Plumbing - Al Coronado Plumbing

Why Won’t My Toilet Flush?

Written by Al Coronado Plumbing on December 1, 2024. Posted in Plumbing.

Why won’t my toilet flush? The mess you know is coming when you ask this question can ruin anyone’s day.

As the expert plumber Marana, AZ, residents trust, we at Al Coronado Plumbing have seen our fair share of stubbornly unresponsive fixtures. Keep reading to learn the usual suspects when a toilet doesn’t flush.

Closed Water Valve

Toilets need water to flush, and the tank should fill up automatically after every use. If you barely see water in the tank, a plumber will check the inlet valve, turning it counterclockwise to see if water starts flowing in.

Sediment can sometimes build up around the valve. Give it a little wiggle.

You normally find it on the wall behind the toilet.

Disconnected Lever

Does your toilet have a lever flush system? The bar may have detached from the flapper, which is the rubber mechanism inside the tank.

A chain often attaches them together. If it comes unhooked from either component, nothing will happen when you press the flush handle.

It’s easy to fix. Just carefully remove the toilet tank’s lid and reattach the chain via the small hooks on the lever and flapper. Keep the connection fairly loose.

Faulty Flapper

Why won’t my toilet flush properly? Weak flush issues often point toward a compromised flapper, the component that seals the opening between the tank and the bowl. Water will flow continuously when the flapper becomes warped or torn.

Fixing a flapper problem requires buying a replacement that matches the existing flush valve assembly. The plumber will turn off the water supply, empty the tank, remove the old flapper, and hook the new one onto the overflow tube.

While they’re there, why not give the professional an overview of the plumbing problems you’re having and ask for advice?

Clogged Toilet

It’s arguably the most common toilet problem, although most blockages happen when someone puts excessive toilet paper into the bowl. Of course, other objects could also cause a clogged toilet, such as:

Paper towels
Cotton balls and swabs
Hygiene products like sanitary napkins and tampons
Wet wipes, even those labeled as “flushable”
Dental floss
Hair
Medication or pharmaceuticals
Toys or small household objects

For any small objects, a trusty plunger might do the trick. Push it down until it creates an airtight seal, then pump it in quick strokes.

Deep-seated or persistent clogs may need a plumber’s more specialized tools, like a drain snake or hydro-jetting gear.

Float Complications

The float sits at the water level in the tank. Once the water reaches the tank’s maximum capacity, the float closes the toilet’s fill valve, so a damaged, obstructed, or poorly set float may cause less water, which would give a weaker flush (or a toilet not flushing at all).

The solution involves adjusting or replacing a small component. If it’s just stuck, gently adjust it until it moves freely again.

Your Go-To Crew for Plumbing Problems in Marana, AZ

Why won’t my toilet flush? Why is my bathroom smelling like sulfur? Leave toilet repair to professionals who don’t just treat surface problems but address the root cause for good!

Dial (520) 834-8400 today for Al Coronado Plumbing!

What Causes Water Heaters To Explode?

Written by Al Coronado Plumbing on October 30, 2024. Posted in Plumbing.

Water heater explosions are a very real possibility for homeowners to watch out for. What causes water heaters to explode? Typically, these explosions occur due to pressure buildup, for which several factors might be responsible.

Al Coronado Plumbing has spent years offering reliable water heater repair in Tucson, AZ. Keep reading to learn what the team does to help locals avoid water heater explosions.

What Causes Water Heaters To Explode?

Water heaters can be dangerous. After all, you’re looking at boiling water and high pressure inside the tank around the clock. Rising pressure in the water heater comes from thermal expansion. Frighteningly, this could easily lead to an explosion followed by a fire, but what causes the pressure buildup in the first place?

High temperatures: Overheating water will raise the pressure inside the tank. Scalding water may be due to an inaccurate thermostat or malfunctioning part.
Sediment buildup: Tanks get sediment lying on the bottom over time. Rust is a common reason for this sediment accumulation, as is hard water.
Broken parts: If any portion of the water heater system malfunctions, it could cause the system to heat the water too much while increasing the pressure beyond what the tank can handle.

