help you maintain healthy and clean drains.

1. Use Non-Toxic Drain Cleaning Solutions

Pet owners should avoid using chemical drain cleaners as they can be toxic to pets and humans alike. Instead, opt for natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before flushing it down with hot water. This will not only clean your drain but also remove any bad odors.

2. Brush Your Pet Regularly

Regularly brushing your pet’s fur can help prevent hair from accumulating in your drains. Depending on the breed of your pet, you may need to brush them every day or once a week. Use a grooming tool that is appropriate for your pet’s fur type to avoid causing any irritation.

3. Clean Up Pet Waste Promptly

Pet urine and feces can cause blockages in your drains if they are not cleaned up promptly. Use pet-safe cleaning solutions to clean up any messes, and dispose of waste in the trash instead of flushing it down the toilet. Flushing pet waste can cause serious plumbing problems, especially if you have a septic system.

Pet waste can contain high levels of bacteria, which can cause corrosion and damage to the pipes. Over time, this can lead to leaks and blockages. Additionally, pet waste can cause foul odors to emanate from the drains, making it unpleasant for people to be around. If pet waste is flushed down the toilet, it can also cause problems in septic systems as it can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the tank. Therefore, it is important to clean up pet waste promptly and dispose of it in the trash to prevent clogs and plumbing problems.

4. Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning Maintenance

It’s important to schedule regular drain cleaning maintenance to prevent clogs from forming. Depending on the size and number of pets in your home, you may need to clean your drains more frequently than the average homeowner. Professional drain cleaning services can help ensure that your drains are clean and free of blockages.

5. Use a Drain Strainer

To prevent pet hair and debris from entering your drains in the first place, use a drain strainer or stopper. These are inexpensive and easy to install, and can save you a lot of time and money in the long run by preventing clogs from forming. You can find drain strainers at your local hardware store or online.

Easy Drain Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners

In conclusion, these easy drain cleaning tips for pet owners can help keep your drains clean and free of blockages. By using non-toxic drain cleaning solutions, brushing your pet regularly, cleaning up pet waste promptly, scheduling regular drain cleaning maintenance, and using a drain strainer, you can ensure that your drains are in good condition and prevent costly plumbing problems.

If you need professional drain cleaning feel free to call McHales for fast and efficient drain cleaning services.

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By McHales

Main Sewer Line Clog: 7 Reasons Why

Feb 16, 2023

Main Sewer Line Clog: 7 Reasons Why

  • drain cleaning
main sewer line clog inspection done by McHales

A main sewer line clog is a common plumbing issue that can cause major problems for homeowners. A clogged sewer line can lead to slow drains, backed-up toilets, and raw sewage in your yard. It’s essential to understand why your main sewer line is clogged so you can take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening again. 

Why Your Main Sewer Line is Clogged

1. Roots

The first reason your main sewer line may be clogged is due to roots from trees and shrubs. Roots are naturally attracted to the moisture and nutrients in your sewer line. Over time, roots can grow into the pipes. Once the roots get into the pipes, they can cause blockages and damage them, leading to leaks and other problems. To prevent roots from clogging your main sewer line, keep trees and shrubs trimmed and away from your sewer line. If you have a persistent root problem, you may need a professional to remove the roots and repair any damage to your pipes.

2. Grease and Oil

Another common cause of clogged main sewer lines is grease and oil. When you wash oily dishes, grease can accumulate in your pipes. Over time, this buildup can cause a clog in your sewer line. This is why it’s important to avoid pouring grease down your sink and to dispose of oil and other fats properly. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool and solidify, then throw it in the trash. Also, try to wipe down dishes and pans with a paper towel to remove as much grease as possible before washing.

3. Non-Biodegradable Items

Non-biodegradable items such as wipes, sanitary napkins, and diapers can also cause clogs in your main sewer line. These items do not break down like toilet paper and can create blockages in your pipes. To avoid these clogs, it’s important only to flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. If you have small children in the house, it’s also a good idea to keep all flushable wipes, toys, and other small objects away from the toilet.

