Every homeowner has struggled with slow drains. Either their shower or their sink seem to be moving in slow motion or barely at all. While it may seem like just a minor inconvenience at first, don’t be fooled. Slow drains are often early warning signs of a bigger issue. Typically, slow drains are signs of plumbing issues or septic system issues. It’s important to correctly identify the underlying issues as misinterpreting them can lead to bigger damage and higher repair costs. It’s important for homeowners to understand the difference so they can take action sooner and avoid emergencies.
At Johnson Septic Service, we understand this need. Because of this, our team has compiled a list of ways you can identify the cause of your slow drains. Read on to discover the difference between septic systems and plumbing in your slow drains.
Common Causes for Slow Drains
Understanding the cause for slow drainage can be confusing; however, it is important to identify the underlying reason to properly treat and manage the problem. At Johnson Septic, we understand this need and offer septic inspections for Northwest Indiana. Whether your home needs new pipes or simply a septic pumping, our team is ready to diagnose.
Read on to understand your home’s symptoms and the possible causes, from simple plumbing issues to more complex septic problems.
Signs Your Slow Drains are From Plumbing:
- Grease, hair, or hard water buildup: Over time, it’s natural for common buildup to occur. This can come from grease, soap residue, hair, or mineral deposits that cling to the sides of your pipes. Gradually, this buildup narrows the pipe and creates a slower water flow, getting worse if left untreated.
- Stuck Foreign Objects: Sometimes, large or foreign objects may cause slow drainage. Items like wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, or other objects can become lodged. While the water is still able to drain, these restrictions slow water flow and may even lead to backups.
- Partial Pipe Clogs: A partial pipe clog occurs when experiencing slow drainage, but not complete blockage. You may experience this in sinks or tubs around your home. Typically, this looks like sluggish draining, especially in multiple fixtures at once.
- Corroded Pipes: Older metal pipes are known to corrode, flake, or collapse over time. This damage naturally reduces the pipe’s interior space and makes it difficult for water to move freely. Because of this, you may notice persistent, slow drainage in your home.
Signs Your Slow Drains are From A Septic System:
- Full or overloaded Septic Tank: A full septic tank is common and typically means wastewater has nowhere to go. If this is the case, you may experience slow drains throughout the entire home, usually accompanied by odors or wet spots in the yard.
- Infrequent Septic Pumping: When septic tanks aren’t pumped regularly throughout the year, solids tend to build up. This specific buildup may interfere with your septic, impacting wastewater flow and lead to slow drains or system backups.
- Excessive Water Use: Studies have shown that using large amounts of water in a short time can overwhelm your septic system. For example, multiple loads of laundry or long showers can temporarily slow drains as the system struggles to keep up properly.
- Clogged Septic Outlet: Just as it sounds, a clogged septic outlet prevents wastewater from properly exiting the tank. This type of blockage may cause slow drains all throughout your home. If this is ignored, it may result in sewage backing up into fixtures.
When to Call A Professional
If you are experiencing any of the signs above or simply just have slow drains, we suggest calling a professional. If left unchecked, many of these symptoms may turn into a backed up or severely clogged system. While the causes may be hard to tell apart, it is not impossible. With the help of Johnson Septic Service, you will be able to diagnose and treat your septic system problems.
To understand the cause of your slow drains, call Johnson Septic Service at (219) 393-3579 or fill out our contact form here!