What Are Fatbergs And Why You Don’t Want Them In Your Plumbing

The word fatberg may sound cool or humorous, but if you know what they are, you don’t want them anywhere near your plumbing. These stubborn pipe blockages need professional drain cleaning in Boston, MA. They can cause major problems that belie the funny term.

The Fatberg Problem

A fatberg is a massive, solid blockage in your plumbing system. Made of congealed fats, oils, and grease, it combines with non-flushable items like wipes or hygiene products, and other items that stick to it.

These dense, hardened blockages form deep within pipes or sewer lines. They block proper flow and cause serious backups and pipe damage. The larger they get, the more difficult they are to remove. Unless completely removed, they reform again and again.

A major clogged drain causes water to back up into sinks, tubs, or floor drains. Fatbergs begin forming with grease that sticks, cools down, and solidifies along pipe walls. They grow bigger as they accumulate various debris, including paper towels, floss, or cotton swabs. Complete removal is the key to defeating it.

Effective Professional Methods Against Fatbergs

A trusted drain cleaning company is well-equipped to identify and remove fatbergs. Unlike common residential clogs, fatbergs can stretch several feet and require special equipment and high-pressure jetting to dislodge. Left untreated, they cause wastewater backups into your home. They soon cause underground pipe breaks as the pressure builds up.

Smaller or early-stage fatberg buildup is removable by drain snaking. It often takes drain snakes plus hydro jetting to eliminate a full fatberg. Snaking can puncture or claw out parts of it, followed by hydro jetting, and sometimes other extra steps.

Maintenance, Maintenance

Preventing fatbergs comes down to routine drain cleaning services and proper, mindful use of all drains. Scheduled maintenance with inspections keeps pipes clear of all buildup.

Homeowners can do their part to prevent pouring grease and other forbidden items down the drain and toilets. Using filters and throwing other items in the garbage instead are also important.

You need the top plumbing specialist for these problems. Drains By James is ready to work on these plumbing issues once and for all. Call us today for an appointment.