4. Foreign Objects

Foreign objects such as toys, jewelry, and clothing can cause a main sewer line clog. These items can fall into the toilet or be accidentally flushed down the drain, leading to blockages in your pipes. You can prevent this kind of clog by keeping all foreign objects away from your toilets and drains. You can also install drain screens in your sinks and shower to catch foreign objects before they reach the sewer line.

5. Mineral Deposits

Mineral deposits can also build up in your main sewer line over time, causing clogs. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals, can leave behind buildup in your pipes, leading to clogs. Regular drain cleaning can help prevent this from happening. In addition, installing a water softener system can reduce the number of minerals in your water, preventing buildup in your pipes.

6. Corrosion

Corrosion can also lead to clogs in your main sewer line. Over time, the pipes in your sewer line can corrode, leading to cracks and leaks. When this happens, debris and other materials can get into the pipes, causing blockages. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent corrosion and its associated clogs. If your pipes are made of iron or other metals prone to corrosion, you may want to consider replacing them with PVC or other corrosion-resistant materials.

7. Sagging Pipes

Finally,  sagging pipes occur when the soil shifts and moves the pipe out of place. This is often caused by heavy loads on top of the pipes or water moving the soil around. To prevent sagging pipes from causing clogs, it’s vital to prevent underground leaks and manage drainage around your home. Additionally, you should always address any issues as soon as they are identified.

What to Do With a Main Sewer Line Clog

If you suspect your main sewer line is clogged, you need to act quickly to prevent further damage and potential health hazards. Here are some steps to take if you have a clogged sewer line:

  1. Call a professional plumber: A professional plumber will have the tools and expertise to diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repairs.
  2. Avoid using your plumbing: If you have a clogged sewer line, it’s best to avoid using it as much as possible to prevent further blockages.
  3. Try a plunger: If you have a clogged toilet, try using a plunger to see if you can clear the blockage.
  4. Use a drain snake: If your sinks or bathtub are clogged, try using a drain snake to see if you can clear the blockage.
  5. Consider hydro jetting: Hydro jetting is a powerful and effective method of clearing clogs in your sewer line. A professional plumber can use high-pressure water to blast through the blockage and clear your pipes.

By understanding the causes of main sewer line clogs and taking steps to prevent them, you can help keep your plumbing running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. If you are having trouble with your sewer line, you should call a professional plumber as soon as possible. They can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action to get your pipes back in working order.

Additionally, it’s important to have your main sewer line regularly inspected to catch any potential problems before they become more extensive and more costly to fix. Regular maintenance can also help extend the life of your pipes and prevent more serious issues from developing.

Main Sewer Line Clog: Bottom Line

In conclusion, clogged main sewer lines can be a major problem for homeowners. Understanding the causes of clogs, such as roots, grease and oil, non-biodegradable items, foreign objects, mineral deposits, corrosion, and sagging pipes, can help you take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. Regular maintenance and proper disposal of waste can go a long way in keeping your sewer line clear and functioning correctly. 

McHales is running a $48 Main Drain Opening special right now, so don’t put off this critical piece of maintenance! Call McHales today, and don’t forget to check out our stellar Google reviews!

By McHales

Things That May Be Wrong If Your Sewer Keeps Backing Up

Sep 20, 2022

Things That May Be Wrong If Your Sewer Keeps Backing Up

  • drain cleaning
  • Plumbing
  • Sewer Replacement
Sewer Keeps Backing Up

If your sewer keeps backing up you already know you have a problem. It’s just a matter of how big of a problem you have. Sewage backing up into your home or onto your property is a worrying and disgusting headache for any home owner. There’s plenty of things you may have to fix with your plumbing if its backing up regularly. Sewers are fairly complex systems that the average homeowner doesn’t pay much mind to, but they play an important role keeping our lives sanitary and healthy. Wastewater contains pathogens and various other disease-causing microorganisms.

