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If we could make a safe bet, we’d say that you likely do not think about the drains in your home all that much. That’s okay, not many people do! However, it is important to note that if you don’t keep your drains in proper shape, they can cause a number of problems for you down the line.
It’s important for homeowners like yourself to know when it’s time to call for professional drain cleaning services, so your drains can be as effective and healthy as possible. Read on as we uncover a couple of signs that it is, in fact, time to call us for this service.
Slow Drains: When They Signal a Bigger Plumbing Problem
It’s relatively unlikely for a clog to form in one of your drains without warning. The large majority of drain clogs form over time, as waste sticks to the walls of your pipes and builds inward. As the waste buildup becomes worse, water will drain more and more slowly.
If you notice just one drain with this problem, and a plunger doesn’t seem to relieve it at all (don’t use store-bought drain cleaners! More on that below…) then it’s time to call us for drain cleaning services. It’s also important for us to note that if multiple drains are slow-going, it’s a sign that there’s a blockage in the sewer line, and you should call us as quickly as possible. Waiting to address this problem will only leave you with a worse situation.
Bad Drain Odors: What They Mean and When to Call a Plumber
This is a pretty common sign that you need professional drain cleaning services, particularly when it comes to your kitchen drain. As waste and food stick to the inside of the drain pipes, enough of it can build up to the point that it begins giving off a pretty foul smell. If you notice bad odors coming out of any of the drains in your home, then it’s time to give us a call.
Like we mentioned above, if it’s happening with multiple drains, it’s likely a sign of something going on with your sewer line, and it should be addressed right away.
“Can’t I Just Use Store-Bought Drain Cleaner?”
If you just have one or two drains that are backed up or a little smelly, then it can be really tempting to reach for that bottle of store-bought drain cleaner you have under the sink, right? Have you ever noticed though, that you have to keep using it every 3-6 months? This is because they’re ineffective. They’re good for dissolving very specific types of clogs, such as hair.
But they won’t do much if tree roots have infiltrated your sewer line and caused a massive backup, food waste is lodged in your kitchen sink drain, or hard water has created mineral buildup in your drains.
Additionally, store-bought drain cleaning “solutions” are caustic. This means they eat away at the lining of your plumbing pipes, eventually leading to leaks and potentially even burst pipes. Truly the best thing you can do for your plumbing system when you need drain cleaning is to call the pros!
What Problems Can Professional Drain Cleaning Fix?
Professional drain cleaning can address stubborn buildup and blockages that basic DIY methods may not fully remove. Common problems include:
- Hair and soap buildup in bathroom drains
- Food waste lodged in kitchen drain lines
- Mineral buildup caused by hard water
- Grease and debris accumulating inside pipes
- Recurring clogs that return after temporary fixes
- Deeper blockages affecting multiple drains
Professional cleaning helps remove the source of the restriction, restore proper drainage, and reduce the likelihood of recurring clogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How can I tell if I have a main sewer line clog or a single drain clog?
Answer: A clog affecting only one sink, tub, or shower is more likely to be located in that fixture’s individual drain line. When several drains become slow, gurgle, or back up at the same time, the problem may be deeper in the main sewer line and should be professionally evaluated.
Question: Do I need a sewer camera inspection before professional drain cleaning?
Answer: A camera inspection is not necessary for every routine clog, but it can be useful when blockages keep returning or a plumber suspects roots, damaged piping, or another deeper problem. Seeing inside the line can help identify the location and cause of the issue before deciding whether cleaning or pipe repair is appropriate.
Question: How often should homeowners schedule preventive drain cleaning?
Answer: There is no universal schedule because cleaning needs vary with plumbing age, household usage, cooking habits, previous clogs, and the condition of the sewer line. Homes with recurring blockages or older plumbing may benefit from periodic professional inspections and cleaning before buildup causes a complete backup.
Question: How long does professional drain cleaning take?
Answer: Many straightforward drain-cleaning jobs can be completed within a few hours, although the exact duration depends on the blockage location, severity, and cleaning method required. Deep sewer obstructions, difficult access, or problems requiring camera inspection and additional diagnostic work may take longer to resolve.
Question: When does a clogged drain need repair instead of cleaning?
Answer: Drain cleaning may restore flow when grease, debris, or other buildup is blocking a structurally sound pipe, but it cannot permanently correct physical pipe damage. Repeated clogs caused by cracks, collapsed sections, root entry points, poor pipe slope, or deterioration may require repair or replacement after the underlying condition is identified.
DeHart Plumbing, Heating, and Air Inc. is your trusted resource for quality plumbing services and more. Contact us today!
