Whether you own or rent a home, there is no doubt that you are going to experience clogged drains at some point. Among all plumbing troubles, drain clogs are some of the most frequent. They can show up in your sink, bathtub, or shower floor.
However, unlike other plumbing woes, drain clogs remain one of the easier fixes. You can even tackle them on your own. The only caveat, though, is that they can quickly go from bad to worse. Hence, sometimes, there is no other choice but to call a plumber once they become too complex for your DIY drain cleaning hacks.
This guide from Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration & Flood Services draws the line between drain problems you can DIY and those better handed to experts.
Drain Issues You Can DIY
Drain issues always start small. Often, DIY repairs are effective when the clogs are just starting to make their presence felt. It is also the best time to tackle the problem as they won’t put up a hard fight. Here are the drain problems you can handle without expert help.
Shallow Blockages
Shallow obstructions down the drain are the most common clog issues at home. These can usually be cleared with some good old handy tools and homemade drain cleaning solutions.
If you suspect organic blockages, you can use the classic baking soda + vinegar cleaner. Pour half a cup of each ingredient down your affected drain. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes to do its action. The chemical reaction of this solution will break down the buildup of grease and other organic particles. You can rinse it down with boiling water for extra power.
A plunger will also help to loosen most clogs in your sink or toilet. Just make sure to create a good seal and suction to dislodge those blockages. If that doesn’t work, turn to a drain snake to reach deeper. It’s perfect for loosening and getting hair and other solid particles out.
Minor Toilet Clogs
A clogged toilet is something everyone has dealt with. Thankfully, this is usually a quick DIY fix. Your first defense should be your trusty plunger. After creating a suction, give it a few firm pumps to dislodge the clog. If that doesn’t work, upgrade to a toilet auger. It’s similar to a drain snake but is specifically designed for toilets. It can dislodge deeper, more stubborn clogs that your plunger can’t handle.
Foul Drain Odors
Drains smelling bad are always annoying. They can make your whole home unpleasant and unwelcoming. This usually happens when food, grease, or other organic debris gets stuck in the pipes. Once they rot, they release these foul fumes that can return to your home.
To tackle this, you can rely on a baking soda and vinegar solution. Besides breaking up this debris, it also deodorizes your pipes. If that’s still not enough, you can go ahead and open up your P-trap. That elbow-shaped pipe under your sink is where debris may settle and rot. Focus your drain cleaning effort in this section to get rid of the stench and avoid it from causing any more clogs.
Drain Problems Requiring a Plumber
Drain problems always have a sneaky way of showing up at home. Maybe you’re not vigilant enough, or maybe that’s just how they are—quick to evolve into bigger troubles. No matter the case, it’s best to let a pro handle them when they’re past your DIY skills. Call a plumber immediately once your drain problem is more than you can handle.
Recurring Clogs
If your drain clogs keep coming back, it’s a sign of a bigger issue. This is most likely due to tougher blockages or obstructions in your main sewer line. Forget about your drain snake or plunger; this problem calls for a plumber.
A professional will have the tools and techniques to reach this deeper part of your system. They may use hydro jetting, industrial augers, or drain cameras to locate the problem. This way, they can know for sure what’s bothering your drain and fix it with the right method.
Multiple Sluggish Drains
If you’re having not just one but several sluggish drains across your home, it’s an unmistakable sign of a blocked main line. Besides considering this job outside your DIY skills, you should also consider it an emergency. If you prolong expert service, you might end up with a burst sewer pipe.
Leaving it to professionals will give you access to advanced techniques and equipment. Sometimes, main sewer line repair involves digging up your yard.
Sewer Backups
Sewer backups are no laughing matter. If you notice waste coming up through your drains, call a plumber immediately. This could be a sign of a clogged main sewer line. Sewer lines are tricky to repair and can be dangerous to tackle yourself. A plumber can assess the problem and safely clear it out.
Damaged or Burst Pipes
A burst pipe is an emergency situation. If you notice water leaking from your pipes or see large puddles, ditch the thought of handling it by yourself and call in your local plumber. Burst pipes often happen due to blockages, old pipes, or temperature changes. These issues require special tools to repair safely. A professional plumber can find the leak, stop the water damage, and fix the pipe quickly.
Keep Your Drains Flowing Smoothly with Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration & Flood Services
While some clogs can be fixed with DIY drain cleaning solutions, others need the attention of a professional. It’s important to know when to call a plumber to avoid further damage. If you’re dealing with recurring clogs, multiple sluggish drains, or anything more serious like sewer backups, don’t wait. A professional plumber can clear the clog and make sure everything is working properly.
At Cisneros Brothers Plumbing, Septic, Restoration & Flood Services, we provide comprehensive drain services. We will thoroughly inspect your pipes and fix any issues right at their source. Whether it’s a simple clog or more complex pipe damage, we have the experience and tools to handle it. With our same-day service, you can go about your day and come home to stress-free plumbing.
Don’t let clogged drains ruin your day—call us and let our team fix the problem fast!
With Isaac Cisneros leading as President of Marketing, the company’s reach continues to expand, strengthening its presence in both the industry and the community.