Clogs

Clogs are the easiest sewage problem to solve, since they’re the only ones the homeowner has any real sense of control over. Flushing plumbing inappropriate materials ends with them getting stuck up in the pipes and blocking the wastewater, causing it to backup through the pipes. When your toilet won’t flush or your sink drains slowly, it can be easy to mistake it for an issue with that plumbing fixture alone. And backups are a common symptom of a common plumbing clog. What separates them is that a sewer clog occurs further down in the plumbing; most commonly the lateral or the mainline, which connect your home’s pipes to the municipal sewers.

A number of things cause these types of sewer clogs including, but not limited to:

  • Pouring fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) down the kitchen sink
  • Baby wipes
  • Solid waste deposits
  • Hair deposits
  • Soap scum
  • Tree roots

Collapsed Pipes

Being so far out of sight, it’s hard to tell exactly when a pipe somewhere along the line breaks down. When this happens, however, you can probably be able to guess when it happens based on the amount of sewage backing up through your toilet and up into your yard. Pipes normally don’t collapse on their own; their typically made to last longer than most of us will be around. However, tree root intrusions are liable to  grow outward and damage roots. When roots grow, they seek out water and are naturally attracted to the water within the pipes. A collapsed pipe is a serious problem that requires a full pipe replacement to fix.

Municipal Issues

Unless you’re on a septic system, your sewer line connects to the municipal sewer system. The main line in your home that connects to the city’s sewer system, from which point it goes to the treatment plant for cleaning and processing. Most local municipalities by law do a very thorough cleaning and service of their sewer systems but occasionally things do take unexpected turns for the worst. In the event your sewer backup is related to the municipal system, there’s not a ton you can do as a homeowner short of calling the city and urging them to act on the problem.

Schedule a consultation with a call to McHale’s today!

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By McHales

Most Common Reasons Why Your Water Heater Stopped Working

Aug 23, 2022

Most Common Reasons Why Your Water Heater Stopped Working

  • drain cleaning
  • Plumbing
  • Sewer Replacement
water heater stopped working

In our experience, there’s never a good time to see your water heater has stopped working. It’s such a core part of what makes your home comfortable that losing it even for a few hours can be a massive problem.  While you can always call us at Payless to fix any and all issues with your system, we think transparency is important and want you to know exactly what’s wrong with your water heater.  We’ve looked at our records and narrowed down some of the most common reasons water heater stop working. 

  1. Poor Installation Just like a carpenter needs the right tools for the right job you water heater system needs to be properly fitted to your home and your needs. Often, new homeowners find that the previous owners did a slipshod job of installing the water heater. Maybe you had children and expanded the size of your household. An improperly sized system does not provide the results you’re looking for.  Be sure that you have the right heater for your home. 
  2. Rust Rust is an inevitable problem whenever you’re dealing with anything metal, especially water heaters. To prevent against this, water heaters come equipped with devices called sacrificial anodes, which act as deterrents to rust damage. Over time, these anodes wear away. Check your system annually and give us a call if you notice these rods failing. 
  3. Air Quality In order to heat your water, a process called combustion needs to occur. Essentially what this is is that air is taken into the water heater and used to heat the water. But if that air is low quality or contains corrosive fumes? Bad air can destroy your water heater from the inside out. 
  4. Water Pressure Speaking generally, 80 PSI should be your maximum water pressure. If it’s much higher than this, you need to fix the problem  before the damage becomes permanent. 
  5. Accumulated Sediment  The water in your heater contains a lot of minerals and chemicals. Over time, these compounds build up within your system into a sludge-like substance which, as you could imagine, disrupts the efficiency of the water heater. Draining and cleaning the tank regularly can help prevent this, but without regular maintenance, you may need to call a professional to fix the issue. 
  6. Age Time stops for no water heater. Just like people, water heaters get old. They get worn down and parts deteriorate.  Water heaters generally last about a decade or so. If your system is 10+ years old and you’re noticing a decrease in your water quality, it may be time to give us a call. 

