June 28, 2024

Top Warning Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning

A clog that was found during drain cleaning in Valdosta, GA

When dealing with drain issues in your home or business it can be hard to know when to keep working at unclogging the drain yourself, and when to call a professional drain cleaning company. You may have tried some common DIY drain unclogging techniques such as plunging, pouring boiling water down the drain, vinegar and baking soda, and a wire hanger. Sometimes that is all your drain needs.

However, if your DIY techniques don’t do the trick, it is important to call someone and get your drain unclogged as soon as possible to avoid a more serious problem due to an untreated drain. If you need a drain cleaner in the Valdosta, GA area, give us at Power Rooter a call!

What are the signs you need to call a drain cleaning professional?

-Frequent clogs: If you are frequently plunging and pouring boiling water down your drain, it may be time to call a professional who can use a long snake or hydro jet to clear your drain. If your methods are only working for a day or a week at a time, then that is a sign that you need to bring in the drain cleaning experts!

-Unpleasant smells: Strong smells coming from your drains are a red flag for drain blockage or even a potential sewer line problem. Professional drain cleaning services can clear the line and eliminate the smells and their sources, keeping your home fresh and clean.

-Gurgling sounds: If you hear gurgling noises coming from your drains, especially when running water or flushing the toilet, it may indicate a severe blockage in your plumbing system. We may use a special camera to look through the drain line to ensure we got the full blockage.

-Multiple clogged drains: If you have several clogs throughout your house- a bathroom or two, and the kitchen- at the same time then you may have an issue with your main sewer line. This is a more serious problem that should get resolved quickly. A professional drain cleaning company can diagnose and fix the problem efficiently and effectively.

-Frequent overflowing toilets: If your toilet is frequently overflowing and/or fails to flush properly, it could be due to a clog in the toilet itself, or a clog in the sewer drain line that needs cleaning. If this doesn’t get fixed you could have an overflow that does a lot more damage than the cost of properly fixing the problem.

DIY Drain Unclogging Techniques for Minor Clogs

There are many techniques you can try before calling a professional. If you have a persistent or complicated clog, then when your drain cleaning expert comes, make sure to tell them all of the techniques that you have tried. Stay away from pouring harsh chemicals down the drain. Those products do more harm than good.

1.Use a plunger to dislodge minor clogs in sinks, showers, or toilets. Ensure there is enough water at the bottom to form a seal and then plunge vigorously several times.

2. Boiling water: Pour a pot of boiling water directly into the drain. Pour a little and let it work for a few seconds, then pour some more, and continue the process. This can help break up small clogs caused by soap or grease build-up.

3. Vinegar and baking soda: Pour about ½ cup of baking soda down the drain followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain for several minutes and flush with hot water.

4. Wire hanger: Straighten a wire hanger, but keep the hook. If it is your shower drain that is clogged, you may be able to pull some hair out of the drain with the hook. However, you do need to be careful that you don’t push anything further down the drain creating a worse clog.

Why shouldn’t I pour harsh chemicals down the drain?

-Harsh chemicals can cause damage to pipes. They can corrode and weaken pipes over time, leading to leaks or even pipe failure.

-Chemical drain cleaners contain toxic substances that can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues if inhaled.

- Harsh chemicals are washed down the drain but then can end up in waterways harming aquatic life. These chemicals are not environmentally friendly and can contribute to pollution.

- They also may work a little bit for minor clogs, but won’t work for major clogs. If the chemical fails to break through the clog, it can sit in your pipes and harden, making the blockage worse and more difficult to remove.

Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, it’s better to use safer, more environmentally friendly methods for a minor clog. For a major clog or recurring clogs, it’s best to call for professional drain cleaning services to ensure the problem is resolved safely and effectively.

Call Power Rooter to Unclog your Drains

If you have tried to unclog the drain yourself and still have the signs listed above, Power Rooter serves Northern Florida and Southern Georgia and would love to help you get water flowing through your drains again.

Sometimes the clog is big enough that you need our powerful hydro jet equipment and our experienced drain snake operators to get the job done once and for all.

Visit here for more information on hydro jetting.

Call us today at 386-938-1188 for reliable and efficient drain cleaning.