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Drain Problems? Time For a Video Inspection!

Camera inspections are a great way to find the cause of
recurring drain problems without digging!

Reasons for using the camera most commonly would be when a drain backs up, and then backs up in a short period of time again.

Just understanding why a drain is backing up all the time and finding the exact place to dig the drain up to make a repair will save everyone money. When frustration is there over a backing up drain the camera is usually the answer - that’s when we see what’s going on and we come up with a good solution.

Some drains have chemicals and or acids mild and sometimes not so mild, sodas and other liquids that eat drain lines.  Commercial drain lines seem to go away faster than residential drain lines because of the volume and or the kind of use they are getting.

Our video inspection reveals which issue is the cause of sewer and drain symptoms. The depth and exact location of the issue can be identified to keep your repair costs down.

When a clogged drain backs up often, that’s when the drain camera is at its best.  Remember it’s inexpensive, fast and Drains By James has a tremendous amount of experience in this field!

www.drainsbyjames.com

How To Prevent Bathtub Drains From Clogging

Slow bathtub drains and clogged drains are problems that nearly every homeowner will experience. The good news is many clogs can be prevented with proper maintenance. Periodic maintenance can prevent homeowners from calling in a plumber and can help avoid costly repairs. Bathtub clogs are generally a gradual problem, until one day family members are up to their ankles in bathwater that will not drain.

Follow these tips and strategies to save money and prevent bathtub clogs before they happen:

1. Use a Drain Cover

Hair is one of the main causes of clogged bathtub drains. Hair clogs can easily be prevented with a hair trap or drain cover. Human hair and pet hair are prone to forming matted clogs and becoming entangled around the internal chain that operates the drain stopper. Shower drain covers are a practical, affordable solution that can prevent costly plumbing repairs and limit the frequency and severity of bathtub clogs. Simple shower drain covers will also prevent foreign objects from falling down the drain pipe where they cause major problems. Shower drain covers are available in many styles, including domed models that fit around existing drain stoppers. There are plastic hair traps as well as metal drain covers. Homeowners who are tired of frequent clogs should look for a hair trap with a fine mesh screen that will prevent more hair and debris from attaching to existing clogs.

2. Try a Quality Clog Remover

Chemical drain cleaners keep drains running freely and break up stubborn clogs. Drain cleaning solutions are an integral part of any periodic drain maintenance plan. Most commercial drain cleaners contain lye or caustic chemicals that have the power to break down protein, hair, soap buildup and other clog-causing materials. When used regularly, chemical drain cleaners prevent hair clogs and breakdown buildup that slows down bathtub drains. Consumers can choose from gel, foam and liquid drain cleaners which have their own benefits. If this strategy is unsuccessful, it’s important to thoroughly flush the drain pipe. If a professional needs to be called, be sure to let the plumber know if caustic drain openers have been used before attempting repairs.

4. Avoid Drain-Clogging Activities

Corrosion, narrowing pipes, foreign objects and existing clogs make bathtub drains sensitive to fine debris and particals. Older homes with archaic plumbing are prone to clogged drains. If this is the case, homeowners need to be especially careful when emptying mop buckets, carpet shampooer waste water and other liquids that are laden with dust, dirt, lint, and pet hair that clog sensitive drain pipes. Washing pets can also clog sensitive drains. To prevent clogs from forming in these circumstances, try emptying mop buckets outside or in the toilet. Use a shower hair trap with a fine mesh screen that will trap debris when shampooing pets.

Frequent clogs after activities that should not impact drainage are signs of underlying plumbing problems. If drain cleaners and preventative measures and don’t provide the desired results, it could be time to call a qualified plumber to diagnose, evaluate and repair the problem. Plumbers use pipe cameras to locate clogs and obstructions. They also have snakes and mechanical tools to remove trapped debris and foreign objects. When necessary, plumbers remove lever-style stoppers to extract hair clogs and other debris. In some cases, calling a licensed drain cleaner is the only surefire solution for eliminating clogs and common plumbing issues.

Need Emergency Drain Cleaning Services?

At Drains by James we pride ourselves on not only being quick and effective regarding your drain cleaning emergencies, but also on our cleanliness while working in your home or place of business. We offer 24 hour emergency service 7 days a week and are fully insured. We also offer preventative maintenance plans that are designed to fit your needs as a home or business owner and keep you worry free.

Drains by James utilizes state of the art technology including video inspection, line locating, snaking, and high pressure water jetting to effectively clean & diagnose the condition of your drains.

Drains by James looks forward to welcoming you as a customer and being your preferred drain cleaning company in the future.

Please visit BBB and take a look at our customer reviews.

Call for a free estimate!  (866) 933-4304

We have recently provided drain cleaning services to homes and businesses in Andover MA, Bedford, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Melrose, Newton, Stoneham, Waltham, Wilmington, Woburn and many other surrounding areas of Massachusetts.

