How to Clear Clogged Drains

Plumbing can be intimidating. But not every plumbing fix requires a call to the pros. In fact, there are a handful of simple plumbing tasks that just about anyone can tackle with a little patience and the right guidance. Whether you’re a new homeowner, a renter, or just tired of paying for every minor leak or clog, this one’s for you.

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When running a business, plumbing might not be top of mind—until something goes wrong. A burst pipe, a backed-up drain, or a faulty water heater can disrupt operations, inconvenience customers, and lead to expensive repairs. Regular commercial plumbing maintenance helps prevent these issues, saving businesses time, money, and stress. But not all businesses have the same plumbing needs. Let’s take a look at why maintenance is crucial and what specific industries should focus on.  Why Regular Maintenance Matters Neglecting plumbing maintenance can lead to serious problems, including: ✔ Unexpected Downtime – A plumbing emergency can halt operations, costing businesses revenue and productivity. ✔ Expensive Repairs – Small issues, like a slow drain, can escalate into costly repairs if left unchecked. ✔ Health & Safety Concerns – Leaks and water damage can lead to mold growth, contamination, and even structural damage. ✔ Regulatory Compliance – Many industries must meet health and safety standards for plumbing systems, especially with backflow testing . Backflow testing must be performed annually in the State of Georgia for all businesses that connect directly or indirectly to the public water supply. By scheduling routine maintenance, businesses can catch minor issues before they become major problems, ensuring smooth operations year-round. Industry-Specific Plumbing Needs Restaurants & Food Service For restaurants, hotels, and commercial kitchens, plumbing problems can be disastrous. A clogged grease trap or backed-up drain can lead to kitchen shutdowns and health code violations. Regular maintenance should include: Grease trap cleaning or new grease trap installation . Drain and sewer line inspections. Water heater checks for dishwashers and sinks. Healthcare & Medical Facilities Hospitals, dental offices, and clinics rely on clean water and functional plumbing for sanitation and patient care. Preventative maintenance in these spaces should focus on: Backflow prevention to ensure water quality. Regular pipe inspections to prevent leaks and contamination. Water heater maintenance for sterilization equipment. Office Buildings & Corporate Spaces Large office buildings see heavy restroom use, making plumbing upkeep essential. Common maintenance needs include: Checking for leaks in restrooms and breakroom sinks. Maintaining water pressure for multiple floors. Inspecting sewer lines to prevent backups. Retail & Shopping Centers Customer restrooms, employee break areas, and utility sinks are all essential in retail spaces. Routine checks should include: Leak detection in public restrooms (especially for Mom & Pop shops in metro Atlanta with 1-2 bathrooms on site.) Water heater maintenance for stores with in-house cafés. Ensuring floor drains are clear to prevent flooding. Industrial & Manufacturing Facilities Factories and warehouses use plumbing for both sanitation and production processes. Preventative maintenance should focus on: Inspecting high-use pipes for corrosion. Checking for leaks in chemical or waste disposal systems. Ensuring emergency eyewash stations and safety showers function properly. Places of Worship Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship often have large gatherings that rely on the plumbing functioning correctly. With your patrons in attendance for long periods, on-site kitchens, and regular community events, regular maintenance is essential and should include: Checking restrooms for leaks, clogs, and proper water pressure. Inspecting and maintaining water heaters for kitchens and fellowship halls. Ensuring baptismal fonts and other specialty plumbing features are in good working order. Keeping sewer and drainage systems clear to accommodate large services and events. Schedule Commercial Plumbing Maintenance With Plumb Works A proactive approach to commercial plumbing maintenance saves businesses from expensive surprises. Scheduling routine inspections, cleaning drains, and keeping plumbing systems in top shape ensures smooth operations and regulatory compliance. If you own or manage a commercial property, don’t wait for a plumbing emergency. Invest in regular maintenance to protect your business, employees, and customers. Contact Plumb Works today to schedule a service or set up a custom maintenance plan that fits your industry’s needs.

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As fall brings cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage, it’s easy to forget that falling leaves can create significant problems for your storm drains. Both residential and commercial properties are at risk, especially when regular maintenance is neglected. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of cleaning storm drains, how leaf buildup leads to overflow, and why keeping up with maintenance can prevent expensive repairs. The Problem with Leaf Buildup in Storm Drains Fallen leaves may look harmless, but when they accumulate in storm drains , they create blockages that prevent water from flowing freely. This can cause: Overflowing drains in parking lots Water damage to building foundations and basements Unpleasant smells, especially for commercial properties that haven’t maintained their storm drains in 5+ years Leaf buildup is often forgotten until it’s too late and the water starts overflowing. Regular cleaning is the key to preventing these issues. Why Regular Maintenance is Essential Storm drain maintenance should be conducted at least once a year, or every other year in lower-risk areas. This can include: Camera inspections to check for blockages or damage. Jetting lines to clear out leaves and other debris. Maintenance is especially critical if your home or commercial property sits below street level. Properties at a lower elevation are more susceptible to flooding, and clogged storm drains can make this worse. If your house or business is above street level we recommend you perform storm drain maintenance once every 2 years unless you notice frequent leaf buildup in the storm drain grates on your property. The Dangers of Waiting Too Long All it takes is one large storm for clogged drains to cause a sewer overflow. While overflow often occurs in parking lots, the worst-case scenario involves water backing up into your building’s foundation or basement. This can lead to structural damage, mold, and costly repairs. For commercial properties, water damage can also disrupt business operations and create liability concerns. Property owners who neglect maintenance for five or more years might even notice persistent foul odors, which could indicate significant buildup and the presence of trapped debris or stagnant water. How to Prevent Overflow After a Storm The best way to prevent storm drain overflow is to stay on top of regular maintenance. However, if a storm hits and you suspect your drains may be blocked, it’s important to act quickly: Check for standing water in low-lying areas or parking lots. If you notice an overflow, call a professional to inspect and clear your storm drains immediately. After heavy storms, consider scheduling a post-storm inspection to ensure everything is functioning properly. Protect Your Home and Business With Plumb Works Storm drain cleaning is an easy task to forget, but it’s crucial for avoiding water damage and keeping your property safe. By maintaining your drains yearly or every other year, you can rest easy knowing your property is protected from the dangers of leaf buildup and storm drain overflow. Whether you own a home or a commercial building, regular inspections and maintenance will save you from costly repairs in the future. Don't wait until after the next big storm— schedule your storm drain cleaning with Plumb Works today!