A simple drain clog may not seem indicative of a larger problem. You might use a drain snake or a solution of baking soda and vinegar and think the issue has been addressed. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes, if you have multiple clogged drains or frequently clogging drains, there might be a bigger issue. If these problems are allowed to go unaddressed, significant damage can occur. Below are a few signs that might hint at the need for professional drain cleaning.
When You Should Contact a Licensed Plumbing Company
Standing Water
A drainage pipe might be clogged if water stays in your kitchen sink, shower, tub, or bathroom sink even after removing a plug. This can increase potential damage to pipes, backups, or flooding. Call a plumber right away if you notice standing water around your basement drain or around the base of a toilet.
Backed-Up Plumbing
Water might seemingly back up at random in your bathroom or laundry if a drain line is clogged. Ignoring this issue can result in worsening damage and an expensive repair job. Backed-up plumbing can also cause unsafe or risky health situations.
Frequent Clogs
Typically, clogs occur in one place at a time. However, if you are experiencing multiple clogs across different areas of your home, a more serious issue is most likely the culprit. Only the tools and experience of a professional plumber can identify and address the situation at hand.
Slow Drainage
If your sink fills up simply while you brush your teeth or wash your hands, this might be a sign that soap, grease, hair, or another foreign object has maneuvered its way into your drain or piping. The drain should be cleaned immediately to mitigate any worsening clogs. However, if multiple drains are clogging at the same time, a deeper issue is at hand and needs to be addressed by a professional plumber. A licensed expert can use a sewer video camera and find the problem quickly.
Increased Water Bills
Typically, minimally fluctuating water bills are not a cause for concern. However, if you notice a dramatic spike in your water bill, something is wrong with your home’s plumbing system, such as an unseen leak. These leaks can cause structural damage to your house and allow mold and mildew to breed. Inspect your home for the sound of running water, stains, or low water pressure.
Unbearable Smells
If you smell waste, sewage, or other unpleasant smells, they might be emitted from a pipe or plumbing fixture. You can try running water to fill up any P-traps that have gone dry. If this doesn’t make the smell disappear, it’s time to call a plumber.
Flies or Other Pests
Food debris stuck in pipes might attract unwanted fruit flies. These insects aren't the only warning signs, either. Rodents may also appear or cause clogs as they try to infiltrate your home’s plumbing system. These rodents typically enter the pipes by holes that only a plumber can fix.
Unexplained Gurgling
Listen to your sink drain after flushing your toilet or running the faucet. You might have a clogged pipe or sewer main if it makes a gurgling sound. A professional plumber should address both of these issues.
Contact Mr. Rooter Today for Professional Drain Cleaning
Since 1970, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Sacramento has offered our clients professional and thorough drain cleaning services. Our plumbers are well-equipped to handle any drain-cleaning job. We can assist if the issue is small and comes from inside your house or is connected to the sewer main. Contact us today, and allow us to help you.
