Drain problems are common. It’s easy to clog your sink or toilet, and generally, it’s not very difficult to fix the clog yourself. However, there could come a time when it would be a better idea to call a plumber, and we’re going to discuss some of the times when it would be best to do this.
When Your Own Efforts Fail
Most homeowners have had to deal with a clog, and if it’s a small one, it’s probably pretty easy to fix it yourself. You could use a plunger or maybe some baking soda and vinegar, and you’ll probably soon resolve the problem. But, if this doesn’t work, there’s always a drain snake if the homeowner feels comfortable using one. However, if all this fails, it’s probably time to call a plumber. For a really severe clog, professional equipment might be necessary.
Lack of Tools
Another situation in which a homeowner may want to call a plumber is when they don’t have the tools to do the job. Some homeowners may feel comfortable doing some plumbing work themselves but don’t really want to spend the money to buy the tools necessary. In this case, it can be a good idea to call a plumber. Some plumbing jobs can take specialized tools, possibly even a number of specialized tools, and this can be expensive. Since these are sometimes tools that are not likely to be used very often, it can be a lot more economical to just have a plumber do the job.
Drain Cleaners Won’t Work
If you’ve tried some tools and then some drain cleaners and your problem still isn’t solved, it’s probably time to contact a professional. Store-bought drain cleaners often won’t work, and even if they do, since they frequently don’t clear the clog entirely, you may find yourself with another clog soon. Additionally, drain cleaners contain dangerous chemicals which can damage your plumbing. So, they are typically best avoided.
Numerous Clogs
If you find yourself dealing with a number of clogs at the same time, you should really call a plumber. Having several clogs occurring at a similar time could mean that you have a blockage in your plumbing system.
This is even more likely to be the case if the clogs are occurring in the lower areas of your sewer system because this could indicate a clogged sewer line. If you suspect this is the case, you should turn off the water supply for your house and call a plumber. This is vital because you would not want to find yourself dealing with a sewage spill should the line burst.
Unknown Causes
Sometimes you may want to solve a plumbing problem yourself, but you just can’t figure out what’s causing it. This can make it really hard to know what to do. The problem could be caused by materials building up in your pipes over time or maybe someone dropping something down the drain or flushing something they shouldn’t have down the toilet. Whatever the problem is, if you can’t find the cause, you’ll need a plumber to figure out what’s going on. Plumbers have special tools that can help them figure out what the problem is and then solve it.
Final Thoughts
You may be able to deal with most minor drain issues on your own. However, there will likely come a time when you will need to contact a plumber to help you. So, keep an eye out for if any of these issues are present, and don’t hesitate to call a plumber before the issue becomes worse.
Contact Us
If you need help with any drain issues, contact J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers can help diagnose the underlying cause of drain issues, repair any problems, and prevent them from reoccurring. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.
