Keep Your Business Running by Keeping Your Pipes Clean and Clear

Running a business means focusing on countless details, but one of the most critical is plumbing. Unlike the wrong paint color, not keeping pipes clean and clear can halt business operations entirely.

So, how do you keep your business running smoothly and prevent it from succumbing to plumbing problems?  The first step is knowing the common causes. And that’s exactly what Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is going to cover in this helpful post. Let’s get to it!

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Aging Pipes: Older pipes made from materials like clay or concrete can corrode, accumulate buildup, and crack over time.

Tree Root Infiltration: Tree roots can invade healthy pipes at joints, causing clogs and potential bursts.

Ground Shifting: Shifting soil over decades can disrupt pipe alignment, leading to drainage issues.

Grease Buildup: Particularly in restaurants, grease from dishwashing can solidify and clog drains.

These issues worsen if left untreated, but recognizing early warning signs can help you act before serious damage occurs.

Maintaining Clean Drains

Clear drains are vital for proper wastewater disposal. Accumulated buildup restricts water flow, leading to clogs and blockages. Acidic or store-bought cleaners may offer short-term relief but often corrode pipes, leading to costly repairs.

Here are steps to keep your drains clear:

Mind What Goes Down the Drain: Scrape leftover food into the trash before washing dishes to reduce debris buildup.

Avoid Flushing Non-Flushable Items: Items like sanitary products or condoms can block pipes.

Use Drain Catchers: Prevent larger particles from entering your drain and causing clogs.

Pour Hot Water Regularly: Flushing drains with boiling water every few days can dissolve minor buildup safely.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Routine drain cleaning by the pros is an effective way to maintain pipe health and extend their lifespan. The experts at Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter recommend annual inspections for optimal maintenance.

Unlike chemical cleaners, professional hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to remove debris, including tree roots and grease, keeping drains clear for six months or more. Our process includes a thorough flush using specialized equipment and a final camera inspection to confirm optimal pipe condition. This efficient drain cleaning service is typically completed within one afternoon and helps prevent future plumbing issues.

Warning Signs of Damaged Pipes

Similar to our advice about keeping drains clean above (and what happens when you don’t), clogged sewer pipes are often caused by the buildup of hair, grease, toilet paper, and soap scum, are a major reason for sewer backups.

In fact, sewer line backups are among the most distressing issues business owners face. Clogs in the sewer line can overload the system, forcing gray water and waste back into your business through toilets, basement drains, and shower heads. This can result in significant damage and expensive repairs.

Here are some warning signs that your pipes may need immediate attention:

• Foul odors
• Frequent clogs
• Mold issues
• Slow drains
• Lush patches in your yard
• Foundation cracks
• Septic waste in your yard

We mentioned it before, but it’s worth underscoring how much tree roots, which are very abundant here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, are attracted to moisture. Tackling tree root invasion is fundamental to healthy business operations, as they can (and will!) infiltrate pipes through cracks, causing damage and severe blockages as they grow.

Finally, severe pipe damage, including broken pipes and sewer line bellies, can lead to recurring backups and debris buildup, which may result in significant downtime and expensive repairs.

Bob Oates: Your Trusted Local Plumber to Keep Your Business Running Smoothly

Solutions provided by our techs include sewer camera inspections for an accurate diagnosis and sewer pipe lining services like high-power water jetting to address any current issues and prevent future problems from occurring.

The team at Bob Oates also specializes in delivering trenchless sewer repair technology. This method avoids large excavations of parking or pathways, is environmentally friendly, and will minimally disrupt your day-to-day operations so you can conduct business as usual!

We proudly offer our services to homes and businesses in the following locations:

• Ballard
• Bellevue
• Federal Way
• Fremont
• Greenwood
• Kent
• Lynnwood
• Queen Anne
• Renton
• Seattle
• Shoreline
• Tacoma
• West Seattle

Give us a call or contact us anytime. We’re always here for you!