collins-plumbing

Heavy Rain Just Passed? Here's What Every Homeowner Should Check to Prevent Plumbing Problems

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:11:35 GMT

Don't Let a Storm Leave Behind Costly Surprises

After the recent heavy rains across Jonesborough and the Tri-Cities area, many homeowners are breathing a sigh of relief now that the skies have cleared. But while the storm may be over, your home's drainage and plumbing systems could still be dealing with the aftermath.

Heavy rainfall can overwhelm gutters, outdoor drains, and drainage systems. When water isn't able to flow away from your property properly, it can lead to standing water, foundation issues, drainage backups, and costly repairs down the road.

The good news? A simple walk around your property after a storm can help you spot potential problems early and prevent bigger issues later.

Why Proper Drainage Matters

Your home's drainage system plays a critical role in protecting your property from water damage. Its job is to direct rainwater safely away from your home and foundation.

When outdoor drains become clogged or gutters overflow, water has nowhere to go. As a result, it can:

* Pool around your home's foundation

* Seep into crawl spaces or basements

* Contribute to soil erosion around your property

* Increase the risk of mold and mildew growth

* Put extra strain on your drainage and plumbing systems

Even minor drainage issues can worsen over time if left unchecked, especially during periods of frequent rainfall.

4 Quick Checks Every Homeowner Should Make After Heavy Rain

1. Check Outdoor Drains for Debris

Leaves, mulch, dirt, and other debris can easily block outdoor drains during a storm.

Take a quick walk around your yard and inspect any visible drainage grates or catch basins. Remove any debris that may be preventing water from flowing properly.

If you notice standing water that remains several hours after the rain has stopped, there may be a blockage that needs attention.

2. Inspect Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters and downspouts are your home's first line of defense against water damage.

Look for:

* Overflowing gutters

* Sagging sections

* Loose connections

* Debris buildup

* Downspouts discharging water too close to your foundation

Water should be directed several feet away from your home whenever possible. Properly functioning gutters can help prevent foundation problems and water intrusion.

3. Look for Standing Water Near Your Foundation

Walk around the perimeter of your home and pay attention to areas where water may be collecting.

Water should always flow away from your foundation. If you notice puddles or soggy areas near exterior walls, your property may need grading improvements or drainage adjustments.

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to foundation settling, cracks, and moisture problems over time.

4. Watch for Plumbing Warning Signs Inside Your Home

Heavy rain can sometimes reveal hidden drainage problems.

Keep an eye out for:

* Slow-draining sinks or tubs

* Gurgling noises from drains

* Unpleasant odors near drains

* Water backing up where it shouldn't

These symptoms may indicate a developing drainage issue that could worsen during future storms.

When Should You Call a Professional?

While many drainage concerns can be identified through a simple inspection, some issues require professional attention.

Consider contacting a plumbing professional if you notice:

* Persistent standing water

* Recurring drain backups

* Multiple slow drains throughout the home

* Sewage odors

* Water pooling near your foundation after every rainstorm

Addressing these issues early can help prevent more extensive and expensive repairs later.

A Few Minutes of Prevention Can Save You Thousands

Many plumbing and drainage problems don't happen overnight. They often begin as small issues that go unnoticed until they become major headaches.

Taking a few minutes to inspect your property after heavy rain can help you identify potential concerns before they lead to water damage, drainage failures, or costly repairs.

Heavy rain may be unavoidable, but the damage it can cause often isn't.

If you have concerns about your home's drainage system, outdoor drains, or plumbing after recent storms, the team at Collins Plumbing is here to help. We proudly serve Jonesborough and the Tri-Cities area with professional plumbing, drain cleaning, and drain inspection services designed to keep your home protected year-round.

Why Quarterly Drain Maintenance Is a Smart Move for Commercial Kitchens

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:30:29 GMT

New Title

A busy kitchen can look clean on the surface while hidden buildup is quietly causing problems underneath. Grease, food scraps, and debris can collect in your drains and pipes over time, leading to slow drainage, bad odors, backups, and unnecessary stress.

That is why quarterly drain maintenance is so important.

At Collins Plumbing, our Quarterly Drain Maintenance service helps keep kitchen drains flowing smoothly with professional hydro jetting, hot water cleaning, grease buildup removal, floor drain cleaning, and main line inspection. It is a simple way to stay ahead of plumbing problems before they turn into costly interruptions.

