1-800-PLUMBER +AIR Columbia
Commercial Drain Cleaning

Managing a clogged drain starts with identifying how deep the backup goes. If it's a simple clog in a sink, shower, or toilet, most people can handle the problem with a plunger. How do you know when you have an emergency?

Your plumbing system usually signals the need for drain cleaning. Here are a few clues:

• Foul Odors

• Back-Flow

• Gurgling

• Cloudy Water

If you've exhausted your DIY skills and still suspect a clogged drain, it's time to call in the cavalry!

Often when you can't resolve a clog with a plunger, it indicates a problem further down in your sewer system. Only a plumber can pinpoint the cause of the clog.

What Is That Smell?

If you detect a foul smell coming from your kitchen drain, it's likely the result of waste buildup on the walls of your plumbing pipes. Your kitchen drain deals with more food waste than any of the other drain pipes in your home.

What about the smell of rotten eggs?

When you smell sulfur, and you're confident you've not forgotten to throw away some bad eggs, you can blame your drain. Bacteria growing in a plumbing drain creates hydrogen sulfide, also known as a component of sewer gas.

You may notice the smell only when you turn on the hot water, which could indicate an issue with your water heater. If the odor comes from both faucets and specific rooms or areas, take notes and share those locations with your drain cleaning technician.

Calling a professional drain cleaning service is the best way to deal with stinky drains. They'll bring the right tools and expertise to troubleshoot and perform a complete drain cleaning.

Gurgles and Back-Flow

Do you hear water gurgling when flushing the toilet or when you use the dishwasher or washing machine? A clogged drain may trap water in the faucet, but your drain system could also be struggling for air.

Calling for emergency drain cleaning services when you first notice gurgling sounds may prevent the next problem we'll address in this section—back-flow or backup.

If you've ever experienced a backed-up sink or toilet, you know how unpleasant it is to clean up the mess. The worst backups are those caused by sewer back-flow because they not only smell awful, sewage backing up inside a home or business can pose health hazards.

When you have a small clog in a drain, you'll notice slow drainage. It's not convenient, but many people tend to just live with it. That slow drain eventually will lead to a completely clogged pipe.

Clog removal will be more of a challenge, and the resulting back-flow of water may cause property damage.

Clogged drains are the most common reason for service calls for emergency drain cleaning. If you hear gurgling or notice a slow-moving drain, don't ignore things. Addressing the problem will prevent the stress of a surprise flood or sewer backup.