When Should You Call a Plumber for a Clogged Drain?
A slow drain is about the most common plumbing problem there is. Some clogs you can clear yourself in ten minutes. Others are a warning, and knowing the difference can save you money.
Clogs You Can Handle Yourself
If one sink or tub is slow and everything else in the house drains fine, the clog is probably close to that fixture. Hair in a shower drain and grease in a kitchen sink are the usual suspects. In a bathroom sink, pull the stopper and clean it first, since that's where a lot of clogs start. A plunger or a basic hand snake will often clear the rest. Go easy on chemical drain cleaners, though. They're hard on pipes. When they don't work, you're left with a sink full of caustic water and the same clog.
Signs the Problem Is Deeper
Call a plumber when more than one fixture is involved. Multiple drains backing up at once means the blockage is farther down the line, past where a plunger can reach. Listen for a gurgling toilet or tub when another fixture drains. That sound is air trapped behind a blockage. Watch what happens when the washing machine empties, too. If water rises in a tub or shower, the main drain or sewer line may be the problem.
When a Drain Keeps Clogging
A drain that keeps clogging is telling you the real cause was never cleared. It could be buildup on the pipe walls or a damaged section of pipe. In older neighborhoods with mature trees, roots in the sewer line are another possibility. A sewer smell that won't go away belongs on the same list, since it can point to a drainage or venting issue. Problems like these don't fix themselves. They tend to get more expensive the longer they sit.
Get a Straight Answer
Still not sure when to call a plumber for a clogged drain? Use this rule. If one fixture is slow, try clearing it yourself. If it's more than one, or the clog comes back, pick up the phone. Harris Plumbing is family-owned and has served local homeowners since 1998. We offer same-day service calls during business hours. If you need a plumber in Folsom or the surrounding area, call us and we'll find out what's going on.
