When It’s Time to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Drain
Clogged drains are one of those annoying parts of owning a home that everyone will deal with at some point. If you’re an experienced homeowner, then you can always try to remove a clog with safe techniques such as plunging.
But, there comes a point when it’s best to throw in the towel. Drain clearing can get complicated once a big or deep clog develops. As you go to grab your plunger, without for these signs that you’ll be better off calling one of our friendly plumbers to tackle the task.
1. Discovering Multiple Drains Are Backing Up at Once
Drain backup clearing can quickly escalate if you have more than one drain having a problem. Usually, this means that something more is going on than someone throwing too much tissue down the toilet.
What Are the Signs of a Main Drain Issue
The main drain line to your house whisks wastewater away from all of the pipes connecting to it and takes it to the sewage treatment services in your community.
If the main drain clogs, then you may notice these issues:
- Overflowing cleanout (typically found in the front or backyard)
- More than one slow drain
- Foul odors and gurgling sounds emanating from the drains
- Strange water level changes in the toilet
- Noticeably lush patches of grass
- Sewage backups anywhere on your property
Why Does It Matter How Many Drains Backup?
Drain clogs that occur in the main line are deeper than most DIY products and tools can reach. While many people can successfully clear a clog in a toilet or one at the top of the sink, your chances of success drop significantly when the main drain is the issue.
2. Failing to Make the Plunger Work
With the right technique, you shouldn’t have to strong-arm the plunger. Instead, the real way to plunge a toilet or sink is to get a good seal and pump it up and down. If the plunger isn’t working, then you might be dealing with one or more of the following problems.
What are the Common Culprits?
Plungers work by using suction and the water’s forces to disrupt the clog and send it merrily on its way to the main line. Naturally, this can only work so well. If your technique isn’t the problem, then you could be looking at a massive clog that doesn’t respond to the suction action.
Considering these culprits can help you figure out if you need a better seal or should call one of our professional plumbers.
- A kid putting a toy down the drain
- Improper use of the garbage disposal
- Tree lines growing into the main line
- Fats or grease accumulating in the pipes
Why Should I Put Away the Plunger and Call a Pro?
Plunging away at the toilet can create more problems than just a sore arm. Splashback from the plunger could contain bacteria that make you sick. Plus, plunging away at a deep-rooted clog simply wastes your time. Our pros can often clear these clogs in as little as an hour.
3. Facing Water Backing Up or Flooding
Few things are as ominous as watching sewage slowly rising from the toilet. Yet, it’s even worse to discover wastewater flowing up into your shower or bathtub. Once water backs up, you have very little time to protect your property.
What Should I Do When the Dirty Water Rises?
The first thing you’ll want to do is try to stop the flow. Toss your plunger or snake aside and make sure no one in your house uses the plumbing. It might be necessary to shut off the water to prevent any accidental flows to the drain.
After you call our plumber, ventilate the area by opening windows. You can then put on protective gear to begin preserving your property with a general clean-up. Removing any cleanable and dry items before they get hit with water from the backup can protect them from damage.
4. Detecting Foul Stenches Coming From the Drain
If you detest the stench of garbage, then you have a good idea of how foul odors can develop in the drain. Drain clogs can be made up of rotting food, hair, soap scum and other organic matter that develops odors as bacteria begins to break it down.
Why Does My Sink Smell So Bad?
For a sink drain backup, we can often identify the source of the clog by the smell it makes. Foul odors from food and grease are common to notice in homes with drain clogs. Once we remove the clog, the odor should disappear. Performing a drain flush or cleaning can also help make it smell better again.
When Should I Call a Local Plumber?
You can use baking soda and vinegar to remove most surface odors. If performing a simple DIY drain cleaning doesn’t work, then reach out to us for help.
5. Trying Multiple DIY Fixes and the Clog Keeps Returning
Repeat clogs often point to the following serious drainage problems:
- •Clogs from tree roots or breakage in the pipes
- Narrowing pipes due to grease and fat buildup
- Supersized mainline clogs
6. Suspecting the Drain is Completely Blocked
If you know something went down the drain that could block it completely, then it’s time to call one of our plumbers for assistance. While we might not be able to save your kid’s action figure from swirling down the toilet, we can at least get it out. The same is true for major blockages from tree roots, hygiene products and food mishaps such as potato peels getting into the system.
7. Hearing Disturbing Sounds Coming From the Pipes
Gurgles and other weird noises usually mean the water is being forced through small pockets in a serious clog. In some cases, this could also mean that some of the water is making its way back up. Hearing gurgling and bubbling sounds without seeing a clog at the top of the drain means you need to plan for a deeper drain cleanout.
When In Doubt, Reach Out for a Professional to Take a Look
Our experienced professional plumber can use techniques to identify the source of a clog beyond a shadow of a doubt. At Clearwater Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we also vouch for our promise that if there is any delay, it’s you we pay. After you’ve given it your all, put down the plunger and give us a call. We serve Clearwater and the surrounding areas, and we’ll be out fast to get the drains working again.