drain cleaning

When should you consider calling a professional plumber for drain unclogging?

Every homeowner has faced a clogged drain at some point: be it in the kitchen sink, the bathroom, or the basement, it can be quite a nuisance. While minor clogs can often be resolved with a plunger, a drain snake, or a chemical drain cleaner, there are times when calling a professional plumber becomes essential. In the following blog post, we’re going to take a look at some tell-tale signs that you need the help of a professional plumber for drain unclogging, from foul odours to recurring clogs. Let’s get started!


Signs you need a professional plumber

So, we all know the typical signs of a clogged drain – slow draining water, bad odours, and strange noises coming from your plumbing system – but what are some key signs that your plumbing problem requires professional inspection? 
 
Multiple drains are clogged simultaneously
 
If you notice that more than one drain is clogged or draining slowly at the same time, this could indicate a more severe issue with your main sewer line. In such cases, DIY methods are unlikely to provide a long-term solution. Professional plumbing services will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest an appropriate course of action, such as repairing or replacing the sewer line.
 

Recurring clogs

 

If you find yourself continually unclogging the same drain, this could indicate a more significant issue further down the pipe. Recurring clogs might be due to buildups of grease, hair, or other debris that cannot be removed using standard drain-cleaning methods. A professional plumber can assess the problem and use specialised equipment to remove the stubborn blockage, preventing future or chronic clogs.

 

Slow drains even after cleaning

 

If you’ve tried multiple methods to unclog your drain, but it continues to drain slowly, it might be time to call a professional plumber. Slow drains can be a symptom of a partial blockage or an issue with your home’s plumbing system. A plumber can inspect your pipes and identify the root cause of the problem, which may involve repairing or replacing sections of the plumbing system.


Also Read: How long does it typically take to complete a drain repair project?

 

Foul odours

 

A clogged drain can sometimes cause foul smells to emanate from your sink, shower, or tub. This unpleasant odour might be a sign of trapped organic material or sewer gas leaking into your home due to a more significant issue with your plumbing system. A professional plumber can address the root cause of the smell and ensure that your home is safe and free of unpleasant odours, without the risk posed by a DIY inspection.

 

Water damage or flooding

 

For most plumbing systems, high-pressure water jetting is completely safe, and you won’t need to worry about the lingering residue of toxic chemical cleaners in your plumbing system. The only point to note here is that older or damaged pipes may not be able to support the impact of a high-pressure jet, but we’ll discuss more on that further on in this guide.

 

You’ve tried DIY methods without success

If you’ve exhausted all DIY methods for unclogging your drain, such as using a plunger, a drain snake, or a chemical drain cleaner, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Not only will they be able to remove the clog more effectively, but they can also assess the overall condition of your plumbing system to prevent future issues.


Also Read: What do plumbers use to unblock drains?

Advantages of Hiring a Professional Plumber

 There are numerous benefits to hiring a professional plumber for drain unclogging, including:
 

Expertise

One of the main benefits of hiring a professional plumber is knowing they have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and fix a wide range of plumbing issues, ensuring a long-term solution. Plus, some DIY plumbing jobs can go horribly wrong if you don’t have adequate DIY experience – you don’t want to worsen a problem that could be quickly and simply fixed by a professional. 
 
 Specialised equipment
 
Absolutely! In fact, we’d say that hydro-jetting is probably the most effective way to keep your pipes clean and healthy all year round; not only do you eliminate the need for toxic chemical cleaners and harsh cleaning agents, but water jetting will also remove any build-up of oil, fats, grease, and other residue that could end up blocking your pipes if left untreated.  
 

Safety

Attempting to unclog a drain without the proper tools and knowledge can be dangerous and may result in injury or damage to your home’s plumbing system; hiring a professional plumber will ensure that the job is done safely and correctly, without incurring further costly damage to your property.