We all deal with a clogged drain, but if you’re the sort of person who’s been cleaning out clogs for a long time, it might be time to call in the professionals. If your clog seems to be getting progressively worse and reappears, or if it’s a recurring problem, it may be time to call an emergency plumber.
A slow drain can be frustrating, but it’s not necessarily an emergency. If your toilet flushes slowly or you have trouble rinsing dishes and sit in the sink for a while before draining, you may need a plumber sooner than later.
1. The Sink Backs Up Regularly
This is one of those things that happen every once in a while when you’re living with other people — but if this happens regularly (say every couple of months), it could indicate that there’s something wrong with the pipes under your sink. A broken pipe or a crack in the plumbing can cause this problem, but it could also be related to tree roots growing into your pipes and blocking them from within. This problem can also lead to flooding outside your house if the water backs up through an exterior drain.
2. Your Toilet Isn’t Flushing Properly
A slow-draining toilet is often caused by hair or other debris caught in the trap. If it happens regularly, you may have an underlying issue with your plumbing system that needs to be sorted out by a professional plumber. If the toilet isn’t flushing well or is taking longer than usual to flush, there may be something blocking the pipes in your home’s sewer system. You should call a plumber immediately if this happens, as it can lead to sewage backups in other areas of your home or business.
3. There are Puddles of Water in Your Basement or Crawlspace
If you notice puddles of water on the floor of your basement or crawlspace, this could mean that there’s an issue with drainage somewhere in your home’s plumbing system. It could also mean too much water pressure coming from one of the pipes. Water leaking into your basement can lead to mold growth and mildew smells, both of which are unpleasant and unhealthy to breathe in.
4. You Notice Water Pooling Around Your Foundation or Basement Walls
Water leaking through cracks in the foundation can cause major structural damage over time if left untreated — so call a plumber right away if you see any unusual moisture coming from these areas of the house!
5. You Have Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is usually caused by a clog somewhere in your plumbing system. If you have low water pressure in only one part of your home, like the kitchen or bathroom sink, or toilet, it may need to be cleaned out with drain cleaner chemicals poured down the drain (follow the directions on the bottle). But if low water pressure affects all sinks and toilets in your house or apartment building at once, it’s probably time to contact a professional.
6. You Smell Sewage
If you smell sewage in your home, this is a sign that there could be a blockage. If your drain is clogged, wastewater may build up and cause sewage to back up into your pipes. This can lead to serious health issues and an expensive plumbing bill.