Special Offer! $20 Off Drain Cleaning Services!

Call (866) 933-4304 and take advantage of this special offer of $20 Off commercial and residential drain cleaning services from Drains By James.  Offer valid for new customers only.

How To Care For A Septic System

Households that are not served by public sewers usually depend on septic tank systems to treat and dispose of wastewater. A well-designed, installed, and maintained septic system can provide years of reliable low-cost service. When these systems fail to operate effectively, property damage, groundwater and surface water pollution, and disease outbreaks can occur. Therefore, it makes good sense to understand and care for your septic tank system.

There are many different types of septic tank systems to fit a wide range of soil and site conditions. The following information will help you understand a conventional gravity-flow septic system and keep it operating safely at the lowest possible cost. A conventional septic tank system has three working parts:

1. The septic tank.
2. The drainfield with its replacement area.
3. The surrounding soil.

The typical septic tank is a large buried rectangular, or cylindrical container made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, Wastewater from your toilet, bath, kitchen, laundry, etc., flows into the tank. Heavy solids settle to the bottom where bacterial action partially decomposes them to digested sludge and gases.
Most of the lighter solids, such as fats and grease, rise to the top and form a scum layer. Septic tanks may have one or two compartments. Tees or baffles are provided in the tank’s inlet and outlet pipes. The inlet tee slows the incoming wastes and reduces disturbance of the settled sludge. The outlet tee keeps the solids or scum in the tank. All tanks should have accessible covers for checking the condition of the baffles and for pumping both compartments. If risers extend from the tank to or above the ground surface, they should be secure to prevent accidental entry into the tank.

Solids that are not decomposed remain in the septic tank. If not removed by periodic pumping, solids will accumulate until they eventually overflow into the drainfield. Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on the tank size, and the amount and type of solids entering the tank.
The wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants.

The Drainfield
The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. It has a network of perforated pipes laid in gravel-filled trenches (2-3 feet wide), or beds (over 3 feet wide) in the soil. Wastewater trickles out of the pipes, through the gravel layer, and into the soil. The size and type of drainfield depends on the estimated daily wastewater flow and soil conditions. Every new drainfield is required to have a designated replacement area. It must be maintained should the existing system need an addition or repair.

The Soil
The soil below the drainfield provides the final treatment and disposal of the septic tank effluent. After the effluent has passed into the soil, most of it percolates downward and outward, eventually entering the groundwater. A small percentage is taken up by plants through their roots, or evaporates from the soil. The soil filters effluent as it passes through the pore spaces. Chemical and biological processes treat the effluent before it reaches groundwater, or a restrictive layer, such as hardpan, bedrock, or clay soils. These processes work best where the soil is somewhat dry, permeable, and contains plenty of oxygen for several feet below the drainfield. Warning signs of a failure:

• Odors, surfacing sewage, wet spots or lush vegetation in the
• drainfield area.
• Plumbing or septic tank backups.
• Slow-draining fixture.
• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.

Caring for Your System:

1. Practice water conservation. The more wastewater you produce, the more the soil must be treated and disposed of. By reducing and balancing your water use, you can extend the life of the drainfield, decrease the possibility of system failure, and avoid costly repairs.
2. Keep accurate records. Know where your septic tank system is and keep a diagram of its location. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health agency. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your home.
3. Inspect your system once each year. Check the sludge and scum levels inside your septic tank to assure that the layers of solids are not within the early warning levels. Also check the tank to see if the baffles and tees are in good condition. Periodically inspect the drainfield and downslope areas for odors, wet spots, or surfacing sewage. If your drainfield has inspection pipes, check them to see if there is a liquid level continually over 6 inches. This may be an early indication of a problem.
4. Pump out your septic tank when needed. Don’t wait until you have a problem. Routine pumping can prevent failures, such as clogging of the drainfield and sewage back-up into the home. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping.
5. Never flush harmful materials into the septic tank. Grease, cooking fats, newspapers, paper towels, rags, coffee grounds, sanitary napkins, and cigarettes cannot easily decompose in the tank. Chemicals such as solvents, oils, paint, and pesticides are harmful to the system’s proper operation and may pollute the groundwater.
6. Keep all runoff away from your system. Water from surfaces such as roofs, driveways, or patios should be diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield area.
7. Protect your system from damage. Keep traffic, such as vehicles, heavy equipment, or livestock off your drainfield or replacement area. The pressure can compact the soil or damage pipes. Before you plant a garden, construct a building, or install a pool, check on the location of your system and replacement area.
8. Landscape your system properly. Don’t place impermeable materials over your drainfield or replacement area. Materials, such as concrete or plastic, reduce evaporation and the supply of oxygen to the soil for proper effluent treatment. They can also hinder access to the system for pumping, inspection, or repair. Grass is the best cover for your system.
9. Never enter any septic tank. Poisonous gases or the lack of oxygen can be fatal. Any work on the tank must be done from outside.