A blocked drain can be a nightmare. Not only is it inconvenient and messy, but it can also damage your plumbing system if left unresolved. Knowing when to call for professional drain repair services versus trying to unclog the drain yourself can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. Here are some signs it’s time to pick up the phone and call a blocked drain repair service like The Relining Company.
Multiple Attempts to Unclog Failed
If you’ve tried plunging, using a drain snake, hot water and vinegar, or commercial drain cleaners more than a couple times with no success, it’s probably time to call in a pro. Continuing to put harsh chemicals down your pipes can erode and damage them over time. And shoving a drain snake down the line over and over can scratch or puncture your pipes if you aren’t careful. Professional drain technicians have specialized equipment like high-powered hydro jetters to clear even the toughest clogs without damaging your plumbing in the process.
Water Backing Up
If you’re noticing water pooling around drains throughout your home or see it coming up through drain openings, you likely have a significant clog on your main sewer line. Trying to unclog main sewer drain blockages on your own with hand snakes is usually futile. You need the pressurized water jets and advanced cameras of professional drain cleaners to clear out buildup, roots, or collapsed pipes. The longer you let sewage back up into your home, the greater the health hazards and risk of structural damage.
Slow or Gurgling Drains
Sure, you can try using over-the-counter drain cleaners and hot water for slow drains. But if that only provides temporary relief before your drains slow down again, it means gunk and buildup has accumulated over time. A professional drain cleaning service like roto-rooting uses rotating blades to cut through years of accumulated grease, soap scum, hair, and other gunk coating your pipes. Stopping slow drains before they turn into full clogs reduces plumbing emergencies down the road.
Unusual Odors
If you smell gross odors coming from any drain in your home, it likely signals rotting debris, mold, or sewage buildup. Unpleasant smells emanating from drains should never be ignored. The stink means unhealthy bacteria is festering in your plumbing system and can contaminate your indoor air quality. Professional drain cleaners have the tools to fully sanitize your pipes and traps to eliminate odors at the source.
Previous DIY Drain Repairs
If previous do-it-yourself attempts to fix a clogged drain with harsh chemicals or improper use of hand augers has damaged your pipes, it’s definitely time to call the pros. Professional drain technicians have specialized cameras to inspect the full length of your pipes for any signs of cracks, pitting, blockages, or misalignments. They can advise if damaged portions of the pipe need replacement or perform piping repairs to get your drains flowing smoothly again.
Major Plumbing Projects
After completing major plumbing projects like re-piping, sewer line replacement, or home additions, having a professional drain cleaning to clear out any debris before using your new plumbing is a good idea.construction debris can easily clog up new piping if not flushed out. Professional drain cleaning services can verify all waste flows freely and your newly installed plumbing operates as intended.
Recurring Clogs
If you seem to battle clogged drains every few months in the same area, it likely means there is an underlying issue. There could be intruding roots, a collapsed line, grease buildup, or other recurring issues. A professional drain technician can diagnose underlying problems with your plumbing and recommend long term solutions, whether that’s hydro jetting, drain relining, or even full sewer line replacement in severe cases.
Apartment or Condo Living
If you live in a multi-family building and experience a clogged main waste line, alert building management immediately. Only professional drain cleaners should attempt to clear clogs on shared waste lines in apartment or condo complexes. Tenants should never put harsh store-bought chemicals down drains or attempt to snake main sewer lines themselves or it can cause thousands in damages.
Before Throwing a Party
Before hosting large gatherings, holidays, or parties, consider having your kitchen and bathroom drains professionally cleaned as preventative maintenance. Guests and holiday meals can quickly clog up already-sluggish pipes. Taking the proactive step of having drains cleaned before major events can help your plumbing flow smoothly when you need it most.
Seeking Expert Advice
Even if you aren’t dealing with an immediate clog, seeking professional drain cleaning services once per year is wise preventative maintenance. Ask technicians to scope your drains and advise if they spot any areas of concern, underlying issues that should be monitored, or recommended replacements based on wear and tear. Annual inspections can catch damage before it turns into an emergency.
Conclusion
Leaving drain problems solely up to DIY solutions often results in repeated clogs, damaged plumbing, and smelly, unhygienic issues in your home. Knowing when to call in the professionals for thorough drain cleaning, repairs, and maintenance checks can resolve problems correctly the first time and help prevent headaches. Save yourself the hassle and call trusted blocked drain repair experts for any persistent plumbing issues or preventative maintenance.
