It’s not always obvious when you need to call Rosenberg Plumbers. But the longer you wait, the more serious your drain issues become.
Foul smells are one clear sign. That musty or fishy odor could be from a build-up of gunk in your kitchen or bathroom sink drains — from coffee grinds, fats, grease, hygiene products, paper towels, and more.
Overflowing Toilet
A toilet that overflows is more than just an annoying nuisance. The water it contains is often contaminated with fecal matter and other debris, which can put your health at risk. If you notice that your commode is overflowing, it’s important to call an emergency plumber right away.
Depending on what caused the overflow, there are several steps you can take while waiting for a plumber. The first is to shut off the water supply. This will prevent additional waste from flowing into your home until the plumber can arrive. Next, it’s a good idea to have everyone in your household stop using the bathroom until the clog has been fixed. This will reduce the risk of someone accidentally running the toilet again and possibly flooding your home.
If the overflowing is due to a simple blockage, you can try plunging your toilet. A rubber plunger with a toilet flange can be used to create an airtight seal and push up and down vigorously, which may loosen the clog. If this doesn’t work, you may need to use a drain snake or another more powerful tool.
Another common cause of overflowing is when a plumbing vent becomes blocked. These vents allow outdoor air to replace the pressure that’s created when waste breaks down in your home’s drain lines. Debris can easily get into the vent and obstruct it. If this is the case, you’ll need to contact a professional to clean out your vent and resolve the overflowing toilet issue.
You may also find that your septic tank is full or obstructed, which can cause waste to back up into your toilet and other drains in your home. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional for septic tank cleaning and other services.
It’s always a good idea to be proactive when it comes to your home plumbing. By being careful about what you flush and contacting a plumbing company when needed, you can keep your home’s drains healthy and safe for years to come. If you’re concerned about the state of your home’s plumbing, contact us for a thorough home inspection. A home inspection can help identify any issues and lead to a reputable plumber recommendation.
Slow Drainage
A slow drainage is one of the earliest warning signs that there’s a problem with your drain. Whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, or any other sink, slow draining is indicative of a blockage that needs to be addressed. Fortunately, a few simple steps can prevent this from happening in the first place. For example, invest in a drain strainer or hair catcher for your sinks and install them properly to prevent the buildup of food, oil, and grease. Also, be sure to clean your garbage disposal regularly with hot water and vinegar to remove the buildup of soap scum and food debris.
If these simple at-home fixes don’t work, it’s time to call a plumber for a professional drain cleaning. Unlike liquid drain cleaners, which can be dangerous for your pipes if overused, a plumber can use a drain auger to break up and remove the blockage safely and quickly without damaging your plumbing.
The main reason that your shower, tub, and floor drains take longer than usual to funnel used water away is because of a clog in the sewer line. This clog is usually the result of something that was poured down the drain or toilet, such as cooking oils, grease, and fats, or it may be due to root infiltration or old and deteriorating pipes. Either way, it’s important to call a plumber as soon as possible to ensure that the problem doesn’t escalate and affect other parts of your home.
A plumbing professional can inspect your drain lines using a camera to pinpoint the exact location of the clog and identify the best method for removing it. They can also perform a drain cleaning using a hydro jetter, which uses high-powered water pressure to blast through the clog and clean out the entire pipe. This is especially useful when a clog occurs in a large or stubborn drainpipe, such as one that is connected to your kitchen or laundry machines. This method removes even the most stubborn clogs and leaves your pipes with no obstructions so that they can function properly again.
Foul Smells
When a drain smells bad, it’s often a sign of a clog. If you can’t get rid of the foul odor with household products, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. Trying to handle a stubborn clog yourself can be a waste of money and even worse, it can lead to serious plumbing problems.
Foul odors from your bathroom or kitchen sink indicate that gunk is building up in the pipes. This can include hair, soap scum, coffee grinds, grease, paper towels, and other waste. Bacteria that feed on these items can release unpleasant odors into your home. Consumer drain cleaners can usually take care of these problems, but if the odor is persistent, call a plumber.
Standing water in your tub, shower, or sink indicates that there’s a blockage somewhere in the pipe. A plumber has the tools to remove these clogs without damaging your pipes. They can also use a tool called an auger to remove the most difficult clogs that coat hangers and snakes can’t handle.
A sudden increase in your water bill can indicate a leak in your house. These leaks can be hard to locate and may be behind walls or underground. If you notice a change in your water bill, call a plumber to come take a look.
If your toilet or sink produces a gurgling sound when you flush it, this is another sign of a problem. This is caused by a buildup of waste in the sewer line. This can cause sewage to back up into your home, leading to a messy and unhealthy situation. A plumber will be able to fix this problem quickly and efficiently.
If you’ve noticed an increase in the number of fruit flies in your home, it’s likely because food is getting stuck in your drains. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep garbage cans and food containers sealed tightly and hire a plumber to clean your drains. This will remove any traces of food and keep the flies away. It will also ensure that no rotting food is making its way into your drains.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems. Left untreated, they can cause major problems that affect your entire home and even your yard. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to prevent clogged drains and minimize the risk of them happening in your home. However, it’s important to know when to call a plumber for drain cleaning. Here are some signs that it’s time to do so:
If you notice water backing up in your toilet, kitchen sink, bathtub, or shower, it’s important to contact a plumber as soon as possible. These backups can cause flooding, water damage, and even structural damage to your home. In addition, they can also be a sign of more serious issues such as a sewer line blockage or a broken pipe.
A foul odor coming from your drains is another clear sign that it’s time to call a plumber for drain cleaning. This can be caused by a build-up of gunk in your pipes, including coffee grounds, fats, hair, hygiene products, paper towels, and more. Over time, this can lead to a nasty smell that’s difficult to get rid of on your own.
In some cases, a clog may be so severe that it’s impossible to fix with a plunger or drain snake. If you’ve tried these methods and the clog still won’t budge, it’s time to call a plumber. They’ll be able to use more advanced tools and techniques to quickly and safely remove the obstruction.
Another important factor in determining whether it’s time to call a plumber is where the clog is located. Many of your home’s drains are in hard-to-reach places that require specialized equipment to reach. A professional plumber will be able to determine the source of the clog and quickly get it fixed.
Knowing when to call a plumber for drain cleaning can save you a lot of stress and money in the long run. By recognizing the early warning signs of a clog and calling a plumber right away, you can avoid costly repairs and disruption to your daily routine.