If any of these situations carries on long enough, the tank might explode.

Signs Your Water Heater Will Burst

You don’t want to live in constant fear about the water heater suddenly bursting. Now that you know what causes water heaters to explode, here are a few warning signs to note.

Faulty Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is on the outside of the tank. If you notice water dripping from it, there is too much pressure. The tank needs immediate professional attention.

Discolored Water

Since sediment buildup causes thermal expansion, discolored water from rust (brown to red) and stained fixtures serve as a warning sign of excess tank pressure. Sediment may also be greenish or yellowish.

Sounds

Popping sounds occur when water trapped underneath sediment buildup builds pressure and bubbles. The water also gets too close to the heating elements and displaces sediment as it escapes upward, causing loud sounds.

Gas Leaks

If the water smells funny or of rotten eggs, you might have a gas leak, which is incredibly dangerous and considered an emergency. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, so it’s important to keep a detector near your water heater. If there’s a carbon monoxide leak setting off the alarm:

First, call 911 and leave your home immediately.
Then, call a plumber.

Prevent Explosions With Al Coronado Plumbing

Potentially, you now know what causes water heaters to explode, but the key to avoiding water heater repairs and explosions is simple – get regular maintenance. Get your water tank inspected once every year so that a professional plumber can spot signs of wear and tear before your water heater develops major problems. If your pressure valve and tank thermometer are working perfectly, and the plumber flushes sediment buildup, your tank won’t give you issues.

Call Al Coronado Plumbing at (520) 834-8400 when you need your water tank repaired, replaced, or maintained!

Causes and Prevention of Water Pipe Corrosion

Written by Al Coronado Plumbing on September 30, 2024. Posted in Plumbing.

Water pipe corrosion can affect the quality of water in your home or business. You might notice a reduction in water pressure, too. Deterioration of water pipes naturally occurs over time. However, you can slow the erosion through preventative measures. Our expert plumbers in Oro Valley, AZ, can help.

Learn more about what you can do to slow the effects of corrosion in your water pipes.

What Corrosion in Water Pipes Looks Like

Experienced plumbers know how to identify water pipe corrosion in your home or business. However, it isn’t always easy for homeowners to spot physical corrosion. Instead, look for signs that you may have corroded pipes, including:

Water bills that increase unexpectedly
Reduced water pressure
Odd odors, colors, or taste in drinking water
Cloudy water
Metal particle contaminants in water, like copper and lead
Discoloration on pipe exteriors and in sinks and bathtubs
Thinning of the pipe’s material

Call a licensed plumber if you notice potential signs of corroded plumbing pipes. Our team can inspect your system for specific issues. The earlier we spot corrosion problems, the easier it is to fix them.

Ignoring corrosion could lead to plumbing system problems that are expensive to fix. You may run into leaks or a complete system failure.

What Causes Water Pipe Corrosion

Pipe corrosion is the oxidation of a pipe’s structure. Signs may appear on the outside or inside of the pipes. Corrosion can occur with metal, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe materials.

Corrosion in the water pipes occurs slowly through normal wear and tear. If you have hard water, minerals can calcify on the interior of the pipes. Highly acidic water can break down the metal structure in the pipes. This causes pitting and other physical issues.

Exposure to electrical currents can also lead to corrosion, as electrolysis causes the materials in the pipe to break down.

Galvanic reactions are possible if you have excessive metals in your water. The metal in the water reacts with the metal in the pipes, causing corrosion.

Preventing Corrosion in Your Plumbing System

Water pipe corrosion is a natural process. You can’t prevent it entirely. However, you can use some techniques to slow its progress.

Additives: Consider adding filters and chemical substances to your home’s water supply. Calcite neutralizer filters and water softener salt can slow the effects of corrosion.
Reduced temperatures: Turn down the thermostat on your hot water heater. Capping your hot water temperature at 180 degrees Fahrenheit can slow corrosion.
Decrease water speed: Try installing water pipes with larger diameters. Larger pipes allow the water to move at a slower speed, which reduces corrosive effects.