Consult With Your Plumber  There’s a lot of misinformation out there about water heaters. We only covered a select handful here. Still have questions about tankless water heaters? Give us a call at McHales! Our team of experts can answer any and all questions you may have about water heaters, tankless or otherwise.

Water heater stopped working? Schedule a consultation with a call to McHale’s today!

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By McHales

A Guide to Cleaning Your Sewer and Drain Lines

Aug 17, 2022

A Guide to Cleaning Your Sewer and Drain Lines

  • drain cleaning
  • Plumbing
  • Sewer Replacement
sewer cleaning

Nothing is more important than considering the health of both your sewer line and drains. Much like any other system in your home, both of these systems are prone to problems, especially clogs. A clog usually occurs when there is some sort of blockage found within your pipes. This is precisely why regular sewer and drain cleaning is so important. 

Thankfully, there are ways around these series of backups and sewer and drain cleaning are fairly easy services to navigate once you get a professional on board. If you follow the following steps, you can keep your pipes running smoothly. 

Typical Causes of Sewer Backups

Sewer backups can lead to In terms of residential backups; there are many contributing factors. These include:

  • Tree Root Intrusion 
  • Grease Accumulation
  • Improper disposal of paper products

If you do have a sewer line clog, follow these following steps to clear the blockage.

How to Remove a Sewer Line Clog with Sewer Cleaning 

Use a pipe wrench to loosen the cap on your main drain line before you open it entirely. Once the cap is loosened, open it and let the buildup drain out. Once the cap is opened, make sure to step out of the way. If there is any waste caused by the clog, the backflow will spill out of the main line drain. Make sure to let it run off entirely before attempting any further repairs. 

Next, feed the auger cable down the drainpipe. Each auger, or plumbing snake, is different, so be sure to follow the instructions that come with the tool for best results. However, the general principle is that you should gently feed the auger cable into your drainpipe until you hit the clog. You’ll know when you’ve hit it because the cable will get progressively harder to move through the pipe. Allow the auger to run until the clog has been removed. You’ll be able to see when it happens because the water level in the drainpipe will begin to gradually decrease and then drain out entirely.

That said, don’t stop running the machine as soon as the clog disappears. There could still be smaller pockets elsewhere in the pipe, which may cause additional problems down the road. Once the clog has been removed, spray the hose down your drainpipe at full blast. Doing so will simultaneously remove any lingering debris that is stuck in the pipe and clean off the auger. 

Afterwards, pull the plumbing snake out of the pipe slowly. You most likely want to hose the auger cable off a few times before winding it back onto the machine. When you’re done, place the cap back on your drainpipe and use the pipe wrench to tighten it up. 

Avoid Clogging Your Drains

While grease is the absolute worst substance you can put in your drain, there are other objects that should be avoided all together. This is especially pertinent if you have a garbage disposal unit as part of your drain system. These items include the following:

  • Bones
  • Fibrous fruits/vegetables: This includes celery, artichokes, asparagus, lettuce
  • Coffee Grinds
  • Fruit Pits: Includes avocado pits, peach pits, etc.
  • Corn Husks
  • Egg Shells
  • Potato Peels
  • Pasta, Rice and Grains

If these items much like grease or oil, can clog up your drain or prevent the garbage disposal blades from working properly. If the blades are jammed, this can also increase the buildup in the disposal drain.

If you do experience a clogged drain, there are ways to remedy it. 

Cleansing Your Drains

If your drains do have a clog, there can be a number of indicators. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent drains from clogging. 

  • Run hot water through the sink after each use. Hot water keeps oils in food products running down the drain, rather than building up on the interior surface of pipes, which can make drains sluggish and lead to clogs.
  • Throw a handful of baking soda into the drain and follow it with hot water. Baking soda is a terrific cleaning agent, and it’s also great for absorbing foul odors and leaving your drainpipes smelling like a rose. Okay, maybe not like a rose, but a lot better than they otherwise would.
  • Pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes; then chase it down with very hot water. Vinegar is a wonder cleaner. It contains acetic acid, which acts as an excellent organic solvent in removing an organic buildup of crud in pipes. 

