A blocked drain is one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. At the same time, a clogged sink or shower drain may seem like a minor inconvenience, but a blocked main sewer line can quickly become a smelly, messy, and expensive problem. Knowing when to call a professional plumber versus trying to unclog a drain yourself can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road.
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Signs It’s Time to Call a Plumber
There are a few clear signs that indicate it’s time to pick up the phone and call a plumber to deal with a blocked drain:
Water Backing Up
If you notice water pooling around drains or backing up into tubs and sinks whenever you run any water, that’s a clear red flag that there is a significant clog or blockage in your main sewer line. Water backing up into the lowest drains usually means whatever is blocking the main drain line is just down the pipe.
Persistent Clogs
If plunging, snaking, commercial drain cleaners and other DIY attempts to clear drains aren’t working, you likely have a stubborn clog that requires a professional’s expertise. Persistent clogs returning despite your best efforts need a plumber’s high-powered equipment to clear out the blockage fully.
Sewer Odors
One of the first signs of a severe main sewer clog is the smell of sewage wafting up from drains and vents. This noxious odour is a surefire indicator there is waste and sewage backed up down the line. The longer that backup sits, the worse that stench can get. Calling a plumber promptly can help prevent this from becoming an even bigger problem.
Gurgling Sounds
Strange gurgling sounds from drains and pipes can signal turbulent water and air struggling to get past a partial blockage. These noises usually mean there is a clog lurking that needs to be addressed before it turns into a full backup. Ignoring these signs can cause the problem to worsen.
Slow Drains
Sluggish sink and tub drains that take forever to empty are usually clogged with accumulated gunk like hair, grease, and soap scum. Partial obstructions like this often lead to complete blockages over time. Getting sluggish drains professionally cleaned out can help prevent more significant headaches down the road.
Why Call a Professional Plumber
When faced with a blocked drain, your first instinct may be to head to the hardware store for a commercial drain cleaner or plumbing snake. While DIY methods may seem convenient, a professional plumber is the best way to thoroughly clear clogs and prevent future problems. Here are some of the key reasons to hire a pro:
Specialised Equipment
Plumbers have industrial-strength equipment like high-powered augers, drain snakes, hydro-jetters, and camera scopes explicitly designed to cut through tough clogs, clear extensive blockages, and thoroughly clean drains. DIY solutions usually can’t match the capabilities of professional gear.
Identify Hidden Issues
A professional can use cameras to look inside pipes and drains to detect issues you can’t see, like cracks, tree root invasions, and collapsed lines. This allows them to repair hidden problems behind walls and under floors that may contribute to clogs. DIY unclogging won’t fix underlying issues.
Prevent Damage
Improper DIY drain cleaning can damage pipes and sewer lines. Professionals have the skills and tools to clear clogs safely without harming your plumbing. This prevents costly repairs that amateur mistakes can cause.
Avoid Callbacks
DIY drain clearing often only provides a temporary fix since it can’t entirely remove extensive clogs. Plumbers have the expertise to avoid obvious obstructions the first time so the problem doesn’t keep recurring. This saves you money and frustration down the road.
Fix Root Causes
An experienced plumber can diagnose and fix the root causes of chronic clogged drains like pipe bellies, intruding roots, and misaligned joints. This type of professional drain cleaning helps prevent future backups. DIY solutions mask underlying issues.
When to Call for a Blocked Drain Emergency
Specific plumbing emergencies require immediate attention before the situation escalates. Flooding, sewage backups, and wholly blocked main sewer lines usually necessitate emergency after-hours service. Here are some signs you need emergency drain cleaning:
Sewage Backing Up
If all of your drains and toilets are completely clogged with sewage backing up rapidly, that indicates your main sewer line is blocked. This dangerous health hazard requires emergency repair services to clear the drain ASAP before overflowing sewage can cause extensive and costly water damage.
Major Flooding Issues
If you have water overflowing from drains, toilets, tubs and sinks due to a major clog, you likely need emergency help to prevent flood damage. The longer standing water sits, the greater the risk of water ruining flooring, walls, furnishings, and belongings.
Lingering Noxious Odors
If, even after trying DIY remedies, you still have an overpowering stench of sewage throughout your home from backed-up wastewater, that’s a sign you need immediate professional help. Lingering gross odours usually mean there’s a considerable backup that requires emergency repair services.
All Drains Affected
When every tub, sink and drain in your home is wholly clogged and barely draining, that often indicates a problem with your main sewer line. Since this affects your whole plumbing system, it qualifies as an emergency requiring rapid response service to prevent significant issues.
High Water Bill
A mysteriously spiked water bill can sometimes signal an underground leak from a severely blocked drain in Sydney. This type of hidden water loss may require emergency excavation services to detect the source of the problem and prevent extensive water waste and damage.
Dealing with a blocked drain is never pleasant. But calling a professional plumber promptly when serious issues arise can help prevent minor problems from becoming major headaches. Knowing the correct times to request emergency services for critical plumbing backups can also minimise extensive and costly damage to your home. With the right plumber on call, your drains will flow freely again.