Al Coronado Plumbing Can Help With Water Pipe Corrosion

Whether you’re experiencing water pipe corrosion or want to slow the rusting, we can help. Al Coronado Plumbing can determine the best type of pipes to use with your plumbing system. We can make repairs or perform a new installation to fix a severe problem.

To learn more about our plumbing services, call us at (520) 834-8400 today.

Can You Put Drain Cleaner Down a Garbage Disposal?

Written by Al Coronado Plumbing on August 30, 2024. Posted in Plumbing.

Many people wonder, “Can you put drain cleaner down a garbage disposal?” But instead of waiting to find out the answer, they dump the cleaner down the drain and hope for the best. When dealing with a garbage disposal drain blockage, it’s not unusual to want to get back to the normal routine.

After all, food waste piles up fast. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can put drain cleaner down the garbage disposal. Pay attention to the following advice from Sahuarita’s plumbing contractor, who takes care of the Tucson community with five-star service.

Garbage Disposals and Drain Cleaners

There are two major reasons you shouldn’t use drain cleaners.

They Are Environmentally Unsound

Assuring safe, effective waste management means more than removing bagged garbage from city centers and dumping it out of sight. Waste removal doesn’t just deal with bags or dumpsters full of garbage that you can transport via hands or trucks, either.

Everything we use, from trash bags to cleaners, demands safe disposal, including wastewater containing drain cleaners.

Drain cleaners contain harmful ingredients that burn the skin and cause severe injuries, including death if ingested.

You don’t want to dump them down the drain and hope for the best. Drain cleaners dumped down the garbage disposal flow into wastewater management sites, where they merge with other water sources. Dumping drain cleaner down a garbage disposal qualifies as environmentally unsound.

So, while the answer to the question, “Can you put drain cleaner down a garbage disposal?” is technically yes, you shouldn’t if you want to reduce your carbon footprint.

Most Clogs Resist Them

Despite wreaking havoc on the environment, chemical cleaners don’t remove clogs that well. They work on a more superficial level, and they corrode plumbing. They can damage garbage disposal pipes, plastic parts, and other metal parts.

A professional plumber provides the most effective clog removal because they have the tools to deal with a clog, know what’s causing it, and repair or replace parts as necessary. This saves money and time because the professionals won’t have to correct drain clean problems.

Besides, a clog might not be the problem. A malfunctioning garbage disposal could also be due to:

Worn-out parts
The age of the unit
The kitchen sink

After clearing the clog, commit to getting disposal maintenance as recommended. Keeping the garbage clean and tuned up complies with the warranty and also prevents small clogs from becoming big problems.

Professional plumbers can help keep your house running smoothly while helping you avoid plumbing-related headaches down the road.

Contact Al Coronado Plumbing for Garbage Disposal Maintenance and Other Plumbing Needs

Now that you know the answer to, “Can you put drain cleaner down a garbage disposal?” hire Tucson’s premier plumbing team, Al Coronado Plumbing, to care for your garbage disposal. We can further explain why there are no drain cleaners safe for pipes and keep your pipes clean with our five-star work.

Call us at 520-834-8400 for garbage disposal maintenance and other plumbing maintenance, repair, or replacement needs.

What To Do With a Toilet Backing Up Into the Shower

Written by csadmin on June 30, 2024. Posted in Plumbing.

A toilet backing up into a shower seems like something out of a horror movie. Unfortunately, it is a real-life situation that happens daily. Remember: a toilet backing up into the shower doesn’t care about boundaries. You’ve got to act fast or the mess will be all over your house.

These steps can prevent that, but if they don’t work, you need to contact a trusted plumbing service in Sahuarita.

What To Do With a Toilet Backing Up Into the Shower

Here are the steps to take immediately after your toilet backs up into the shower.

Turn Off the Main Water Supply

Turning off the main water supply stops the flow of the backup. It keeps the sewage from pushing through even more. This step is crucial because if the water is running, the problem is magnifying.

Therefore, when you see a toilet backing up into shower, cut the water fast.

