Most people have dealt with clogged drains in one form or another. It is a common and annoying problem that can develop in any part of your plumbing system. You can find a clog in your kitchen sink, bathroom drain, or toilet.
The location of the clog can usually determine how serious it is. Some may be easy, quick fixes, like plunging or using a drain cleaner. Others may need more than just a quick fix and require the tools and knowledge of a professional emergency plumber.
Unfortunately, knowing the difference is difficult – what with all the online DIY videos online. The truth, however, is that many of those drain cleaning tips may cause more damage, and if done incorrectly, may even result in higher repair costs for you.
What Should I Do When I Encounter a Clogged Drain?
Here are questions to ask yourself about a clog to determine whether you should call in a certified professional emergency plumbing service;
- Is it possible for the water to flow? – Check if the pipes are draining well. If they are, you could fix the clog yourself. But if an appliance or fixture is fully backed up, it is safer to have a licensed plumber look at it.
- What began the clog? – It is possible to flush out waste like hair and coffee by yourself, though they may be unpleasant. Materials, such as sewage, however, are complicated, and riskier to handle. Such complicated clogs are a plumbing emergency that requires experienced professional plumbing service to resolve.
You also need to call an emergency plumber when you notice the following;
A Persistent Clog
If your drain is getting clogged every week, or worse, every day, something is very wrong. Persistent clogs are a sign that there could be something stuck in the pipes. It suggests that there is a broken discharge line or a sort of obstruction in the sewer connection.
A Clog that has Sewage Backup
You have a very serious problem if the clogged drains cause sewage backup. When the plumbing system is working properly, there is no reason for sewer backups. The fact that it is there, is an indication that you need professional help, except when there is backup following heavy rainfall. If the municipal sewer system is the one with sewage backing up, then the issue is with the city municipality, not your building.
A Leach Field that is Persistently Wet
This potential problem only applies to buildings with septic systems. If you experience persistent clogs and a wet leach field that does not dry out completely, it may be the end of the septic system`s life. If that is the case, the leach field becomes particularly wet after someone takes a shower or does laundry.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Plumber to Deal with a Clog
Home Remedies Cannot Clear Stubborn clogs
Though some may swear by home remedies for unclogging drains, the reality is they do not work on stubborn clogs. This is because many clogs are actually deeper and tougher than they appear to be. Here are some homemade solutions and their shortcomings;
- Coat hangers – Some people use wire coat hangers to pull out clogs and reach the deep parts of a shower drain. However, it may be too short to address the problem.
- Dish soap and hot water – The shortcoming here is that hot water may end up causing PVC pipe damage.
- Vinegar and baking soda – the combination of vinegar and baking soda, when poured down a drain, may not help deal with severe clogging and may even rupture the PVC pipes.
Store Chemicals Do Not Always Work
Though there is a wide selection of drain cleaners you can find in your local hardware store, there are several drawbacks to using these chemicals;
- Ineffectiveness – Many drain cleaners are not strong enough to clear tough clogs deep in the pipes. Even if they manage to break through a clog, they rarely deal with it completely – setting the stage for more clogs in the future.
- Pipe damage – some drain cleaners contain sulphuric and hydrochloric acids. These strong acids can damage everything they touch, including; sinks, pipes, and garbage disposal.
- Safety – If you intend to use these chemicals, you must have protective plastic gloves and eyewear. This is because these chemicals can cause grievous harm if you do not wear these PPE. Many homeowners are also nervous about having these drain cleaning chemicals in their homes because they are dangerous around children and pets. If you have drain cleaners in your home, ensure you store them in a cool, dark, elevated place.
Professional Plumbers Have the Right Products and Specialized Equipment
A typical household does not have the necessary products and tools to clear a tough drain clog. Most homeowners cannot access the clog-clearing tools that a professional plumber can. These include;
- Snake tools – Professional plumbers carry a wide assortment of snake tools that do the job effectively and efficiently. These include; endoscopic snake camera tools and snake tools with hooks and barbs that are excellent for clearing bathroom drains.
- Sink-Auger – Not every homeowner has this tool that plumbers use for clearing shower and sink drain clogs.
Pro emergency plumbing services will also help you prevent water damage and future plumbing problems since they can correctly diagnose the source of plumbing emergencies and perform permanent plumbing repairs without any leakages.
Do You Need An Emergency Plumber?
Arvada Plumbing Co. is an exceptional plumbing company based in Arvada, Co. Our staff of certified, experienced local emergency plumbers provides emergency plumbing services and plumbing repair to the residents of Arvada, Colorado, and the Denver metro area. You can depend on us for any plumbing problem you are experiencing, including water heaters, burst pipes, gas leak repair, and toilet repair.
For more information on when you should call a plumber for a clogged drain, you can visit us at 12191 W 64th Ave #100 Arvada, CO 80004. You can also call us at 303-500-0437 or Email us at scott@myarvadaplumber.com.