Storm drains and sanitary sewers are often discussed as if they serve the same purpose, but they are designed for fundamentally different types of water. The distinction affects everything from everyday street flooding to how communities protect rivers, lakes, and bays from pollution.

In most municipalities, the stormwater system is built to capture rainfall and snowmelt and route it—directly or with limited treatment—to nearby waterways. The sanitary sewer system, by contrast, is designed to collect wastewater from homes and businesses and deliver it to treatment facilities where it is treated before discharge.

What storm drains are for

Storm drains typically move “cleaner” water in the sense that it originates from precipitation rather than human waste. When rain falls, storm drains help prevent standing water by channeling runoff through catch basins, pipes, culverts, and sometimes de ... Read more »

Outdoor kitchens are built for summer: open flames, frequent cooking, and fast cleanup. But many of the problems homeowners blame on “old pipes” actually start with how BBQ grease is disposed of after each cookout.

Grease doesn’t just disappear. When it’s poured down drains, it cools, sticks to pipe walls, and gradually narrows passages—especially in lines that see fewer uses or longer shutdown periods.

Pouring hot grease directly into sinks or drains

One of the quickest ways to create future clogs is to send grease down a sink while it’s still hot. Even if it seems to flow at first, it can solidify deeper in the plumbing system, forming a slick buildup that traps food particles and other debris.

Better approach: Let grease cool, then collect it in a container. Dispose of it through appropriate local programs or waste services.

... Read more »

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When sewer or drain problems start, the most important question is not just what is happening—it’s where. That location determines whether a contractor recommends main line rodding (clearing an obstruction in the pipe) or spot repair (fixing a damaged section of pipe).

Main line rodding and spot repair can both be effective, but using the wrong method can waste time and cost more in the long run. Here’s how to tell the difference.

What main line rodding is for

Main line rodding is typically used when the issue is an obstruction inside an otherwise intact pipe. A professional will insert a mechanical rod or cable into the line to break up or pull out material causing the blockage.

This approach is often chosen when symptoms suggest a buildup—such as slow drainage, gurgling sounds, backups that appe ... Read more »

Bathroom sink pop-up stoppers are convenient—until they start to drain slowly, stick in place, or refuse to seal properly. When a pop-up won’t work as expected, the problem is usually more than “just a clog.” Hair, soap residue, toothpaste particles, and hard-water minerals can accumulate in the stopper body, the drain throat, and the linkage that raises and lowers the plug.

What makes pop-up stoppers clog

The most common culprits are debris that collects right where the stopper meets the drain. Hair and lint act like a filter, trapping more buildup over time. Soap scum and toothpaste residue can form a sticky film, which then catches on hair and allows mineral deposits to grow. In hard-water areas, calcium and magnesium can also create a rough coating that makes the stopper harder to move and more likely to snag.

Another frequent issue is misalignment: after cleaning, reinstalling, or minor plumbing movement, the link ... Read more »