Schedule a sewer or drain cleaning with a call to McHale’s today!

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When Should I Replace My Old Plumbing?

Jul 25, 2022

When Should I Replace My Old Plumbing?

  • drain cleaning
  • Plumbing
  • Sewer Replacement
replace plumbing

For many homeowners in and around Bucks County, their plumbing system is something they take for granted; it’s in the background working for them and doing it’s job. Out of sight, out of mind. That is until something goes wrong. Plumbing repairs are one thing, but some times pipes are in such a state that they just need a replacement.

Because our pipes are so hidden from our view most of the time, it can be hard for homeowners to determine exactly when they need pipe replacement. Visual signs become hard to pick up when you can’t actually get a visual. Thankfully there are other signs to tell when when it’s time to replace your old plumbing.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure is one of, if not the, biggest signs that the pipes you have are on their way out. Regularly, low pressure can be caused by a number of different issues. But consistent, regularly low pressure is a surefire sign you need to replace your old plumbing. You might notice that the water pressure in your shower isn’t as strong as it used to be, or that you are not getting much pressure from the sinks. This means that the pipes may be in the early stages of failing at that point, or they may have already progressed in that direction. 

Murky Water

Is your water coming out of the faucet a little cloudy? Failing some sort of major water crisis in your local area, the most likely culprit behind this type of activity is a failing plumbing system. Murky water is a cause for alarm due to health reasons, so if you notice it be sure to call a plumber ASAP.

Rust

Given that pipes run throughout a person’s house, people are sometimes going to see rust spots in odd places throughout their homes if they have old and rusting pipes that need to be replaced. This is more common in older houses. In some instances, this rust is pervasive enough to effect the exterior and interior of the pipe, which ultimately compromises it’s structural integrity and overall water quality. 

Wet Spots in and Around the Home

Surefire signs of plumbing leaks, seeing water pooling in areas where it shouldn’t means you’ve got issues. Don’t make the mistake of thinking someone spilled something or the water came from the outside. Unexplained household leaks are often caused by failing older pipes and not by water coming in from the outside.

 One household leak could have multiple sources. However, if people have several household leaks, and they seem to occur in areas that are heavy on the plumbing, it’s a sign that something is wrong with the internal piping system.

Cracks and Holes

Failing plumbing has a number of consequences, not least of which is wider architectural damage to your house. Cracks, holes, and other unexplainable damage to your home are often the result of pipes failing just behind the walls. This is one of the more serious symptoms of a plumbing system in need of replacement, so don’t hesitate to call us if you see it.

Schedule a consultation with a call to McHale’s today!“”

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Signs You Need Professional Sewer Cleaning

Jun 06, 2022

Signs You Need Professional Sewer Cleaning

  • drain cleaning
  • Plumbing
  • Sewer Replacement
Sewer Cleaning

Why’s sewer cleaning so important? Our sewer system is one of the most out of sight systems in our homes, and as most people can attest, “out of sight” generally means “out of mind.” Unfortunately, it is also one of the most important systems in modern life when it comes to sanitation and cleanliness. So when something goes wrong with it, such as a clog, a leak, or a full blown sewer burst, it’s more than an inconvenience; it’s a threat to you and your family’s health. Regular , professional sewer cleaning is one of the best ways to keep a trained eye on your sewer system, keep it clean, operational, and safe.

Foul Smells

You don’t need to be a career plumber to know that toilets can smell from time to time. Normally, these odors pass in time. If you’re noticing sustained, heavy, oppressively strong odors in and around your home (particularly from your piping) this can be an early sign of a major blockage. This is usually where most homeowners call a plumber, as it’s one of the more unpleasant issues to have happen in your home. Regular cleaning can make sure the inside of your home keeps smelling as beautiful as it looks.

