Life can be pretty hectic at times. Between working long hours, taking care of the kids, and trying to keep the house in order, it can be tough to find time for anything else. So when a clogged drain happens, it can feel like a nightmare.
In Australia, it is estimated that blocked drains cost householders an average of $250 each year. This includes the cost of hiring a professional plumber to unclog the drain and any damage the blockage may have caused.
The good news is that plenty of qualified plumbers like Lex’s Plumbing can help you get your drain unclogged in no time. But before you hire just any plumber, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Here are seven tips for hiring a plumber to unclog your drain:
1. Your Drain Gives Off a Foul Smell.
Think about everything you put down your drain: fats, grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, plastics, cotton buds, nappies, paper towels, wipes, wrappers, vomit, and even hair. All this can cause a buildup over time, and your drain develops a terrible odor to match. The foul smell can linger throughout your home, making it unbearable to live in.
However, if the smell is so bad that it makes you nauseous, something more serious may happen. It’s past the DIY stage, and you should call a professional to investigate, as there could be a gas leak.
2. Your Drain is blocked.
It can be challenging to detect a blocked drain or a clogged sewer. The tell-tale sign is usually a slow-draining sink, shower, or toilet. If left untreated, the water will eventually stop draining altogether. If you have multiple drains backing up, then your sewer is probably the problem.
People often mistake a clogged sewer for a blocked drain, but they are two different problems. A clogged sewer is caused by a buildup of grease, hair, soap scum, and other debris in your sewer line.
From nappies and wipes to cotton buds and sanitary products, these items don’t break down and quickly cause blockages. If you reside in Newcastle, Australia, you’re just a call away from The Plumbing Life Saver to help you out. They are available 24/7 for all your plumbing needs!
3. You Hear Rumbling Sounds.
Often, the sound of a furnace is only noticeable when it first turns on. However, if you hear your furnace making strange noises regularly, this could signal something is wrong. Rumbling, banging, and scraping sounds could indicate that your furnace is having difficulty running properly. Clumps of hair and food scraps often make it difficult for water to drain, and your wash basins and toilets make weird sounds.
There’s also a chance that the lines have gathered dirt. It also causes the water in your sinks and shower to stand, which, in turn, leads to the formation of air bubbles. As the water drains, these bubbles make noise as they escape. This is often the case with tubs and toilets. The good news is that you can usually fix this problem by cleaning the P-trap, which is located under the sink. Simply unscrew the trap, remove the debris, and screw it back into place.
4. Your Drains are overflowing.
Of course, overflowing drains are never a good sign. Water has nowhere to go when your drains become clogged and can back into your house. This wastewater backup in your showers, bathtubs, and kitchen sinks will cause pipe corrosion and pose a significant health concern. To ensure that you fix the clog and do not further endanger your pipes or your health, you should schedule an appointment with a professional plumber immediately.
5. Puddles Begin to Form in the backyard.
Imagine a hot day. The sun is beating down mercilessly, and the ground is so dry that it feels like you’re walking on sandpaper. Suddenly, you see a puddle forming in the backyard.
The first thing that you might think is, “What’s going on? It hasn’t rained in days.” But then you realize that the puddle is growing larger and larger, despite there being no rain. In fact, it’s growing so fast that it’s now starting to resemble a small lake.
So, what’s causing this strange phenomenon?
You must hire a professional to find out. These experts will use their knowledge and experience to determine what’s causing the puddle to form. In most cases, they’ll be able to identify the problem and provide a solution.
Puddles can form for various reasons, but the most common cause is a leak in a water pipe. This can happen due to old age, wear and tear, or damage from tree roots.
6. You Have More Than One Blocked Drains.
When you discover blockage in multiple drains or plumbing fixtures in the house simultaneously, it’s a tell-tale sign you need to get in touch with a drain cleaning company. A clog often starts with a toilet and quickly affects showers, sinks, and stormwater drains. If you find one blocked drain, check others before you call the plumber.
7. You Have Started Using Too Much Drain Cleaner Lately.
Do you often see yourself using a lot more drain cleaner than before? If so, then it’s essential to contact a plumber before your drain stops emptying at all! Store-bought drain cleaning products can help you in case of minor blockages. But if your drain remains blocked even after using these products, you need more than a drain cleaner to unclog it.
Hire a Plumber When You See These Signs
It would help if you made time for plumbing maintenance, no matter how busy you are. The reason is that a fully functional plumbing system gives you the peace of mind to carry out your daily activities without any stress or hassle. If you frequently run into a drain problem that you can’t seem to solve on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. The longer you put off clearing your drains, the more damage they may sustain and the more money it will cost to repair them. For more information about Melbourne plumbers be sure to check out Inner City Plumbing.