Why You Need a Plumber to Clear Your Drains
If you are faced with a clogged drain that cannot be cleared with a plunger or the DIY drain cleaner solution of baking soda and vinegar, you should call a professional right away. This will prevent a bigger problem from occurring, like sewage backing up into your home and causing serious health issues.
Puddles in the Backyard
If you’re seeing puddles in the yard that linger for days after a rainstorm, there’s probably a drainage issue that needs to be addressed. Standing water can damage your lawn and other plants, promote soil compaction and weed growth, and create a breeding ground for mosquitos that carry diseases and infections.
Backyard puddles could be the result of a clogged drain or sewer leak. Debris such as sticks, twigs, and leaves can easily get lodged inside a drain and cause a blockage. If the clog is left unaddressed, it can eventually cause cracks in your home’s foundation and other costly repairs.
Another possibility is that your yard is improperly graded. The lawn should slope away from your house, but if it doesn’t, water can pool in the yard and even seep into and around your foundation. A professional plumber can help you improve your home’s drainage by installing a French drain or adding downspout extensions that direct water well away from your house.
Standing Water in Your Sink or Tub
If you’ve tried using a plunger or drain cleaner to unclog your sink, tub, or shower and the problem resurfaces, you should call in a professional. They have the tools and techniques to get rid of the clog entirely, leaving your pipes as good as new.
If your bathtub is full of standing water, you have a major clog that requires immediate attention from a professional. The water will eventually make its way back up through your home’s plumbing system, creating a foul smell. The stagnant water also provides a breeding ground for bacteria, flies, and other pests.
Shut off the water to your bathtub, then empty as much of it as possible into a bucket or other container. Do not dump the water in another part of your home, as this could cause a sewer line backup. Instead, call in a plumber right away to inspect your home’s plumbing and find the source of the clog.
Weird Occurrences in Your Home
While one clogged drain may be easily resolved with a plunger or store-bought drain cleaner, the same can’t always be said for tough or recurring clogs. These clogs can develop from food scraps, hair, soap scum, or a buildup of minerals in your home’s pipes.
These clogs can be particularly problematic because they encourage the growth of
bacteria, fungi and spores in your drain lines. These organisms aren’t only harmful to your plumbing, but can also spread toxins throughout your home.
A professional plumber will be able to use a camera pinpoint test to locate the source of your clog and recommend the most effective solution. Regular drain cleanings can also prevent clogs from occurring and save you from costly repairs down the road. This is why it’s best to get your drains cleaned at least twice a year.
Clogged Drains in Your Main Sewer
Clogged drains that don’t respond to plungers or a snake are often signs of a blockage in your main sewer line. This can cause wastewater to back up into other drains in your home, creating a much larger issue that requires professional attention. The best way to avoid this is by shutting off water to your home until a plumber arrives and takes care of the problem.
Licensed plumbers have a wide range of tools and techniques to clear even the most stubborn sewer clogs. If your clog is caused by tree roots, they can install an underground root barrier to keep them from growing into your pipes.
It’s also important to regularly clean your drains and be careful what you flush down the toilet. Avoid flushing cotton pads, sanitary products, paper towels, and wet wipes, as these can all contribute to your clogged drains. Regular inspections can catch problems before they get out of hand as well. For more information, sites like https://www.fixitrightplumbing.com.au/plumber-geelong/ have a lot of plumbing services available to help.