Maintaining a beautiful home can be challenging, and one of the hardest aspects of maintaining a home is taking care of the plumbing.
Plumbing issues, like clogged drains, may seem like a small issue but if left unchecked, they can escalate into something major and lead to more expensive repairs in the future.
Fortunately, not all drain-related problems are difficult to fix—some will just need a bit of DIY. So let’s explore how you can fix minor drain problems and when you should call drain cleaning services.
Minor drain problems you could fix by yourself
Here are some minor drain issues that you may be able to fix by yourself:
1. Clogged Sinks
This is one of the most common drain-related problems; about 14,000 people in the US are affected by clogged drains every day. This normally happens when soap scum, hair, and other debris start to accumulate in the drains and eventually cause a block. Fortunately, clogged drains are relatively easy to fix.
Depending on how serious the block is, you can simply dislodge it using a plunger or by pouring baking soda and vinegar into it. You can also use a pipe snake to clear some of the more stubborn blockages.
2. Clogged Toilet
About 20% of homeowners in the US experience clogged toilets. This issue can be fixed by using the plunger in the toilet bowl. After this, the water should start to drain normally but make sure to flush the toilet to get rid of any debris left behind in the pipe.
If this doesn’t help, try placing an auger into the toilet and turning the handle counter. After a while, you should be able to feel the clog breaking up and then you can start turning the handle clockwise. Now you just need to flush the toilet and you’re done.
3. Slow Draining Sinks
Seeing the water in your sink drain at a snail’s pace can be annoying, especially when you have a lot of dishes to do. But, this is a problem many homeowners face with their kitchen sinks. A slow-draining sink indicates a partial blockage, and you can fix it by pouring vinegar and baking soda into the drain, followed by some boiling water.
Sometimes kitchen sinks can become clogged due to fat and grease buildup in the pipes. To prevent this from happening, don’t flush used kitchen oil, butter, or grease down the drain.
Drain problems you should call a professional to take care of
Not all drain problems can be fixed with DIY methods. Here’s when you should call professional drain cleaning services:
1. Recurring Clogs
Have you cleared out a clogged drain by yourself only to have the blockage return? This could mean that the clog is more stubborn than previously thought and DIY methods won’t help you now. In this case, you will need to call professional drain cleaning services to help you out.
Also, if you keep trying to fix clogs like this on your own, you may make the situation worse and need more expensive repairs down the line. The average cost of calling a professional to unclog your drain can be as low as $100, which can be considerably cheaper than the cost of additional repairs you might need to do if the drain gets damaged from using DIY methods.
2. Multiple Clogged Drains
Sometimes, you have more than one clogged drain in your home, and this is a huge problem. With so many clogged drains, your home could experience a considerable amount of water damage. The water damage can be expensive to repair, costing tens of thousands of dollars in some very severe cases.
To prevent further damage to your home or property, call a professional drain service. They will have the capacity and experience to repair multiple clogged drains and even seek out drains that have the potential to become clogged and fix them too.
3. Bad Odors
If you’re getting a bad odor in your home, there may be something wrong with the sewage line. Sewage line repairs are very complicated and you shouldn’t attempt to do them alone; also, sewer line repairs can be dangerous as you’ll be exposed to all kinds of dangerous bacteria like salmonella and E.coli. There are nearly 420 annual salmonella-related deaths in the US so it’s important to avoid exposure to this bacteria whenever you can.
Another major danger sewage lines can pose is methane gas. Methane gas is highly flammable and can lead to fires.
4. Water Flooding
Serious flooding in places like your basement can cause considerable damage. Flooding is especially dangerous when the water comes into contact with your home’s electrical outlets and appliances.
For instance, many homes have fuse boxes in their basements, where there are many water and sewage pipes. Due to this, a major leak in the basement can lead to catastrophic damage to a home’s electrical system.
If you’re seeing signs of flooding in your home, call a professional drain cleaning service immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about drain cleaning services in San Diego:
1. Is it okay to use chemical cleaner to unclog drains?
In most cases, no. Chemical cleaners have the potential to cause damage to your home’s pipes by corroding them.
2. Can I use duct tape to fix damaged pipes?
We don’t recommend this. Duct tape may be used to fix small leaks but it’s not a temporary solution and could fail.
3. How often should I check my home’s pipes for damage?
Check your home’s pipes for leaks and other damages at least once a year or once every six months if your home is older.
Call professional drain cleaning services
If your home is experiencing major drain problems, don’t wait—call a professional for drain cleaning in San Diego today. With the help of these professionals, you can make your home’s plumbing system safer and long-lasting!
