A clogged sewer line in your office building can be an expensive mess. Here are some tips on what to do if your sewage system is blocked at work.
Do you know how much it costs on average to repair and deal with water damage? In the United States, it’s $2,583. And while the typical range is between $1,069 and $4,101, you can pay even more depending on the extent of the damage.
In fact, insurers say that the average water damage insurance claim due to frozen, burst pipes amounts to a whopping $15,000!
That’s a lot of money. Money that your business can’t afford to lose.
Which is why you need to deal with a clogged sewer line as soon as possible. This is because blocked plumbing pipes are some of the most common causes of water damage. Clogging also dramatically increases the risk of burst pipes, especially come winter season.
But how do you deal with sewer drain clog issues? In this post, we’ll cover this and more, so make sure you read from start to finish!
First Things First: Why You Need to Address that Clogged Sewer Line ASAP
Whether it’s a sewer or mainline clog, you need to treat it as an emergency. Because backed-up water is a health hazard.
Just so you know, once sewage and drain water backups, you need professionals trained specifically in dealing with sewage and sanitation. That’s why you’ll find many water damage restoration services relying on specialized sanitation equipment. Like those, you’ll find offered by the Haaker Equipment Company.
And not only because they have the right tools and the know-how. But also because there are certain occupational hazards associated with this kind of work. Think harmful gas exposure, infections from contaminated water, and skin diseases among many others.
This is also the reason why plumbing professionals carry industry-specific . Because they deal with a wide array of occupational dangers.
This should also tell you why you need to approach plumbing clogs at the office right away – before they turn into a huge backed-up water disaster. You don’t want your employees and clients contracting diseases after all.
And there’s also the fact that failure to address blocked plumbing pipes right away can lead to indoor flooding. Not just regular flooding, mind you. Disgusting, health-hazardous water taking over the workplace.
So, before any of these happen, it’s best you learn the strategies on how to clear a main sewer line clog. Or in general, unblocking plumbing pipes.
Anything You Can Do before the Professionals Rescue You?
A clogged drain or sewer in your office can lead to inconveniences. More than that though is the loss of productivity.
And much worse, is the potential expensive water damage. Also, keep in mind that water getting into electrical outlets will require you to . Which further brings up your potential but unnecessary expenditures.
Serious clogging concerns require the expertise of licensed, insured, and bonded plumbers. There are still a few techniques worth trying out though, before you call the pros.
Keep in mind, however, that they’re not guaranteed to work. However, some of them may do the trick to prevent a costly service now. You’d still want a commercial plumber to inspect and make the necessary fixes, but at least you can prevent possible flooding right there and then.
Breaking Up the Clog with the Trusty Plunger
One way you can dislodge a clog in a plumbing pipe is to use a plunger. These aren’t just useful for toilets, by the way. You can use them on clogged sinks and floor drains.
You need a plunger that still has a good seal though. This way, you can make sure it creates enough pressure to force into the clogged line. The plunger head should cover the entire hole (or all holes, in the case of a floor drain).
With a pumping motion, work the tool up and down a few times. Try pouring water on the drain. If it goes down quickly, then you’ve managed to avert disaster.
If not, don’t give up yet. Give the plunger a few more goes. Many clogs, especially bigger ones, need greater and repeated pressure.
In case your attempts still don’t work, then take this as a sign to contact a professional plumber.
Snake Your Way In
A plumbing snake, or a drain auger, is another trusty tool your office should have. This can help you cut through smaller blockages within plumbing pipes. Just make sure you understand all the instructions in the manual before using it on a clogged line in the workplace.
Air Force Out the Clog
You’ll find pressurized air tools in the market that help with plumbing problems. The concentrated air pressure, when directed towards a sewer or a drain, can force out the clog or break it up into smaller particles.
This can make it easier to drain water. But, you should still call your commercial plumber to get rid of the clog completely.
How About Using Liquid Drain Cleaning Solutions?
Liquid drain cleaning chemicals are very common – you can find them anywhere from grocery to hardware stores. Be very careful in using these though. Although some can help you dissolve those plumbing line and sewer clogs, some of them can compromise the pipes themselves.
There’s also the matter of your own safety. Some cleaners are so powerful that they can cause burns and other injuries. When you must, consider buying environmentally-friendly drain cleaning solutions.
In fact, that really cheap box of baking soda sitting in the office pantry shelf? That may just work on unclogging a sink.
Just place a heap on the affected drain or sink and pour a mixture of vinegar and hot water on top of it. Then, try draining some water. If it goes down without problems, then you’ve successfully unclogged the plumbing pipe.
Preventing Future Clogging Starts with Knowing What Their Causes Are
Always remember that prevention is better than cure. The same applies to the health and state of your office’s plumbing network.
It’s for this reason that you and your employees should know what clogs them pipes up in the first place. From here, you can then build workplace policies on , sanitary, and clog-free.
Food Is for Humans, Not Pipes
Regardless of how powerful your office’s kitchen garbage disposal is, prohibit anyone from using it to dispose of fruit peels and rinds. It takes more than a few whirs of the blade to break them up.
The same goes true for foods rich in fiber and starch. Think corn (and their husks), celery, potatoes, and rice, pasta, and beans. These can stick onto the disposal system’s blades and the interior lining of pipes.
Fats, grease, and oil are also big disposal and sink no-nos. They may be in liquid form while they’re hot, but once they get into the plumbing system, they congeal. And once they do, it’ll be tough for anyone to get them into liquid form again.
Anything “Flushable” Except for Toilet Paper Should Go Directly to the Trash Bin
And these include cotton swabs, towelettes, wipes, and other feminine products. Even when the label says “flushable,” so long as it’s not toilet paper, you and your employees should never flush it down the toilet. Throw all these other things directly into the trash can.
Even when soaked in water, these items don’t disintegrate quickly. And the more of them that go into the plumbing network, the greater the chances of clogging. And from here, the higher the risks of water backing up and out of the toilets, sinks, and drains.
Get a Strainer
Another piece of cheap, yet useful plumbing protection tool is the drain strainer. Consider installing one for every drain and sink in the office. These wire mesh-using tools help in filtering large pieces of dirt and debris before they get into your commercial building’s plumbing network.
When the Water Does Back Up
Keep in mind that in many cases, sewage backups can still occur. Especially in older buildings.
When this happens, the first thing you need to do is to contact a professional commercial plumber. Again, exposure to sewage, whether through skin contact or even inhalation, can cause health problems. If possible, completely stay away from that water pouring back out of the drains, sinks, or toilets.
Start Freeing Your Drains and Sewers of Clogs Now
As important as having strict policies in place is to prepare for the worst. This is why as early as now, it’s best you have a professional commercial plumbing service in your list of emergency office contacts.
Make sure that you work only with licensed plumbers. Also, choose one that uses innovative cleaning and sanitation equipment and devices when dealing with clogged sewer line problems.
Want to know more about how to have a healthier, more productive workplace? Then . You’ll find more useful tips and tricks there for a happier, better-performing business.