Water Backing Up

Have you noticed water not going down the drain quickly while you’re in the shower? The sink isn’t quite clearing after brushing your teeth in the morning? Common sewer blocks prevent water from heading down the drain quickly. Much like how plaque can clog an artery and cause blood to flow more slowly through your body, a blockage in your plumbing system can cause your water to funnel through a too-small-to-run-efficiently space. Thankfully, a plumbing block is easier and safer to remedy than a clogged artery: a simple can to one of the pros at McHales can have any blockage removed and cleaned out in just a few short hours.

Gurgling Sounds

You may notice these coming from inside your walls after flushing a toilet or taking a shower. This is indicative of a growing blockage somewhere in your plumbing. As blockages begin to form, the water rushing through the more confined space creates air pockets that make these unpleasant gurgling noises. These can be disconcerting to hear, and understandably so. Once a drain and sewer cleaning service removes the blockage in question, these sounds should disappear as well.

Flooding in Your Yard

If a foul smell in your bathroom is a red flag, then flooding in your yard is equivalent to an air raid siren blasting in your ear. Flooding of foul smelling liquid is indicative of a sewer line burst, one of the most serious plumbing issues you can come across. This means one of your pipes has burst and the raw sewage therein has seeped up through the dirt and into your yard. Not only is this absolutely disgusting, it damages your property and poses a serious health hazard. If you notice your lawn is flooding from below, especially it’s a bad smelling, dirty liquid, it’s well-past time to call in a plumber to preform sewer cleaning: you need full blown sewer repair, a much more costly project.

Sewer and drain cleaning in general should be regular parts of any homeowners maintenance checklist. Just like with your personal health, small issues can snowball out of control very quickly if left unchecked: the minor blockage in your pipes could become a full-blown, water-stopping clog, the leak can escalate into a massive burst sewer line, and so on. Save yourself the headache (and the financial pain) with a regularly scheduled drain or sewer cleaning to stop issues before they get out of hand.

Schedule a consultation with a call to McHale’s today!

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10 Warning Signs Your Drains or Sewers Need to Be Serviced

Feb 12, 2021

10 Warning Signs Your Drains or Sewers Need to Be Serviced

  • drain cleaning
  • Sewer Replacement
drain and sewer service

Maintaining the health of your sewers and drains is important because it eliminates foul odors and prevents water overflow issues, as well as prevents expensive home repairs and health problems. Read on to discover our 10 warning signs that your home needs drain and sewer service.

1.Multiple Clogged Fixtures

Multiple clogged fixtures are the most common sign of drain and sewer problems. Fixtures that frequently pose a threat include bathtubs, toilets, and showers. These clogs are caused by a buildup of debris, such as hair, excess paper, and non-flushable items.

2. Slowly Draining Fixtures

Common causes of slowly draining fixtures are soap scum build up and an accumulation of hair and other debris, including foreign objects.

3. Wet Spots on Landscapes

Wet spots on landscapes are eyesores, and they kill your home’s curb appeal. Wet spots are puddles of standing water that make your lawn look like it is flooded in different places. Standing water not only attracts mosquitos and suffices as a perfect breeding ground, but it also causes your grass and plants to become over-hydrated.

4. Unpleasant Odors

Unpleasant drain odors derive from venting problems, dry p-trap, and sewer line issues. Unpleasant odors that come from the drain due to sewer problems are an indication that there is a block or a break within the sewer line.

5. Gurgling Noises

Gurgling noises in your drains are the result of grease and dirt buildup. Due to this buildup, air bubbles cannot flow freely through the pipes. This causes water to drain slowly and creates a gurgling noise.

6. Frequent Drain Clogs

Kitchen sinks clog more than any other drain in the home. Common causes of frequent drain clogs include food, grease, hair, and small objects. Items that should not be placed down the kitchen drain include paper towels, egg shells, coffee grinds, produce stickers, and corrosive substances.

7. Overflowing Toilets

Overflowing toilets are more common than many people think, especially in a home with three or more people living there. Toilets overflow because of a blockage within the pipes.

