Three Things To Know About Outdoor Clogs

Know the Signs of Outdoor Clogs 

Clogs can happen anywhere at any time. However, when most people think of clogs, they imagine backed-up toilets, bathtubs that won’t drain, and overflowing garbage disposals. They seldom think of clogs that can happen outdoors. 

Pool pumps, sprinkler systems, and countless other outdoor appliances can suffer clogs from time to time. While an outdoor clog can be inconvenient, thankfully, there are many ways homeowners can prevent these issues from happening. If one finds themselves experiencing a clogged pipe, they should reach out to a professional. 

Homeowners Should Keep These Appliances Free of Debris

sprinklers
If a pipe’s outside, it could get clogged. Appliances that require pipes outdoors include: 
  • Swimming pools, hot tubs, and jacuzzis 
  • Pool pumps 
  • Sprinklers
  • Decorative fountains 
  • Gutters 

Spring and winter are common times for outdoor clogs to form because waste solidifies inside a pipe during the winter, preventing water flow. Then, when spring rolls around, the waste melts and binds with mud, dirt, and debris. This could turn an ordinary clog into a problem that needs professional attention. 

 

Anything Can Turn into a Clog 

Here’s some advice: nothing but water should run through a pipe. If it’s not water, it could clog the system. Some debris that could cause outdoor clogs to include: 

  • Yard waste: Leaves, pine needles, and other elements can get stuck inside a pipe. This makes it important for homeowners to keep the areas around their hoses, faucets, exposed pipes, gutters and drains clean. 
  • Animals: Rats and insects can get stuck inside pipes. If the organism can’t free itself, it could die, and its body could interrupt water flow. 
  • Garbage: Even if one keeps their yard clean, plastic bags and other trash can obstruct a pipe. Matters can worsen if the obstruction isn’t made of organic material, meaning the water flow won’t wear down the blockage. 

 

Even Tough Outdoor Clogs Are Fixable 

clogs

A plumber may use many techniques to clear a pipe clog. These techniques will depend on the severity of the clog, its location, and what the clog is. A plumber may fix an outdoor clog by: 

  • Hydro jetting: Hydro jetting is when a plumber uses a specialized tool to send pressurized water into a pipe or down a drain. The force of the water can break down the clog and send it to the community’s water main. This is a good technique if the clog is made of organic material and can be broken down. 
  • Manual applications: A plumber may use soundwaves to locate a clog, remove the pipe section, and remove the clog by hand. This technique could be feasible if the clog is easily accessible, like under a kitchen sink. 
  • A drain snake: A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that the plumber may insert into the pipe to remove the clog. Some modern drain snakes come with cameras, allowing professionals to view the obstructions up-close. 

 

About 2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling 

2 Plumbs Up Plumbing & Remodeling has been serving Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas since 1981. They are a veteran-owned and family-owned, and operated company that offers 24/7 live answers, same-day service, and financing. Call them today for plumbing services from experienced and background-checked plumbers in Rancho Cordova, CA.

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