When to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Drain

Having a properly working plumbing system is important for keeping your home running smoothly. When you wake up to a clogged drain, it’s best to call a plumber immediately to identify and resolve the issue. However, there are a few minor issues you may be able to resolve yourself. Here are three things you can try when you have a plumbing issue and how to know when to call a plumber instead of trying to fix the problem yourself.

Check the Stopper

Gunk accumulated under your stopper is often the reason for a clogged drain. If you remove the stopper by crawling under the sink and unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place, you can clean the stopper by wiping it with a damp cloth. Simply thread the stopper back through the hole and reattach the screws to reinstall it.

Snake the Drain

Hardware stores sell inexpensive drain snakes that are handy to have around when you have a clogged drain. To use this tool, you simply remove the stopper from your sink and thread the snake through the drain, then crank the handle to turn the snake inside the pipe. Remove the snake and wipe off any debris. You repeat this process until the snake comes out clean.

The downside to drain snakes is that they don’t reach far into your drain. You must contact a plumber if the clog is too far down the pipe for the snake to reach.

Analyze the P-Trap

The elbow-shaped pipe under your sink it’s called the P-trap. If your clog is located in this section of your drainage system, you will need to open up the pipes to get rid of it because a traditional snake will not reach it. You must turn your water off and climb under the sink to disconnect the screws holding the pipes together. Use a bucket to catch any water or clog materials that fall out of the pipe.

Although checking your o-trap does not sound difficult, you can run into many problems if you do not know what you are doing. Failing to reconnect the pipes correctly could be catastrophic, so it’s always best to call a plumber for this step.

When To Call a Licensed Plumber

If you have tried the techniques listed above and still are unable to get rid of the clog in your drain, it’s time to call a plumber. Plumber augers are much more effective than snakes you can get from a hardware store, so if you can’t get rid of a stubborn clog, chances are good that a plumber can resolve the issue quickly. You should also call a plumber immediately if you are unable to get rid of a clog through vigorous plunging or if you smell sewage coming from your pipes. A licensed plumber has more experience with the entire system, so he or she can pinpoint the cause of the issue and help resolve it.

When you need a plumber in Scarborough, call Handyman Connection. Not only do we complete a variety of handyman tasks around your home to keep your house in good condition, but we are also licensed plumbers and have a team of technicians standing by ready to you help you with plumbing emergencies.

Call Handyman Connection for Help With Plumbing Problems

When you need plumbing services in Scarborough, Handyman Connection is ready to help with a team of technicians who perform a variety of services. One of our areas of expertise is plumbing, so you can expect us to perform home repair services quickly and efficiently. We can resolve any plumbing emergency you have, so contact us today to schedule an appointment.