For restaurants and commercial kitchens, this kind of routine care makes a big difference. It helps prevent clogs, improves drain performance, extends the life of your pipes, and minimizes downtime during busy hours. It also helps keep your kitchen health department ready all year long.

Restaurant kitchens go through routine inspections by local health departments to make sure they meet food safety and sanitation standards. These inspections often check cleanliness, drainage, facility hygiene, and overall sanitation practices. When drains are backed up, slow, or producing odors, it can quickly become a problem during inspection.

Regular quarterly maintenance helps your kitchen stay cleaner, safer, and inspection-ready year-round.

Best of all, quarterly service gives you peace of mind. Instead of waiting for a drain emergency, you can stay on schedule and keep your kitchen running the way it should.

A clean kitchen starts with a clean system underneath it. With regular quarterly drain maintenance, you are protecting your business, your staff, and your peace of mind.

Clearing the Way: How Sewer Jetting Cleans Pipes and Beats Clogs

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:13:05 GMT

Sewer jetting is one of the most effective ways to clean your drains and it’s a lot more thorough than most people realize.

It uses high-pressure water to clear out grease, sludge, scale, soap buildup, and even tree roots from inside your pipes. Instead of just poking a hole through a clog, it actually cleans the pipe walls, restoring full flow and helping prevent future blockages.

Why does that matter? Because partially blocked sewer lines can quickly turn into slow drains, sewage backups, water damage, and expensive emergency repairs. Regular sewer jetting helps you avoid all of that by keeping your plumbing system running smoothly.

It’s also an environmentally friendly option. Sewer jetting relies only on high-pressure water no harsh chemicals like acids or lye. That means nothing harmful is released into your sewer or septic system, which helps protect beneficial bacteria and prevents toxic runoff. The debris that gets flushed out simply flows away like normal wastewater.

Unlike traditional drain snaking, which just breaks through a blockage, sewer jetting scrubs the entire pipe from all angles. A specialized nozzle blasts water through the line, cutting through hardened buildup and flushing everything out completely. It’s safe for most modern plumbing systems and works great for residential, commercial, and even municipal lines.

Most homeowners don’t realize how much buildup forms inside their pipes until a major clog happens and by then, it’s already a hassle. Regular sewer jetting can extend the life of your plumbing, improve drainage, and reduce those unexpected emergency calls.

A few common questions:
• Is it safe? Yes — when done by a professional who checks your pipes first.
• How often should it be done? Usually every 1–2 years, depending on usage.
• Does it remove tree roots? In many cases, yes — it can cut and flush them out.

At the end of the day, sewer jetting is both preventative and corrective. It keeps your plumbing clean, clear, and working at its best saving you time, stress, and money. If your drains are slow, clogs keep coming back, or you just want peace of mind, sewer jetting is a smart move.

Tips For Regular Maintenance From The Pro's!

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 17:58:07 GMT

Maintenance Is Crucial!

Preventing Plumbing Disasters: Tips for Regular Maintenance

Introduction:

When it comes to your home's plumbing system, prevention is key. Regular maintenance and preventive measures can help you avoid costly and inconvenient plumbing disasters down the line. By implementing a few simple practices and staying proactive, you can keep your plumbing system in top shape and minimize the risk of emergencies. In this post, we will share valuable tips for preventing plumbing disasters through regular maintenance.

Check for Leaks
Regularly inspect your plumbing fixtures, including faucets, toilets, and pipes, for any signs of leaks. Even small drips can waste a significant amount of water over time and lead to larger problems. Repairing leaks promptly can save you money on your water bill and prevent water damage to your home.
Maintain Proper Drainage
Keep your drains clear and flowing smoothly by avoiding the introduction of debris, grease, or hair down the drains. Use drain covers or strainers to catch larger particles and clean them regularly. Regularly flushing your drains with hot water or using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can help prevent clogs and keep your pipes clean.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
During colder months, insulate any exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting. Frozen pipes can cause significant damage and lead to costly repairs. Insulation materials, such as foam sleeves or heat tape, can help protect your pipes and maintain their integrity.
Test Water Pressure
Check your water pressure regularly to ensure it falls within the optimal range. High water pressure can strain your plumbing system, leading to leaks, burst pipes, and other issues. You can use a pressure gauge available at hardware stores to measure and adjust the pressure if necessary.
Maintain Water Heater
Regularly maintain your water heater to ensure its proper functioning and prevent potential issues. Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup and extend its lifespan. Check for any leaks or signs of corrosion and consult a professional if you notice any problems.
Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Toilet
Toilet clogs are a common plumbing issue that can be easily prevented. Educate your family members on what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet. Avoid flushing items such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, or excessive toilet paper. Providing a wastebasket in the bathroom can encourage proper disposal.
Schedule Professional Inspections:
Consider scheduling regular professional plumbing inspections to catch potential problems before they turn into disasters. A licensed plumber can identify hidden leaks, check for deteriorating pipes, and provide recommendations for maintenance or repairs.

