Are You in Need of Drain Cleaning?

Clogged drains are an inevitability. You can do your best to keep oil, grease, fat, hair, and leftover food out of the pipes, but in time there will be enough of a buildup to slow, or even stop, the flow of water. It’s only after this happens that we tend to realize how much we use the drains in our home, and just how important they are to our everyday lives.

There are a number of ways to identify a clog and fix it all by yourself, but there are certain times when you’re going to need to reach out to a professional to get the job done. This guide will help you to assess and fix your drain problems. If you are experiencing one or more of these issues, then you may be in need of professional drain cleaning.

A Slow Drain

One of the most common signs that your drains are clogged is a drain that takes an unusually long amount of time to clear out. Maybe you’re washing dishes and the water builds up then refuses to go anywhere, or maybe you’re taking a shower and it’s quickly becoming a bath. This should tell you that there’s something in the pipes that shouldn’t be there.

Sometimes this issue comes with an easy fix. The clog can be handled using simple tricks like pouring in some boiling water or sending down some baking soda or vinegar to break up whatever the obstruction may be. If these tactics don’t work then there may be a larger issue at hand that requires special knowledge and special tools.

If you find that nothing you do is stopping your drain from draining slowly you should contact a drain cleaning professional to assess the issue.

Two or More Slow Drains

When this happens, you know you’re not dealing with a simple clog in one of the pipes. More than one slow drain is often indicative of a clog in your mainline. If that’s the case, you may have sewage back up waiting for you in the near future. None of the methods you can find on Google are going to repair this issue for you, you’re going to need to seek professional drain cleaning help.

A Recurring Issue

Perhaps your favorite home remedy does work but you find that you’re having to use it frequently in order to keep your drains from causing you issues. This should tell you that the clog is either bigger than your methods can handle or that there is a larger problem at hand.

If you put off contacting a drain cleaning service in favor of constantly using your own methods then it’s likely the problem is only getting worse. Eventually, you’ll find that nothing you do will fix the issue and your drain may wind up completely clogged.

Terrible Odors 

This problem is undeniable for most of us. If you find your kitchen or bathroom being invaded by persistent smells of rotting food or sewage then there’s an issue in your pipes that needs attention.

Over time, food and other gunk that you send down your drain will begin sticking to the pipes and building up, sending up a potent smell that will make your living situation rather unpleasant. This can often be solved with a simple drain cleaning, but it may also indicate deeper, more serious issues with your plumbing. If you’re experiencing any of these issues then don’t wait to speak to an expert or you may wind up with some costly repairs on your hands.

Unusual Sounds

You know the sounds of your home. If there’s anything out of the ordinary going on with your drains, like strange gurgling or bubbling, you may be experiencing some drain issues.

These weird sounds are often caused by a pipe vent that is no longer working correctly. When this problem occurs, the air becomes trapped inside your pipes, which is the precursor to clogging.

When you’re experiencing that odd gurgling or bubbling or whatever other unusual noise your drain might be making, contact a professional to come and assess the issue.

Remember, it’s always best to catch the issue before it develops so that you don’t wind up calling for emergency repairs just so you can use your own shower or toilet.

You’ve Tried Every Drain Cleaning Method in the Book, What Now?

You’ve mixed up whatever concoction you thought might do the trick and nothing seems to work. Maybe you even went out to the store to buy whatever brand of drain cleaner you could get your hands on, followed the instructions to a tee, and your drain is still backed up. If you find yourself in this predicament, professional drain cleaning is most likely your only option.

Don’t stress, Stith Plumbing and HVAC is here to help. Contact us today and we’ll have a qualified technician there to help you get your drains cleared and your life back on track.