8. Leaking Pipes

The different causes of leaking pipes include strong pressure within the pipes, the amount of oxygen in the water, and the water’s pH. An abundance of oxygen in water causes pipes to corrode rapidly. An imbalance in water’s pH causes pipes to rust and deteriorate.

9. Water Damage

Broken and leaking pipes are the common cause of water damage. Other causes of water damage include sewer backup, overflowing bathtubs, and broken toilets.

10. Expensive Household Bills

Water and sewer bill expenses are based upon consumption. When you have leaking pipes and other sewer and plumbing problems, your sewer or water bill can skyrocket. Some leaks in the home are easier to locate than others. Bathroom leaks are easier to find than kitchen leaks because kitchen sinks have more complex piping systems.

Situations That Occur When Sewer and Drain Issues Are Ignored

When sewer and drain issues are left unattended, they can increase or be compounded with other problems. Homeowners suffer a great deal of discomfort, inconvenience, and expense when their services have to be interrupted or when they are unable to use their plumbing fixtures. Homeowners put themselves at higher risk for additional pipe leaks, malfunctions, and even more expense. The most devastating problem when sewer and drain issues are ignored is sanitation. Flooded toilets and sinks are the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria. With a decreased level of sanitation, you and your family are at risk for contracting and spreading diseases and developing health issues.

The Benefits of  Drain and Sewer Service Issues In a Timely Manner

Handling issues with your sewer and drain as soon as problems arise has many advantages, including improved longevity of plumbing fixtures and reduced risk of water damage. Plumbing fixtures that are maintained properly will save money because you will not have to frequently replace the fixtures. Sewers and drains that work properly have a reduced chance of experiencing leaks, which reduces the risk of water damage. The level of sanitation is improved because germs and bacteria will stay where they belong. To add an extra layer of protection from germs and to control the amount of bacteria, you can routinely pour bleach down your drains and use it when you clean your toilet. Peace of mind is a benefit that cannot be compared to any other benefit. You do not have to stress yourself worrying about the health of your family and the condition of your home. You can sleep peacefully knowing your sewer and drains are functioning correctly. The misery of spreading germs and bacteria, household damage, and expensive repairs is a thing of the past.

 

Do not ignore what appear to be simple sewer and drain issues. What seems minimal at the time could be progressing into a major problem.

If you need drain and sewer service, call McHale’s today and avoid back-ups in your home!

By McHales

Signs That Your Home Needs Drain Cleaning

Mar 30, 2020

Signs That Your Home Needs Drain Cleaning

  • drain cleaning
Drain

Maybe it’s happened to you before: Suddenly, none of your home’s drains work anymore. When a plunger or hot water fails to work, you may be experiencing a clog or blockage deeper within your system. Clogs can be a major disruption in your home that affects your daily routine. In order to remedy plumbing problems before they escalate, you may need professional assistance. Here are the signs that your home needs drain cleaning:

Warning Signs

When it comes to your plumbing, it tends to show you signs of an issue before anything major happens. Being aware that your home’s drains need clearing in the first place can prevent them from getting clogged — and you could have saved yourself a lot of hassle and money. Here are the major signs that you need drain clearing:

  • Foul odor. Your drains should never smell. A bad smell is a sign of a bad clog forming in the drain system. Since the clog captures more and more organic waste, that waste will simply sit and rot in the drain. Sometimes it attracts little fruit flies that gather around the drains in the kitchen and bathrooms. The clog and flies can eventually even attract vermin and become a health hazard to you and your family.
  • Slow drainage. If you notice that your bathroom or kitchen drains keep getting slower and slower, then there’s a problem somewhere in the drain. It could be a simple, superficial clog, but it could also be something more serious. Tree roots are constantly looking for their food source: water.In their search, it’s not uncommon for them to break into a pipe of yours.  It could also be a damaged drain that has caved in due to shifting ground or some other cause.
  • Your toilet won’t go down. If your toilet won’t drain and plunging doesn’t help, then you probably have a clog further in the sewer line. In order to maintain sanitary bathroom conditions and keep up with your daily routines, you should have a professional locate the problem immediately.
  • Strange noises. When clogs build up and water is slow to drain, it can create gurgling and bubbling noises in the drain. It can also be a signal of a crack or leak somewhere in your system.
  • Standing water. If you have a serious clog, then the water from the drain system will eventually back up. You’ll first notice it in the shower and bath since those drains are closest to the floor. If the problem gets worse, you’ll notice it in the sinks and your toilet as well. If water is left to build up, you may face potential water damage or mold contamination.