Use a Drain Snake on the Toilet or the Shower to Correct the Drainage System Problem

If you have a drain snake, use it on the toilet or the shower. You can use it on both if you don’t know which one is causing the problem. Residential toilets are known for causing these issues without the proper care, but showers cause problems, too.

If your toilet is clogged:

Place the drain snake into the toilet drain with care. You don’t want to ruin your toilet with scratches.
Spin the snake clockwise.
Spin the snake counterclockwise.

If your shower drain is clogged:

Remove the drain cover.
Push the drain snake down the pipe. The pipe curves, so adjust your position for that.
Next, do the same maneuvers you did with the toilet: spin the drain snake clockwise, then counterclockwise.

These steps may clear any clogs that caused this to happen.

Avoid Using Drain Cleaner

Many homeowners use drain cleaners. However, drain cleaners almost always make the issue worse. Despite their advertising, they rarely solve any drainage system problems. They are also dangerous to use because they can cause burns and are not good for your respiratory system. Dispose of these safely so they don’t harm people and animals.

A Professional Plumber Provides the Best Solutions for You

Whether you have a sewage line blockage or need sewage backup prevention, working with a dependable plumber means you have preventive, repair, and replacement coverage.

Signing up for regular maintenance is the key to your home’s plumbing sanctity. Regular inspections catch plumbing problems early before they become catastrophes. This can save you money on plumbing repairs and replacement, plus water and property damage costs.

Contact Al Coronado Plumbing for Sewer Line Blockage and More

Al Coronado Plumbing is known for providing effective plumbing backup solutions. If you have a bathroom plumbing issue or any other plumbing problem, you can count on us. We have successfully dealt with everything from a toilet backing up into a shower to issues with toilet flush systems. Contact us at 520-834-8400 for more info.

How Often Should a Sump Pump Run?

Written by Al Coronado Plumbing on April 30, 2024. Posted in Plumbing.

Although most of Tucson has a minor flood risk, estates in low-lying areas at or below sea level rely heavily on sump pumps to keep their properties dry. Especially during the wet seasons, these devices pump indoor water back outdoors. But how often should a sump pump run?

Like your heating and cooling units, your sump pumps should run for a specific time before powering off. Our team with trusted plumbing services in Sahuarita and surrounding Arizona areas further explains the latter’s functionality below.

When Does a Sump Pump Power On and Off?

Since water flows to the lowest elevation, technicians install a pump in the deepest basement area; when water invades your home, it immediately trickles into the pit. However, a few drops won’t turn the pump on since the water must reach the float switch.

This trigger controls the sump pump operation frequency, telling the pump to move water directly into the drain line or nearby well or pond. After the rain stops and the pump expels enough water, levels drop below the float switch, and the sump pump’s running duration ends.

What Sump Pump Issues Cause It To Run Too Much or Too Little?

So, how often should sump pumps activate? While the ideal sump pump running time depends on pump size and present water accumulation, your pump shouldn’t run frequently or non-stop. If it does, your pump can deteriorate prematurely, especially with no water.

One of the most common factors affecting the answer to “How often should a sump pump run?” includes a broken float switch or clogged one where debris keeps it in the on or off position. That leaves the pump running too long or not at all. But even with a working trigger that sends water to the discharge line without issue, a clogged or frozen line keeps the water from draining.

Another common cause of the pump continuously running is a broken check valve that allows water to backflow through the pipe and reenter the pit. The pit then goes through a continuous cycle of pumping out the same water.

What Exterior Factors Affect Your Tucson Sump Pump Cycling Frequency?

However, sump pump malfunctions aren’t the only cause of unusual sump pump usage frequency since external factors also prove harmful. For instance, a broken main causes excessive water to flow around your foundation just as a negative ground grade places your home at the bottom of a slope, allowing rainwater to run directly to your home.

These issues ensure water is always present in your sump pit. So, even though the pump isn’t overworking due to a malfunction, these circumstances overwork it to the point of breakdown.

Trust the Team with Over 1,500 Five-Star Reviews!

