Try as you might, you’re bound to eventually encounter a slow-moving drain or clogged toilet. Despite regular maintenance and care, drains can become obstructed by grease, food scraps, hair, soap scum, and other debris. While the DIY method can clear most minor blockages, certain situations call for the expertise of a professional plumber. Wondering if it’s time to call the experts at Eagle for drain cleaning? Here are the key signs you should look out for.
Do I Need Professional Drain Cleaning?
Knowing when to call a professional for drain cleaning is important to avoid worsening plumbing problems. Here are the most common signs that you may need a professional.
SLOW DRAINS
One of the first and most common signs that your home’s plumbing needs professional attention is slow drainage. If you notice that water takes longer than usual to drain from your sink, shower, or bathtub, it’s usually a sign that a clog is forming within the pipes. Minor buildup of soap, grease, or food debris can sometimes be cleared using a plunger. However, if the problem persists or affects multiple fixtures, there may be a more severe blockage deep within the pipes.
RECURRING CLOGS
Constantly dealing with clogged drains is another warning sign that your plumbing system may need expert care. While occasional clogs are easy to fix with a drain snake or chemical cleaner, frequent blockages suggest that there is a deeper issue at hand. A buildup of grease, soap scum, or even tree roots could be causing the clogs, which can require expert repair to resolve.
FOUL ODORS
If bad smells are coming from your drains, it’s time to get your pipes professionally cleaned. Odors are typically caused by rotting food, hair, or other organic materials trapped in the drain pipes. As these materials decompose, bacteria begin to grow, causing unpleasant smells. Professional plumbers have the right tools and expertise to clean out the debris and eliminate the source of the odor.
GURGLING OR BUBBLING
Gurgling or bubbling noises coming from your drains or toilets are a clear indication that something is wrong. These sounds occur when air is trapped inside the pipes due to a blockage. As water struggles to pass through the pipes, air bubbles are forced upward, creating the gurgling noise. If you hear these sounds consistently, it’s likely that the clog is significant and will require professional intervention.
MULTIPLE DRAINS ARE CLOGGED
When multiple drains throughout your home are clogged or draining slowly, it’s often a sign that the problem lies deeper in your plumbing system, potentially in the main sewer line. A blockage in the main sewer line can affect several fixtures at once, leading to slow drains and backups throughout the house. Tree roots, grease buildup, or foreign objects can cause these types of blockages, and they are best handled by an experienced plumber.
WATER BACK UPS
Water backing up through your drains is a serious plumbing issue that requires immediate attention. This can happen when a major blockage obstructs the flow of water in your pipes. Water then reverses course and back up into sinks, showers, or toilets. If left unaddressed, this can lead to sewage backups, which are not only unpleasant but also unsanitary. If you experience water backups, don’t wait—call a professional plumber right away.
DIY METHODS HAVEN’T WORKED
If you’ve tried to clear your drains using DIY methods without success, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. While plungers and drain cleaners can provide a temporary solution, they often fail to address deep or stubborn blockages. Professional plumbers have access to specialized equipment, such as hydro-jetting and camera inspections, to identify the source of the problem and provide an effective solution.
When to Call Eagle
Clogged drains and plumbing issues are a normal part of homeownership, but knowing when to call a professional is key to avoiding bigger problems down the line. If you’re experiencing slow drainage, recurring clogs, foul odors, or any of the other signs mentioned above, it’s time to contact Eagle to schedule a professional drain cleaning. We have the tools and expertise to get your plumbing back in top shape.
