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What Are the Most Common Drain Clog Issues in Milwaukee?
Many things can cause the need for drain cleaning in Milwaukee. In this section, we will look at the most common issues we get called out to handle.
Bad Drain Smells
If you have a terrible smell wafting through the house or basement, and you know it’s not the dog, you may need drain cleaning in Milwaukee. Many homes in Wisconsin have drains in the ground, near the laundry area, or in the basement. These are to help reduce flooding risk. At certain times of the year, these drains can give off a funky smell. We can help clear out the smell by drain cleaning or flushing the pipes.
Sometimes the smell comes from the sink and shower drains. If this is the case, you can try turning on the water for a couple of minutes. This will help with drains that have not been used for a while. If the drain still smells, you may have bacterial growth, a blockage, or a main drain problem.
Fallen Jewelry
If you’ve dropped a ring or other valuable item down the drain, turn off the tap. You don’t want to risk pushing the jewelry down the line further. You also don’t want to ignore it and leave the item in the drain. They can cause blockages and clogs later. We can use tools to retrieve the item for you.
Oils and Fats
Fat clogs are a real problem for your plumbing and the city water and sewer system. Fats, oil, and grease, sometimes referred to as FOG, should never go down the drain. As water flushes through the pipes, it cools and hardens oil, fat, and grease. This narrows the pipes, creating a partial or complete clog. As the fat sits in the line, it can even start to smell as it mixes with bacteria.
At some point, you will need drain cleaning to restore the flow in your plumbing. These clogs can be fixed with hydro jetting in most cases. When you have a pan of grease or cooking oil, it is best to let it cool, then scrape it into the trash.
Slow Draining
One of the worst ways to start your morning is with a shower that is not draining. No one wants standing water above their ankles. If you are frequently dealing with this common issue, you need drain cleaning in Milwaukee. There are several reasons for slow draining sinks and showers, including:
- Hair and soap clogs
- Biofilm buildup
- Corroded pipes from hard water
- Tree roots clogging the main drain
- Hardened oils and grease
- Main sewer line damage
Most of the time, slow draining can be fixed quickly. Sometimes the problem is deep in the line on your property or the city. It’s not a great idea to ignore this problem because if there is a problem with your main sewer line, the problem will only get worse. This is not just inconvenient; it’s considered a hazard if sewer waste were to backup.
Overflowing Toilets
This is likely the number one reason we get called out for drain and clog issues. If you’re dealing with a toilet that won’t flush or keeps overflowing, we can help. Most toilet blockages can be cleared by snaking. This consists of sending down a line that will snake through the drain and pipes. As the snake is wound back up, it will pull the blockage up with it. Many things get flushed down the toilet that shouldn’t. The EPA recommends that you only flush toilet paper.
Here is a list of things that commonly cause blockages in toilets and sometimes lead to drain cleaning in Milwaukee.
- Wet wipes, cosmetic wipes, and baby wipes
- Q-tips and cotton balls
- Condoms
- Feminine sanitary pads and tampons
- Facial tissues
- Medication and pills
- Paper towels
- Cigarette butts
If you have toddlers and young kids around, you may want to install child-proof locks on your toilet lids. We see a lot of socks, bibs, diapers, and toys when we clear toilets.
How Much Does Drain Cleaning Usually Cost in Milwaukee?
If you need drain cleaning in Milwaukee, the cost will depend on many different factors. No two jobs are identical, so we can only give you an estimate based on past work. If you need a more accurate quote, we can help. Most drain cleaning and clearing will cost between $95 and $845. This does not include situations where the main sewer or water lines need a complete replacement, which can be upwards of $5,000.
Simple Clog and Cleaning
Most drain problems are simple. These can include shower drains that are clogged by hair, toilets that can be snaked easily, and smelly drains that just need a good flush. These types of drain problems will cost less because they can be fixed quickly and are not the result of pipe damage. If all you need is a simple clog removal or drain cleaning, you can expect to pay between $100 and $475.
Complex Clogs and Cleaning
If you need drain cleaning in Milwaukee for a more complex problem, you will end up with a bigger bill. For example, if your shower and sinks won’t drain due to tree roots invading the main sewer line, more work will be needed to clear them. This problem is common in older homes. If this is your problem, we can usually blast the roots with hydro jetting, which averages about $95 to $725.
Repair or Replacement of Blocked Pipes
In some cases, the main drain might be too damaged to clear, and you will need to replace the line altogether. This is more likely to be the case if the pipe was made of clay and tree roots have cracked or damaged it. The cost for main drain repair can be pretty expensive, at $925 to $5,985.
The reason for the high price is due to the amount of work it takes to replace the line. It is also because of the materials and equipment required for the job. You will need to be prepared for the yard to be excavated with a backhoe. Next, the old, damaged pipe will be removed, and the new pipe will be installed, but before it can be buried, it needs to be inspected. Once this is complete, your lines will be running smoothly again.
Does the City of Milwaukee Provide Any Assistance for Clogged Drains?
If you discover that a clog is deep into the main drain, the city will only help if it’s on public property. If the clog is anywhere on your property, you will be responsible for clearing it. If you believe the problem is on city property, you can call them out to check. They may decide to charge you a service fee for the visit unless they determine the problem is on their side.
The city of Milwaukee is currently replacing its lead pipe service lines with new copper pipes. This is in an effort to provide safer, lead-free drinking water. The new pipes are on the city’s side only. However, if it is determined that private pipes are made of lead too, the city may require them to be replaced at the same time.
Do Certain Water Contaminants in Milwaukee Cause Drain Clogs?
The water hardness in Milwaukee is considered moderately hard at 137 parts per million or ppm. What does this mean for you and your plumbing? It means that the excess water minerals, like calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese, are likely corroding the inside of your pipes. These dissolved mineral solids leave a layer of film on the plumbing, which builds up over time.
Some areas of the line may be narrower due to the hard water buildup. This can cause water pressure problems and slow draining. Other areas become weaker as chunks of mineral deposit tear off and take pieces of pipe with it. This causes a high risk of pipe breaks and leaks. It also increases the amount of lead in your drinking water if you have lead pipes. According to Milwaukee’s Consumer Confidence Report, the city’s water is high in both lead and chromium 6.
Regular drain cleaning in Milwaukee can help with hard water and chemical buildup in your pipes. If you have your drain cleaned, it won’t be able to build up to the point of causing bigger problems. This could end up saving you money in the long run.
Who Is the Water Utility Company in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee Water Works is the water utility company for city residents. They are the ones you will need to contact if you have a problem with your water quality or plumbing concerns on public right-of-way areas. If any of your plumbing and drain problems are on your land, they will not be able to help you. In many cases, if you call them first, you will be left with a service fee and advised to contact a plumber.
We can help you determine if the clog can be fixed with drain cleaning or if the issue is a much bigger problem. If the problem needs a main drain replacement to fix, we can determine if it is on your property or the city’s.
