The average cost of drain cleaning is $225, and that number goes up if you have a nasty drain clog that’s been festering for a while. You can save money on the service and plumbing repairs if you clean your drains regularly.
Unfortunately, many homeowners put this plumbing maintenance task on the back burner until something goes wrong. To help you keep your drains running smoothly, here are the top signs that you need professional drain cleaning.
DIY Techniques Have Failed
Homeowners should always clear out any buildup that can cause serious plumbing problems. Some everyday hacks that prove helpful include a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to dislodge minor blockages and eliminate odors. Pouring hot water down the drain can also eliminate slight clogs. These techniques only get rid of minor clogs.
Call in a professional drain cleaner if you notice your drain has recurring clogs or the problem becomes severe. They are equipped to handle the more severe blockages and will have your drain running smoothly in no time.
Toilet Stoppage
Every homeowner deals with a clogged toilet at one time or another. In most cases, a plunger is enough to solve the problem. However, more severe clogs can occur when foreign objects are thrown and flushed down the toilet.
Some items that often cause toilet blockage include baby wipes, cotton balls, too much toilet paper, paper towels, dryer sheets, and feminine hygiene products. It’s not normal for the toilet to fill up to the lip and threaten to spill whenever you flash it. If this sounds familiar, call a professional to take a look.
Slow Drains
There are many reasons why your drain is flowing slower than normal. However, the most common culprits include objects clogging it up – hair, soap, grease, and other foreign substances.
A slow-moving drain will become a bigger problem if the pipes aren’t cleaned immediately. Taking care of the problem promptly will save you money and stress down the line. Call us today if your bathtub or sinks take longer to drain than usual.
Standing Water
Remember the slow drain? Standing water is next if you don’t schedule regular drain cleaning. The problem might be as simple as a single hair clog at the drain’s opening if yourself standing in a pool of water within minutes of turning on the tap.
It could also be a significant obstructive blockage inside the pipes. It’s a clear sign that you should call a drain cleaning service if your tub is still full of water an hour after pulling the plug out of the drain.
Mysterious Odors
Nothing is more frustrating than an unexplained odor that lingers in the kitchen or bathroom. It always seems to worsen regardless of how many times you clean the room. And when you can’t get rid of the smell, you start wondering if you cleaned the right area.
Clogs in the drain can cause waste to stay in the pipes for longer than it’s meant to, leading to unexplained odors. If you can’t shake the sensation that there are mysterious odors emanating from the plumbing, don’t hesitate to call us right away.
Ominous Sounds in the Pipes
Under normal circumstances, water doesn’t make any noise when draining into the pipes below the tub or sink. However, a clog may cause the water to make gurgling sounds as it struggles to find its way past the obstruction.
Ominous noises may also stem from an issue with air in the drains. Whatever the case, strange sounds in the pipes are a sure sign that you should take action. Our local plumbing professionals have access to the finest equipment. No matter how big or far down the clog is, we’ll break it and dispose of it.
Backed Up Sewage
Walking into the bathroom to find a pool of disgusting water or sewage backup on the floor is the worst plumbing nightmare for many homeowners. It is the final straw and a catastrophic consequence of failing to take care of clogged pipes. Blockage puts more pressure on the pipes, joints, and seals as it builds up in the pipes.
If there are any weaknesses in your sewer line, such as a damaged seal, it’s just a matter of time before a complete disaster. The best way to prevent this is to be proactive and invest in regular drain cleaning.
Problems with Fruit Flies
Flies and pests come after the unpleasant odors and for some reason. The fact that they always seem to appear overnight is what makes them a nightmare. They also never seem to go away regardless of how many times you clean the kitchen or bathroom. Fruit flies are attracted to food buildup in the pipes and any blockage will cause them to take notice.
A plumbing professional will know how to remove all traces of food particles from your drains, forcing the fruit flies to move on. Call us today to schedule a consult if fruit flies seem focused on your sink.
Multiple Clogged Drains
If the bathtub, toilet, and multiple sinks in the house drain slowly or not at all, it’s time to call a professional drain cleaning service. Multiple clogged drains indicate that you have a serious plumbing issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
It might be a problem with the main sewer line or a sewer line clog. Letting this sit too long increases the risk of water backing up and causing major damage.
Frequent Clogs
Did you have a bathroom clog that you thought you took care of but is here again? Or maybe it was a clog in the kitchen sink? Getting frequent clogs clearly indicates a bigger problem that a simple hack won’t get rid of.
Home drain cleaners might help break down drain clogs. However, they won’t get the job done if there is too much gunk and residue in the pipes. A professional drain cleaning service can take care of the problem once and for all.
Invest in Professional Drain Cleaning Services
There are many causes of dirty drains and if you notice any of the above signs, a professional is your best bet for solving the problem.
Our professional drain cleaning professionals work tirelessly to handle all plumbing needs for our clients in Alexandria (VA), Germantown (MD), Manassa (VA), Centreville (VA), and Gainsville (VA). Contact us today to learn more about our services.