Your sump pump protects your property and loved ones just as our five-star team, qualified in handling professional plumbing problems, protects your pump. So, do you want to uncover, “How often should a sump pump run?” or find help caring for your septic system? Call Tucson’s #1 Al Coronado Plumbing at 520-834-8400 to schedule a free visit!

Why Does My Toilet Bubble When I Take a Shower?

Written by Al Coronado Plumbing on January 30, 2024. Posted in Plumbing.

If you experience toilet gurgling or bubbling, you might wonder what’s causing this issue and if it’s something to worry about. The answer to, “Why does my toilet bubble when I take a shower?” ranges from something completely normal to more serious concerns.

To get to the bottom of your toilet bubbling while showering, you’ll want to deploy help from a skilled plumbing contractor in Sahuarita.

Understanding Toilet Gurgling in the Shower

Have you been wondering, “Why does my toilet bubble when I take a shower?” If you hear gurgling coming from your toilet while you shower, it’s because they both share a drain line. If there’s something clogging, restricting, or blocking the line, air can become trapped inside the pipes, which can lead to bubbling noises.

Troubleshooting Toilet Issues During Shower

If you hear any sort of gurgling from your toilet during showers, there are many things you’ll want to inspect and troubleshoot before moving forward. Here is a brief list of common toilet issues that can cause bubbling:

Clogged toilet drain, which can be minor, like a clogged toilet, or significant, like a deep clog in the plumbing that requires an auger
Air bubble due to a dry P-trap, which is the pipe running below the toilet
Vent stack blockage from debris like sticks or nests

Cause of Toilet Bubbling During Shower

There are a few main reasons why a toilet or shower may be gurgling during or after showering. The most common reasons and their fixes are detailed below.

Main Sewer Line Clog

This type of clog requires help from professional plumbers because it can be due to numerous factors like tree roots, grease, damage, or debris. A main sewer line clog may require hydro-jetting and drum augers to reach the affected area and break through the clog.

Poorly Installed Plumbing

Improper plumbing can cause poor pressurization in the plumbing, which allows for air pockets and dangerous backflow. To best treat your issue, hire professional plumbers who can take all diagnostic measures to inspect your plumbing and provide the correct long-term solution.

Drain Pipe Clogs in Shower

Now and then, the shower drain clogs with hair, debris, and other materials. If the shower has a clog, it also affects the toilet since they’re connected. If you suspect the tub has a clog, you’ll want to remove the drain catcher and use a plunger to push down suspected debris.

Plumbers use augers that rod through debris in the drain pipes to remove stubborn clogs and eliminate any overflow. Furthermore, if you use a well and septic, you should know that non-septic safe toilet paper may clog pipes, too, leading to a main line blockage.

How to Fix a Bubbling Toilet

To fix a bubbling toilet, you have to remove the blockage in your plumbing system. Depending on where the clog is, you may not be able to solve the problem on your own.

If your vent stack is the source of the blockage, you’ll need to inspect the rooftop vent and remove any visible leaves or debris in it. If the clog is further down, let a plumbing professional inspect the area.

Similarly, a clog within your drain lines can be complex to remove. Call an expert to take care of any clogs. Only professional plumbers have the skills to remove the clog without creating further damage to the system.

Consider a Toilet Upgrade

Residential toilet water usage accounts for 30% of homeowners’ water bills. In addition to troubleshooting any clogs in your plumbing system, you may want to consider upgrading your toilet to mitigate future problems.

Instead of questioning, “Why does my toilet bubble when I take a shower?” get your answers today. Contact Al Coronado Plumbing at (530) 834-8400 in Tucson, AZ, for all your plumbing services! Worry less about how a shower drain impacts toilet bubbling and get the help you deserve.

Why Are Water Filtration Systems Worth It?

Written by Al Coronado Plumbing on December 30, 2023. Posted in Plumbing.

Are water filtration systems worth it? When you turn on your tap, it’s easy to assume that the stream gushing out is pristine and untainted, but how can you be sure?

Even a crystal-clear appearance is no guarantee of safety, as many harmful contaminants are invisible to the naked eye.

