8 Signs You Need a Professional Drain Cleaning

Most homeowners don’t think much about their drains until they get clogged and stop working. At that point, your drains become a hassle. It doesn’t take long before you get sick of struggling with your slow drains. It’s even worse when you can’t use the sink because it’s fully clogged.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way.

While some home remedies may work before the drain becomes too backed up, sometimes you’ll need to call your Toronto or Markham plumber and get a professional drain cleaning.

What is a Drain Cleaning?

Drain cleaning is an essential plumbing service that removes blockages to prevent clogs and backups. It is essential to have your drains professionally cleaned regularly. The process does not use harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes and the environment.

Signs You Need a Drain Cleaning

If it has been a while since you’ve had a drain cleaning, or if you don’t remember ever having one, the time to service your drains might be overdue. Here are some signs you can watch to know when you need to call a plumber for a drain cleaning.

1. DIY techniques have failed

Homeowners should regularly clear out their drains from buildup that can cause serious plumbing problems. These home remedies include pouring hot water or a mix of vinegar and baking soda down your drains. Techniques like these will only take care of mild clogs. When you notice your drains are becoming clogged more often, or if the problem becomes more severe, it’s time for a professional drain cleaning.

2. Slow drain

When it takes a long time for your drain to flush, it’s a big sign that you need drain cleaning. Slower drains often have a blockage in the drain pipe. Some of these clogs may be caused by flushable and non-flushable items. If you have several drains in your home that are flushing slower than usual, you must contact a plumber. If more than one drain is slow in your home, you likely have a blockage in a branch drain or the mainline. These pipes are challenging to reach on your own, you’ll need a professional touch to fully fix these problems.

3. Gross smells from your drains

A foul smell coming from your drains means you’ve got a professional problem on your hands. Sewer gases can even make some people sick when inhaled. If you are experiencing any headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting that the smell could cause, you must fix the problem right away. Because bad odours can be caused by different things, such as sewer gases or waste in your drains, it’s best to have a professional plumber assess the situation. With their experience, they’ll be able to quickly find the source of the problem and the best solution for your plumbing system.

4. Gurgling noises

Strange sounds and gurgling noises can leave some homeowners wondering what is going on in their pipes. If you hear gurgling noises that sound like a drink being poured quickly into a cup, there could be air in your pipes. The only way to find the root cause of the problem and fix it is to get a professional plumber to assess your plumbing system.

5. Frequent backups

If you have an ongoing problem with your drains becoming clogged and backing up, it’s best to have a skilled plumber inspect your pipes. Frequent clogs could mean that there is a bigger clog deep in your system. Not addressing the issue could lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road like flooding.

6. Pest and vermin

It is more than just annoying to have flies and mice in your home. It could be a sign of something rotting in your pipes. Food rotting in your lines starts to smell, which attracts unwanted visitors, including rats and roaches. These unwelcome guests can be a risk to your health and others who live in the home as they often carry diseases. Moreover, they can cause property damage around your home. Next time you see a pest or vermin in your home, you should check with a professional plumber to see if there is something in your plumbing systems attracting them to your house. It could mean your pipes need draining or, worse, there’s a crack in your pipes.

7. Mould smell

Backed-up wastewater increases the amount of moisture in your home, which can lead to mould and fungi growth. If left unchecked, it could turn into a health problem for those living in your home. When you notice a mouldy type of smell, it’s best to call in a plumber to have them inspect your plumbing system. You should also have your drains cleaned regularly to prevent moisture buildup inside your home.

8. Flushing problems

Have you noticed water rises from your drains when you flush the toilet? It could be caused by a clog in your drain lines, which causes the wastewater to back up and come out of another drain. Call a plumber right away if this has been happening in your home. Even if the water drains, exposure to wastewater creates health hazards.

Plumbers have the expertise and the tools to unlock any clog. It’s best to call in a professional rather than flush harmful chemicals down your sink. It can also be risky to put anything down your sink to try and push the clog out unless you know what you are doing. Sometimes, it can make things worse. It’s better to trust a professional who knows when a drain cleaning is needed and how to get it done right.

For more information about drain cleaning, call Brothers Plumbing at 1-800-742-8471 or contact us here.