If you notice one or more of these signs, you should call a plumber right away. A professional will be able to locate the problem and get your plumbing back up and running in no time.

Prevention Is Key

Of course, you can minimize the chances of needing drain clearing by maintaining your drains properly. Twice a month, clean your kitchen and bathroom drains with a homemade cleaner. Most store-bought ones have harsh chemicals that can actually damage your pipes or surroundings if they leak. Pour a pot of boiling water into the drain, followed by half a cup of baking soda. After a few minutes, pour a cup of vinegar and more hot water in. Cover the drain and let the mixture work in for about five minutes, then flush the drain with very hot water.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – call McHale’s for all of your drain cleaning and clearing needs. 

By McHales

5 Signs You Need Drain Opening in Bucks County

May 17, 2019

5 Signs You Need Drain Opening in Bucks County

  • drain cleaning
  • Plumbing
drain opening by McHale's in Pennsylvania

Like any area of your home, drains can fall into disrepair and need some attention. Whether its loose hairs, food debris, or dried cleaning products, it’s likely that you’ll have to deal with drains clogging. You may try store-bought drain cleaners as a way to clear your drains before calling a plumber. However, these chemical cleaners are a bandaid that never truly fixes the root of the problem. Luckily, you can call McHale’s to help alleviate your drain clogs, perform a professional drain opening in Bucks County, and take advantage of our $88 drain opening special. But how do you know when the problem has gone beyond a slightly sluggish drain and into a need for a plumber’s help?

Here are five signs that you need a professional drain opening in Bucks County:

Slow draining.

When it comes to clogged drains, one of the easiest signs to notice is slower drainage. Is your sink or bathtub draining slower than it normally does, if at all? Is your washing machine or dishwasher still have a lot of water in it after a cycle? As well as being an inconvenience, this is a sign of a blockage somewhere in your pipes. A professional drain cleaning will release the clogs in your drains and allow water to easily flow through your pipes.

Backed up drains.

When drains need cleaning, sometimes water that should have been drained will come back up. You might have gurgling toilets or standing water in your sink. If water is going back up the drain, it’s a sign that it should be cleaned.

Sewage smells.

One of the more unpleasant and noticeable signs of a clogged drain is the smell of sewage. When drains are clogged, anything that goes down into the drain will build up and rot in the lines. This can become even more noticeable and disgusting if you live in a warmer area. If you smell sewage in your home, it’s a good idea to act quickly.

Fruit and drain flies.

When waste and other sewage starts building up in your drain, it’ll start to attract flies. Fruit flies like the smell and can be a health risk when they get into your kitchen and food. Meanwhile, the aptly named drain fly (also known as sewer or filter fly) likes to breed in septic tanks, sewers, and clogged drains. If you start noticing lots of flies, you’ll definitely want to start cleaning your drain.

Strange noises.

If your drains are clogged, they may start making some odd noises. When drains get clogged, the water may be forced to go through small spaces or change course. This can result in strange gurgling or bubbling noises.

Why is McHale’s my best choice for my plumbing problems?

Instead of relying on harmful drain cleaning products that don’t solve the problem, call McHale’s to clean your drains. Our plumbers are fully certified and have years of experience. We have the technology and experience to handle it all, and we come to your house fully stocked. Call for a drain opening now, and you can get your drains clean for only $88! If your drains are slow, producing bad odors, or making odd noises it’s best not wait. Call McHale’s today to get your plumbing back in tip-top shape!

By McHales