Dealing with a blocked drain can be extremely frustrating. Standing water in your sink or tub is inconvenient and can lead to unhealthy conditions and damage if left unchecked. When simple drain cleaners and plungers fail to get things moving again, it’s time to call in a professional blocked drain plumber. This guide will walk you through when and why you need a pro, what to expect during service, and prevention tips.
Signs You Need a Pro for That Clogged Drain
While liquid drain cleaners picked up at the supermarket may claim the ability to clear even the toughest clogs, they are only sometimes effective. Here are some signs it’s time to get a blocked drain professional involved:
Slow-Draining Water
If water drains slower than usual and seems to “gurgle” down the pipes, you likely have a partial clog. This can get worse over time and turn into a complete blockage. Getting in front of a slow drain can prevent a much bigger headache.
Gurgling Sounds from Pipes
Strange noises from your drain pipe are a red flag that something is amiss in your plumbing. It may signify built-up sediment, grease, hair, and soap scum, causing turbulence in the pipes. These materials can snag other debris floating by until a complete clog forms.
Backed Up Sink/Tub
Standing water that takes forever to go down or slowly rises is a sign of a severe block. Sewage backflow is also possible in extreme cases. This dirty water can overflow if the clog isn’t cleared, causing sanitation issues, stains, and water damage.
Unpleasant Odors
A drain that emits rotten eggs, sewage, or moldy smells indicates a blockage may be present. When debris blocks the pipes, it causes water to pool and stagnate instead of flowing away. Bacteria then breed in this standing water, releasing toxic gases.
Why Hire a Professional For a Blocked Drain?
You may be tempted to keep struggling with that clogged pipe yourself before calling for backup such as north york drain repair. However, there are good reasons to let a pro handle it instead:
Protect Your Plumbing
Snaking and prodding you do to break up the clog can damage your pipes. Professionals have the high-powered equipment and skills to clear blockages quickly and safely. This prevents cracked pipes or punctured drain lines beneath your home.
Prevent Reoccurrence
A technician can pinpoint why your drain keeps blocking up and provide solutions to keep it clear. This may involve jetting pipes, installing screens, or updating old plumbing. They have the tools and know-how to fix the root issue, not just the symptom.
Avoid Overflows and Leaks
A complete sewage blockage can cause dirty water to back up and overflow inside your home. Foul odors and stains may linger even after clearing the clog without proper cleanup. Catching a blocked drain early prevents these unsanitary and costly consequences.
Ensure Proper Drainage
A professional plumber can confirm your pipes have the proper slope and grade to keep water flowing freely after the clog is cleared. If they detect flaws allowing debris buildup, they can update or replace pipes to prevent future problems.
What to Expect During Service
Once you arrange service with a blocked drain company, here is what typically happens:
Assessment
The plumber will visually inspect all drains and pipes, diagnose where the clog originated, and determine the best method for clearing it. This may involve questions about what preceded the issues, such as installing new fixtures or recent repairs.
Snaking/Augering
For sink clogs, the first approach is often to snake the drain line. This involves feeding a long, coil-shaped wire with an auger tip through the pipe to break up and extract built-up gunk. High-powered electric drain snakes can puncture tough clogs.
Hydro Jetting
Pressurized water jetting is the next step if snaking fails or the clog lies further down the main line. The plumber feeds a specialty hose down the pipes and blasts the blockage away with streams of high-pressure water.
Clean Up
Once drainage is restored, the area is cleaned and deodorized. This may require extensive scrubbing if overflow occurs. The technician can also provide tips to keep drains free-flowing going forward.
Prevention Tips to Keep Drains Flowing
While preventing every future clog is impossible, you can reduce their likelihood and severity by keeping drains clear of blockage-causing items. Here are some essential tips:
Install Drain Screens
The #1 cause of household clogs is hair buildup. Installing sink drain screens or tub drain catchers keeps excess strands from slipping down the pipes and tangling into a wad. These are easy, inexpensive additions that save many headaches.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
While chemical drain openers may seem convenient for minor clogs, they can damage pipes when used excessively. The caustic ingredients that dissolve gunk can eat away at the inner lining of pipes and drain components. This causes leaks over time. Consider mechanical means first.
Flush With Boiling Water
Pour a pot of boiling water down seldom-used drains weekly for preventative maintenance. This helps melt and push grease that clings to pipe walls down the line and safely down the main pipe before it can accumulate.
Update Old Plumbing
If your home has galvanized steel or clay pipes over 50 years old, they are prone to cracks and buildup. Replacing them with smooth PVC eliminates grooves for gunk to collect. Ensuring proper slope and water flow prevents settling.
Dealing with blocked drains is no fun. However, taking proactive steps by calling a professional plumber at the first signs of trouble can restore flow, prevent damage, and reduce repeat issues. They have the proper equipment to block drains and clear clogs effectively. With some ongoing maintenance and care, you can keep things moving smoothly.
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