Don’t Do It Yourself! When to Call a Professional to Unclog Pipes

A slow drain or a completely clogged pipe can quickly disrupt your daily routine. While there are several home remedies to try to fix the problem, sometimes it is necessary to resort to professional unclogging. Knowing when to put aside the home plunger and call a drain plumber can save you time, money and prevent further damage to your pipes. At Ady’s Plumbing, we explain when it is crucial to contact an expert.

Home Remedies: When Do They Work and When Don’t They?

For minor clogs, some home remedies can be effective:

• Boiling water: Pouring boiling water down the drain can sometimes dissolve accumulations of grease or soap.
• Baking soda and vinegar: This combination can create a fizzy reaction that helps loosen certain types of clogs.

However, these methods have limitations:

• They are not effective for serious blockages: If the blockage is large or very compact, home remedies will not work.
• They can damage the pipes: Excessive use of boiling water in PVC pipes or incorrect application of caustic soda can cause pipe damage.

Signs That You Need a Professional Unclogging

These are some clear signs that you need to call a professional for professional unclogging:

• Recurring blockages: If a drain clogs frequently, there is likely an underlying problem that requires a professional solution.
• Multiple clogged drains: If several drains in your home are slow or clogged, there could be a problem with the main drain line.
• Persistent bad smells: Bad smells emanating from drains can indicate a build-up of debris in the pipes that requires deep cleaning.
• Water accumulating in the sink or shower: This is a clear sign of a blockage preventing the normal flow of water.
• Gurgling sounds in the pipes: Strange noises coming from the pipes may indicate a partial blockage.

Dangers of Improper Home Unclogging

Improper use of home methods, especially caustic soda, can be dangerous:

• Damage to pipes: Caustic soda is a corrosive chemical that can damage pipes, especially PVC pipes.
• Health risks: Incorrect handling of caustic soda can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes.
• Environmental problems: Pouring harsh chemicals down the drain can contaminate water and the environment.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Unclogging Service

Hiring a drain plumber offers numerous advantages:

• Effective and long-lasting solutions: Professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to completely remove blockages and prevent future recurrences.
• Safety: Plumbers are trained to handle chemicals and equipment safely, avoiding risks to your health and your pipes.
• Accurate diagnosis: A drain plumber can identify the cause of the problem and offer the best long-term solution.
• Saving time and money: While hiring a professional involves an initial investment, in the long run it can save you money by avoiding costly repairs caused by failed attempts at home unclogging.

If you are faced with difficult blockages, recurring or that do not respond to home remedies, do not hesitate to contact the experts at Ady’s Plumbing. Our drain plumbers will provide you with a fast, effective and safe solution.