What is a plumbing stoppage? If you find yourself standing ankle-deep in water while taking a shower, or if your kitchen sink refuses to swallow even the tiniest food bits, you have your answer.
As the go-to plumber in Norman, OK, we at Champion Plumbing have seen and tackled various pipework issues, and stoppages are right up there on the list. Keep reading as we discuss the most crucial details and help you navigate these murky waters.
What’s a Stoppage?
A stoppage is just a more technical way of referring to a clog. Think of your Norman property’s pipework as a city’s highway system — the paths must be clear for everything to flow smoothly. When a clog forms, it’s like a major roadblock that disrupts the whole flow of traffic, or in this case, water and waste.
Stoppages can vary in size and severity, from minor buildup that causes slow draining to full obstructions that render fixtures useless. They can form in various parts of your plumbing, including the following:
- Drain line: The lines directly connected to your sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets often face the brunt of everyday activities. They typically have clog prevention measures like trap systems, but they’re not foolproof.
- Sewer line: Bigger pipes where smaller drain lines merge serve as the main pathways for waste to exit your Norman property. When a blockage happens, it typically impacts your whole space.
- Main line: As the part that connects your space to the municipal sewage system, any clog here could lead to slow drainage and dangerous backups.
What Causes Stoppages in Norman, OK?
Familiarizing yourself with the culprits can help prevent stoppage scenarios before they turn your day upside down. Common ones you might encounter include:
Hair
Hair is one of the most common answers to the question, “What is a plumbing stoppage?” because it entangles to form dense masses that stubbornly resist the flow of water. Unlike other materials that might break down over time, hair is notoriously insoluble, meaning it doesn’t dissolve in water.
If you have long locks or even a house full of people, install a hair catcher over your drains. This simple yet effective solution can save you a ton of hassle and keep the water flowing freely.
Grease
Grease might slide down your drain smooth as silk, but don’t be fooled! Once it cools, it transforms into a sticky trap that grabs hold of anything that passes by and gradually builds a formidable blockage.
The best defense is to stop pouring oily residues down the drain. Wipe those greasy pans with a paper towel or pour the oil into a container. You can also periodically pour hot water mixed with dish soap to break up any grease that might have sneakily made its way into your garbage disposal.
Foreign Objects
Random items finding their way into your plumbing seem like a mystery. It’s often the smallest things — kid’s toys, cotton swabs, or even jewelry — that slip through the cracks during those hectic mornings or bath times.
Consider placing strainers over drains to catch small items and educate everyone on your property about what shouldn’t go down the toilet or sink. A little awareness goes a long way!
Mineral Buildup
Some parts of Norman have hard water, which can become a stealthy troublemaker for your plumbing. Hard water minerals can stick to fixtures and the inner surfaces of pipes, accumulate over time, and create a blockade as tough as any clog caused by hair or grease. This buildup narrows the pipes and significantly reduces water flow and pressure.
Installing a water softener system is an effective way to combat this issue. It helps reduce the mineral content in your water before it flows through your property’s pipes. Your appliances will thank you, too.
Roots
What is a plumbing stoppage that might creep up on you from below? Tree roots. In their quest for moisture, they often find their way into the most minute cracks or joints in your sewer lines. Over time, they grow and cause significant blockages, not to mention the damage they inflict on the pipes.
The situation might require more than a simple plunger or chemical cleaner; it could mean calling in a professional plumber to get the roots out and repair the breach.
Signs You Have a Stoppage in Norman, OK
With most of your pipes hidden from view, how do you tell when there’s hair, grease, or other buildups? Your plumbing will often display tell-tale symptoms, and it’s your job to keep an eye out for them:
- Gurgling noises: Those odd noises stem from air becoming trapped and released as water tries to navigate through the clog in your pipes. Think of it as the plumbing equivalent of trying to talk while gargling water.
- Unpleasant odors: Check your fixtures if a mysterious, foul smell keeps wafting through your Norman property without a clear source. You might have waste accumulating somewhere in the system.
- Slow drainage: Do you notice water sluggishly swirling down the drain instead of swiftly disappearing? A minor clog could be forming within.
- Backups: Fixtures in your property spewing out waste present more than just an inconvenience; they pose a serious health risk. Your sewer system may need immediate servicing in this scenario.
Your Dependable Plumbing Crew in Norman, Oklahoma
What is a plumbing stoppage? Whether the cause is hair, soap scum, grease, or a curious toddler’s toy collection, it always pays to act swiftly. The longer you wait, the more you risk bigger headaches like costly plumbing damage.
Let our specialists at Champion Plumbing take the reins! We equip our knowledgeable team with the latest plumbing technology to tackle any stoppage dilemmas you might face. They will also offer helpful tips on how to prevent future blockages so that your system remains smooth and efficient.
Dial 405-342-3571 today, or read more of our blog and discover our steps to unclog the main sewer system.