Conclusion:

By incorporating these preventive maintenance tips into your routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of plumbing disasters in your home. Regularly check for leaks, maintain proper drainage, insulate exposed pipes, monitor water pressure, and be mindful of what goes down the toilet. Additionally, don't forget to maintain your water heater and schedule professional inspections. Taking these proactive steps will help you avoid costly repairs, water damage, and the stress of plumbing emergencies. Remember, investing time and effort into preventive maintenance today can save you from major headaches in the future!

Cheers,

Collins Plumbing, LLC

Smelly Kitchen Sink & How To Fix It

plumbingjonesborough@gmail.com (Chris Collins) — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 18:21:31 GMT

Tired of that awful smelling kitchen sink?

Why does my kitchen sink smell so bad?

Here's the deal - we spend a lot of time around a lot of smelly things. One question that we get asked most often? Why does my kitchen sink smell the way it does ? So, lets dive into it as there are 2 main reasons.

Causes

First: We see a large amount of food/bio buildup between your sink and the p-trap underneath. Along with all of the nuts and washers that hold together the drainage system, we're also contending with a round pipe. This allows for small particles to become lodged into small nooks and crannies as well as get stuck on the side of the pipe. Over the course of time as these begin to break down and rot, they begin to smell. Simple enough, right?

Second: Improper venting. Your homes plumbing system is designed just like you and I. It's got to breathe in order to function properly. What happens when it doesn't? As wild as it may sound, improper venting on your drain, waste & venting (DWV) system can create a vacuum / suction. That washing machine around the corner from your kitchen sink pumps out a whole lot of water very quickly. When the pump for the washer turns on and discharges 20 gallons of water, it sucks the water right out of your kitchens p-trap.

How do I get rid of this?

The first problem is typically the easier of the 2 to correct but let me first say to never use any sort of "drain cleaner" liquid or acid to remove rotting organic material. It doesn't work, it's going to do more harm than good to your plumbing system, and quite frankly there are better ways to spend your hard earned cash.

What we do suggest (clinically proven!) is if you have a garbage disposal, toss some ice cubes and fresh squeezed lemon juice in it while it is turned to the "on" position. The ice will easily be chopped up while at the same time getting into those unreachable places to get the decomposing material out. The lemon juice will leave your disposal smelling clean & fresh. Follow this up by a small amount of baking soda and vinegar, then rinse it all down the drain! Secondly, there are organic products/enzymes that are designed to speed up the decomposition process of that good ol' smelly stuff! We keep a fast acting enzyme on the shelves in our vans that will take care of the smell + help with cleaning out the inside of your plumbing drainage system.

The second and more difficult issue of improper venting can sometimes be not so simple. As plumbing advances and we learn more about how things work, fixtures change, water consumption requirements change, etc. We've been in 80 year old houses that have no vent at all but an oversized drain line. We've seen hundreds of older homes with one massive 4" vent out the roof that is able to supply the whole house with the air it needs to breathe. A newer home may have 4+ smaller diameter vents that all connect in the attic. The kitchen sink is the one area that is used the most, but is also the most oddly placed fixture in the home. Because of this, venting of this fixture is often missed or not in the right place. You can have your plumber (us) connect a new vent in on the kitchens drain line and run it into the attic, though sometimes in the right place we are able to put an air admittance valve underneath the kitchen sink (will require reconfiguring what's under the sink). Although not nearly as easy as the first problem, it is certainly doable by a qualified and licensed plumber.

If you find yourself dealing with either situation and you would like to have one of our great technicians come and fix your problem, please give us a call (423)833-7590 or fill out the form on our website to contact us and we will reach out to you within 1 business day.