As a skilled plumbing contractor in Southern AZ, we at Al Coronado Plumbing have received many queries concerning this topic. Keep reading as we discuss the cold, hard facts and help you make informed decisions. If you need reliable plumbing service, give us a call at 520-834-8400.

Doesn’t the Municipal System Filter Our Water?

You can think of treatment plants as our first line of defense against the undesirable elements present in our water. Even with the impressive machinery and stringent protocols, though, they cannot guarantee absolute purity.

Your water supply can still contain chloramines, magnesium, fluoride, calcium, byproducts from insecticides and pesticides, and even suspicious solids in rare cases.

Reap the Worthwhile Rewards of Installing a Whole-House Water Filter System

Are water filtration systems worth it? If you have reservations about making this upgrade, consider the following benefits these systems provide.

Better-Tasting Water

With a water filtration system, every gulp you take is free from the off-putting metallic taste of unfiltered water. You can also bid adieu to that unpleasant chlorinated swimming pool smell that sometimes wafts up when you’re trying to enjoy a refreshing drink. Quench your thirst, and savor the difference!

Fewer Health Risks

The beauty of a personal system is that it handles any pesky pollutants that might have slipped through the municipal nets. As such, you can avoid issues like:

Skin irritation
Gastrointestinal diseases
Neurological complications
Certain types of cancers

Remember, this isn’t just about drinking water; it’s about the water you bathe in, cook with, and use for cleaning too.

It’s Cost-Efficient

Think about the money you’ve forked out for bottled water or those individual filters for your faucets and showers.

Now, imagine redirecting all that money into a one-time purchase. The maintenance also becomes easier, cheaper, and far less frequent, making water filtration systems surprisingly cost-efficient.

Protected Plumbing

Does your area suffer from hard water? The mineral deposits that form inside your plumbing can lead to clogging, impacting the water pressure and reducing the lifespan of your system. Most larger systems have water-softening capabilities to combat this headache.

A softer water source also:

Makes your laundry brighter and softer
Leaves your hair and skin feeling silky smooth
Speeds up the dishwashing process
Eliminates unsightly residue in your kitchen and bathroom fixtures

Upgrade Your Water Quality Today

Are water filtration systems worth it? If you recently got a water test and were left aghast at the results, even whole-house water filters worth a few hundred dollars can make a world of difference.

Call 520-834-8400 and let our crew at Al Coronado Plumbing recommend a tailor-fit solution for your property. Explore more of our blog and learn how to avoid plumbing emergencies this winter.

Three Essential Drain Cleaning Tools Used By Pros

Written by Al Coronado Plumbing on September 30, 2023. Posted in Plumbing.

Professional plumbers utilize several drain-cleaning tools to eradicate troublesome pipe clogs in record time. Although most Tucson residents know the basic plumbing tools, many don’t know the more obscure plumbing equipment. That’s why our team at Al Coronado Plumbing put together this guide on essential drain-cleaning tools plumbers use to eliminate pipe blockages.

Al Coronado Plumbing is one of Tucson’s most trusted professional plumbing companies. If you need professional drain cleaning in Tucson, AZ, call our experts at (520) 834-8400.

Three Professional Drain-Cleaning Tools Every Professional Uses

Clogged pipes can hinder your plumbing system’s operations and make it difficult to use your fixtures without adversely affecting your drain lines. However, professional drain-cleaning tools can make vexing pipe blockages a thing of the past while preserving your piping’s structural integrity. Below are some efficient tools and drain cleaners most plumbers use on a near-weekly basis:

1. Plumbing Snake

A plumbing snake is a long, flexible, corkscrew-like wire that penetrates clogs and dislodges them from pipes. They break apart drain obstructions and allow them to flow through the drain without obstructing operations or damaging the pipe’s interior. Plumbing snakes, also called augers, come in motorized and manual model variations and are one of the most useful tools to eliminate drain blockages.

2. Video Inspection Devices

Before a plumber eliminates a drain blockage, they must find it and determine the best unclogging method. However, uncovering clogs deep within pipes isn’t always easy. Video inspection devices allow plumbers to find and assess hard-to-reach drain blockages and plan their approach beforehand.

