If you suspect you are dealing with a clogged drain, it can be tempting to try and unclog it yourself. However, some problems are best left to the professionals as you can further damage your drains if you attempt a DIY job. Baker & Sons Plumbing offers professional drain cleaning services in Marion, IL. Here are 10 signs you need to hire a professional to clean your drain.
1. Your Sink Won’t Drain
A sink that drains slowly or not at all is a clear sign that something isn’t right with your drain. You may notice this problem when you are washing dishes, brushing your teeth, or taking a shower. This pooling water can leave behind horrible residue, but that may be the least of your worries. When your sink won’t drain, it means you have a clog somewhere in your pipes. In most cases, the clog is near the surface if only one sink is having issues. If all of your sinks start having problems draining, the clog may be further away in the sewer line. In any case, this is not a problem you want to handle on your own. Baker & Sons Plumbing can determine the location of the clog and take the proper measures to remove it.
2. Dirty Water Backups
If dirty, muddy water has ever backed up into your bathtub, you know how gross a backup can be. Alternatively, you may have had the unpleasant experience of water backing up into your kitchen sink while running the dishwasher. Backed-up fixtures aren’t just annoying and unsightly. It means you need to have your drain professionally cleaned. Ignoring the problem puts you at risk of being exposed to sewage. What’s more, overflows can cause extensive damage. You should contact a plumber to clean your drain the first time you experience a backed-up fixture.
3. You Smell Waste
There is nothing worse than the smell of sewage coming from your drains. If you notice a horrible smell in your home, you need to investigate the source immediately. If there is a sink in your home you haven’t used in a while, this may be the source of the foul odor. You can run a little water down the drain to rehydrate the p-trap and eliminate the odor. However, sewage smells that won’t go away are a sign of a broken or disconnected pipe. This can cause damage, so you need to call a plumber right away to diagnose and remedy the issue. You deserve to live in a home that smells pleasant, so don’t procrastinate when you suspect you have a problem with your drains.
4. Mold or Mildew Odors
If you have noticed a musty smell in your home, this can be a sign you are dealing with mold. However, mold doesn’t just smell bad. It can damage your home, and it can cause a slew of harmful health-related side effects. If your pipes are filled with grease, hair, and moisture, they are an excellent breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can create a bad odor and contaminate your tap water. Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this problem. You can rely on the pros at Baker & Sons Plumbing to clean your drains and remove the mold.
5. Your Plunger Didn’t Work
If you’re reading this article, chances are you have already tried to clear the drain on your own. While we don’t recommend doing it yourself, experiencing several failed attempts to clear the drain with a plunger or drain cleaner is a pretty good sign you need to call a professional. Most plumbers advise homeowners to avoid chemical cleaners like Drano, CLR, and Liquid-Plumr.
6. Constant Clogs
If you experience one or two clogs per year, it’s probably nothing to worry about. However, weekly or daily clogs can be a sign that you need to have your drain cleaned. An overflowing toilet or a clogged sink is inconvenient and disruptive to your daily life. An item may have fallen into the toilet accidentally, or there may be an overgrowth of roots. Your plumber will be able to identify the cause of the clog and resolve the problem permanently.
7. Sudden Increase in Your Water Bill
Most utility bills gradually increase over time, but sharp increases can be a sign of a problem in your plumbing system. A plumbing leak can cause severe damage to your home, so it’s important to address this issue immediately. Your plumber can clean your drains after the leak is fixed to prevent future clogs and backups.
8. Puddles and Water Damage
Puddles of standing water around your appliances or fixtures are never a good sign. If there is standing water around your washer or toilet, you need to call a plumber. In some cases, you may need to replace or repair the appliance if it is causing the leak. If the appliance is not broken, you will need professional drain cleaning services to locate and remove the clog. Leaving puddles for a long time can cause damage to your floors that is very expensive to repair. It can also lead to mold that can cause bad odors and health issues. Contact a plumber immediately if you notice standing water in your home.
9. Bugs and Rodents Are Present
Did you find a mouse or a cockroach in your bathroom sink? As gross as it may seem, it is not uncommon for pests to set up shop inside pipes. While your first instinct may be to call the exterminator, you should get a plumber to inspect your pipes. You may have openings in your pipes that are providing an entryway for rats, mice, and insects. Once these openings are sealed, you can call the exterminator. Pests can carry diseases, so it’s important to remedy this issue immediately to protect your health.
10. You Hear Strange Sounds
Gurgling sounds coming from your sink, tub, and toilet are another sign you need to call a professional drain cleaning service. You may also notice air bubbles when you flush. While bubbles and noises may seem harmless, they can indicate a clog in your sewer. This isn’t an issue that can be put off until later. You need to contact a plumber right away to determine the cause of the gurgling sound so your drain system can work properly again.
Our Drain Cleaning Services in Marion
Clogged, dirty drains can cause backups, unpleasant odors, and even water damage. If you notice any of the above signs, don’t hesitate to hire a professional drain cleaner. If you live in Marion, rely on the team at Baker & Sons Plumbing to clean and unclog your drain so you don’t have to deal with these pesky issues anymore. We offer plumbing services for water heaters, sewers, drains, and septic systems. Contact us today!
