A blocked or clogged drain is one of the most annoying household problems. Standing water in the tub or sink basin. Slow-draining toilets. Gross odors seeping up from floor drains. Dealing with these issues quickly is important to restore proper drainage and prevent bigger problems. But who exactly should you call to unclog drains and pipes? Here are the pros like The Relining Company who can tackle blocked drain repair and get your home’s water flowing freely again.
Try a Plumber First
For most drain clogs and backups, a professional plumber is the best first call. Plumbers have the expertise to diagnose and clear all types of drain obstructions throughout the home. They carry specialized drain cleaning equipment not available to homeowners. A good plumber will be able to pinpoint the exact location of the clog and clear it efficiently.
Plumbers have experience dealing with every kind of clogged drain scenario. Grease buildup in the kitchen drain. Tree roots invading sewer pipes. Clogged tub and shower drains tangled with hair and soap scum. Toilet clogs from too much toilet paper or other objects flushed down. Floor drain backups. And more.
With the right drain cleaning machines like cable augers, plumbers can dismantle clogs lodged deep within pipes. For serious sewer clogs, they may use water jetting to propel a high-powered stream through the line to scour away debris. Plumbers can also employ video pipe inspection with special waterproof cameras on cables to see inside pipes and identify clog locations.
In addition to unclogging, plumbers can check your entire plumbing system for issues that may cause recurring drain blockages. They can advise on any necessary pipe repairs or upgrades needed to prevent future clogged drains. Many plumbers offer drain cleaning service 24/7 for urgent situations.
Call a Handyman for Simple Sink and Tub Drains
For straightforward clogs in bathroom sink, tub, or shower drains, you may be able to save money by calling a handyman service instead of a plumber. Handymen are equipped to handle simple drain obstructions using basic methods like plunging, snaking, hot water, baking soda/vinegar, or over-the-counter liquid drain cleaners.
But beware – handymen lack specialized plumbing expertise. While they can attempt to clear simple clogged drains, they aren’t qualified to address tricky sewer or main drain line issues. Nor can they access drain piping behind walls or under floors. Still, for basic bathroom sink and tub drain clogs without complex pipe work involved, an experienced handyman may do the trick.
Try a Drain Cleaning Service for Serious Backups
For major drain or sewer line clogs beyond a plumber’s capabilities, a professional drain cleaning service is the next solution. These services use industrial-grade equipment to clear fully blocked drains and sewers. Their high-powered hydro jetting systems can scour away years of built-up sludge, grease, tree roots, and debris that normal cable augers can’t penetrate.
Drain cleaners also employ cutting-edge camera inspection to fully evaluate pipes and identify optimum treatment areas. For drains rendered completely unusable by extreme clogging, drain cleaners offer the best chance of restoring function without the major expense of full drain line replacement. Just be prepared for drain cleaners to be more costly than plumbers for their intense drain clearing capabilities.
Ask Your Landlord if Renting
If you’re a renter dealing with a stubborn drain or sewer clog, first contact your landlord or property manager. In most rental agreements, keeping drains and pipes in good working order is the landlord’s responsibility. They will arrange for a qualified plumber to clear clogs and perform needed drain repairs.
Of course, you should avoid pouring grease down drains or flushing anything besides human waste and toilet paper. But otherwise, leave serious drain obstructions for your landlord to handle. Trying to unclog rental drains yourself risks causing damage. Plus your landlord will likely have preferred plumbers they work with regularly.
As a last resort, try liquid drain cleaners yourself carefully following directions. If unable to clear the clog after a few attempts, make your landlord aware of the persisting problem right away.
Call a Sewer Utility for Public Sewer Issues
If neighbors are also experiencing drain backups, or you see manhole covers overflowing in the street, the problem likely lies in the public sewer main line. Contact your local wastewater management department or sewer authority. They maintain public sewer infrastructure and will send crews to locate and clear blockages in main sewer lines. Avoid trying to clear public sewer clogs yourself and leave it to the professionals.
Conclusion
Dealing with a slowed or clogged drain? Survey the situation first. For routine sink or tub clogs, try a handyman or carefully use a liquid drain cleaner. But for more complex plumbing jams, go right to a licensed plumber. For serious sewer backups, call a professional drain cleaning service. And if the whole neighborhood is affected, notify your sewer utility. Taking the right approach will get your drains open and flowing freely once again.
