The likelihood of a drain getting clogged up depends on a number of factors. What is for certain is that at some point, there will be a clog. However, many homeowners are often at a loss as to when a clogged drain needs professional help. This is fair enough since, in a few cases, a quick remedy can be applied that’s effective and cost-efficient.
The flip side of that is it can be quite costly to call a plumber at the wrong time. If they’re called on too late, the cost of resolving the issue may be higher than what it would have been if it had been addressed earlier.
Residential plumbing works pretty hard day in and day out. As waste loads grow when families in a home do, limits get tested. Sewer lines get drainage from multiple drains:
- Bathtubs
- Dishwashers
- Garbage Disposals
- Showers
- Sinks
- Toilets
- Washing Machines
It’s important that they’re all clear and functioning well at all times. If even a single one backs up, that should be addressed immediately.
What Causes a Clogged Drain in the First Place?
As previously mentioned, whatever goes into the drains in a home is likely to cause clogs. Dirt, food waste, soap residue, and a nearly endless list of unmentionables will end up in drains and sewer lines. Instead of just going straight through, however, a sticky film gets left on the pipe walls. Over time, more and more residue builds up on the film. The pipe’s diameter inward gets reduced as a result. Eventually, a full-on blockage will happen.
Manual Unclogging
Many people get a particular sense of pride when they’re able to unclog a drain without professional help. This is achievable for toilet clogs that are resolved through the use of a plunger. In some cases, when tub and drain sinks are clogged, a plumber’s snake (available in most hardware stores) or even a coat hanger can prove to be helpful.
Unfortunately, there are many products in today’s market that are allegedly meant to clear clog drains. Chemical drain cleaners are not as helpful as they seem at all. This is largely due to the ingredients in their formulation. They’re usually made of lye, hydrochloric acid, and other highly caustic materials. Any instance of misuse can be incredibly dangerous since toxic fumes will be released as a result. Moreover, any splashing will likely bring burning to the skin and eyes.
When Should the Plumber Be Called?
The short answer to this is: anytime. Figuring out just how serious the clogging issue is for an untrained person can be difficult. A professional plumber won’t just be able to perform a diagnosis, but also fix the issue on the spot. There are a number of telling signs, which include:
- Multiple drains backed up
- No plumber’s snake/drain snake on hand
- Plunger remedy not working
- Sewage smell within the home
Conclusion
A clogged drain is an issue that shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s a costly inconvenience that shouldn’t be DIY-ed at all. DIY may be the first thing that comes to mind when you experience a clog, but inexperienced homeowners may only do more harm than good when they attempt a DIY. Instead, call on a plumber whenever there’s a clogged drain issue at home.
Looking to hire reliable plumbers in Santa Monica? Reach out to Candu Plumbing & Rooter today! Whether your issues involve draining and plumbing in a residential or commercial area, we’ve got you covered.