Video inspection equipment typically features a small waterproof camera attached to a long, narrow cable. The camera sends images and videos of the blockage to the plumber’s monitor to help them determine the best approach to the clog. Once the plumbers examine the clog, they can efficiently remove it and restore your plumbing system’s operations.

3. Hydro Jets

Plumbers use hydro jets to eliminate stubborn clogs and clean a pipe’s interior. These jets shoot highly pressurized water into the drains to eliminate clogs that other tools can’t remove. They can remove various substances, including:

Oil
Grease
Waste
Non-degradable materials
Tree roots

Although hydro jets make eradicating vexing clogs swift and easy, the high water pressure can damage the pipes if someone uses them incorrectly. Always leave hydro-jetting to the professionals to ensure a safe and effective process.

Our Al Coronado Plumbing team has vast experience with these drain-cleaning tools and will have your piping system operating better than ever at a price that fits your budget.

Contact Al Coronado Plumbing for Top-Quality Drain Cleaning in Tucson, Arizona

If you want to revamp your home or business’s piping system and ensure optimal operations, contact Al Coronado Plumbing. Our plumbers will have your pipes clean and pristine using the best drain-cleaning tools in the industry today. Whether you need to fix a clogged drain or want to install a new toilet, our experts have you covered.

Call our Al Coronado Plumbing team at (520) 834-8400 and schedule your appointment today!

What Causes Black Mold in Sink Drains?

Written by Al Coronado Plumbing on August 30, 2023. Posted in Blog Post, General plumbing blog, Plumbing.

If you see a black discoloration ringing your sink’s drain, you likely have black mold growth. So, what causes black mold in sink drains? Keep reading to discover everything you should know about black mold in your sink.

As the top-related drain cleaning company in Tucson, AZ, our team at Al Coronado Plumbing can help you remove black mold and prevent future growth. Book an appointment by calling 520-834-8400.

What Is Black Mold?

Black mold might look like slime or gunk, but it’s actually two layers of growing organisms. On the top level, bacteria grow on your discarded hair, soap scum, skin cells, and more. Beneath the bacteria, penetrating into the pipes under your drain is black mold.

Black mold endangers your health and property and can grow from your sink into the rest of your home. If you see black gunk, mold has already penetrated deeper into your sink. Address the mold immediately to avoid more severe problems.

Causes of Black Mold

Black mold grows from two causes.

Drain Clogs

A drain clog provides the perfect breeding ground for mold. Not only does it cause moisture to build up, but it provides plenty of nutrients from hair and other substances. The dangerous thing about a sink clog is that the mold can go undetected while it spreads to the rest of your home.

Moisture Buildup

Mold only needs moisture and nutrients to take root, and that can occur in places other than a clog. Even when it doesn’t cause a blockage, whenever you rinse anything down the drain, it can lodge in the sides or joints of your pipe, eventually attracting water and then mold.

Signs You Have Black Mold

Now that you know what causes black mold in sink drains, look for these signs you have a problem:

Discoloration around the affected area is the most visible sign. The mold will present as a dark ring around the drain or just inside it. If you notice a pinkish discoloration, that’s a bacteria and an early sign mold is soon to come.
If your bathroom smells like an attic or humid basement, it’s an invisible indication mold is growing just beneath your drain.
If you notice your allergies increase whenever you use the bathroom, especially if you don’t experience them in bathrooms outside your home, it’s a clear sign something is growing in your sink.

How To Clean the Black Mold

Follow these steps to address black mold:

Remove the drain stopper and scrub it down. For extra certainty, soak it in vinegar.
Plunge the drain to remove any clogs.
Use a homemade cleaning solution consisting of two cups of boiling water and one-half cup of baking soda to pour down the pipes.
Call a plumber to inspect your pipes and address any further issues.

Contact Al Coronado Plumbing for All Your Plumbing Needs

Now that you know what causes black mold in sink drains, our Al Coronado Plumbing team can help you use drain cleaners and other cleaning methods to clear it. With knowledgeable and professional service, we make the process hassle-free. Book an appointment by calling us at 520-834-8400.