We’ve all been there: your sink is full of mucky water that won’t budge, and you need to know when to call a plumber for a clogged drain. When the water in your sink doesn’t go down the drain, you may be tempted to try do-it-yourself solutions like plungers or drain-cleaning products. But often, these solutions aren’t enough to solve the problem, and you may end up needing professional help.
When to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Drain
Knowing when it’s time to call a plumber for a clogged drain is essential. In this article, we’ll talk about how to identify when you need help from an experienced plumber and explain what steps should be taken to get the job done right.
What Causes a Clogged Drain?
A clogged drain happens when objects, material, or buildup in the drainpipe becomes stuck, preventing water from flowing. This can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from hair and soap residue to small toys or food scraps that are accidentally washed down the sink.
Material Build Up in Drain
A clog can be caused by anything that makes the pipe’s opening smaller. This material builds up and accumulates over time. When the drainpipe is sufficiently full, it obstructs water movement and creates a backup in your system.
It’s critical to detect the warning signs of a clogged drain before they worsen. You might have a clog if you notice that your sink is draining too slowly or if water begins to collect around the sink basin. Additionally, gurgling or bubbling sounds when using the toilet or running the faucet indicates a blockage in one part of your plumbing system, preventing air from escaping.
When to Call a Plumber
Sometimes a clogged drain isn’t as serious as it may seem. Before calling a plumber, it’s important to determine if the problem can be handled on your own. To begin, you need to identify what is causing the issue. Is there an obstruction in the line? Is something restricting the water flow? Are there any visible cracks or damage in the pipes? Once you’ve determined the source of the issue, you can take steps to fix it yourself.
- Use a plunger to dislodge small blockages.
- Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before flushing with hot water.
- If possible, try using a drain auger or snake to remove any blockages from further down in the drain line.
If these DIY solutions don’t work, that’s when it’s time to call in a professional plumber.
Why Do I Need a Plumber to Clear a Clogged Drain?
Timesaving
- By calling a professional, you are saving yourself the time it takes to research and purchase the right cleaning supplies and tools. Professionals arrive equipped with all the necessary tools and know-how, so they can get the job done more quickly and efficiently than you could on your own.
Safety
- Plumbers are trained to handle messes safely while also knowing how to protect themselves and their surroundings from hazards like gas leaks or mold. This can increase your safety, as well as that of your family or pets. Plumbers have access to specialized equipment and products for safely unclogging drains that may be too difficult for an amateur to handle.
Long-term Results When You Call A Plumber
- While DIY methods can often provide temporary relief from a clogged drain, they often don’t provide long-term solutions. Professional plumbing companies have extensive knowledge of various clogs and blockages and are skilled at finding the source of the problem quickly and resolving it once and for all. Additionally, their experience allows them to spot potential issues before they become major ones, saving you money in unnecessary repairs down the line.
Reasons to Call a Plumber
Some signs that the clog is too difficult to try and fix on your own include:
Gurgling Drains
- If the water simply won’t go down the drain or if you can hear loud gurgling noises coming from the sink when you run water in another part of your home, something is likely blocking the pipes deep down. A professional will be able to use specialized tools to get to the problem and unblock it.
Multiple Clogs
- If multiple drains are experiencing clogs at the same time, it’s time to call a plumber. This could indicate an issue further down the line that needs more attention than what you can give at home.
Back Flow
- If water starts bubbling up out of any of your drains, this indicates that there is an obstruction somewhere in the main line – a plumber should be able to figure out what it is quickly and take care of it for you.
Emergency Drain Cleaning Services
If you need help with a clogged drain right away, emergency drain cleaning services are available. These services will clear a clogged drain quickly and efficiently, often without the need to make an appointment in advance.
Typically, emergency plumbers will use specialized equipment, such as water-jetting and drain snaking, to clear the blockage. They can also use specialized cameras to detect issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Common Reasons for Emergency Plumbing Services
• Tree roots pushing their way into your sewer lines
• Corrosion of pipes over time
• Sudden changes in water pressure
• Heavy-duty objects that have been flushed down the toilet or sink
• Foreign objects that have been flushed down the toilet or sink
• Grease and fat buildup in the pipes from dishes and cooking materials.
If you experience any of these problems, it is best to contact an experienced professional immediately to avoid further damage and unnecessary costs. Emergency plumbers will provide prompt service and professional advice on how best to prevent similar issues in the future.
When to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Drain
Knowing when to call a plumber for a clogged drain is key to preventing further damage to your plumbing and protecting your investment. If you’re not comfortable handling the issue yourself or have tried DIY solutions but failed to resolve the issue, it’s time to call in a professional. Not only will a plumber have the necessary tools and expertise to safely unclog a drain, but they can also address any underlying plumbing issues and help prevent problems in the future. Contact your local plumbing professional today to discuss solutions to your clogged drain and keep your plumbing running smoothly.
