Emergency Drain Cleaning: What to Do Before Help Arrives

1. Signs You’re Dealing with a Drain Emergency

Not all clogged drains are emergencies, but some signs that indicate immediate attention include:

• Standing water or problems with drainage in sinks, toilets, and tubs.
• Bad odors wafting from drains, especially after a shower or the use of a dishwasher or washing machine.
• Gurgling, bubbling, or clanking sounds when using water, especially in the kitchen or bathroom sinks.
• Odd smells or sounds coming from a separate sink or toilet when you use another one.
• Excessive moisture or flooding around your home’s plumbing pipes and water heater.

2. Immediate Steps to Take When Your Drain is Clogged

Are you noticing signs of a clogged drain? Please stop using the water immediately, as it can worsen the problem. Turn off the main water line to prevent flooding, then contact a professional plumber for help. Plumbers will check visible pipes for damage, then create a remedial plan to unclog drains and get water flowing normally again.

You can use bathroom towels to soak up standing water. Or invest in a wet-to-dry vacuum to minimize water damage.

3. DIY Tool You Can Use to Address Minor Blockages

Minor blockages are quick DIY fixes (usually), and here are a few tools you can keep around to alleviate issues:

• Drain snake. This flexible tool reaches deep into pipes, dislodging stubborn clogs to allow water to flow through and clear debris.
• Boiling water. This works to dissolve grease or soap scum, helping break apart grime and cleanse the pipe.
• Effective in most toilet blockages, this tool is a household must-have to loosen lodged clogs.

4. What NOT to Do During a Drain Emergency

It may be tempting to try and fix severe clogged drains with DIY methods, but you risk bursting a pipe or worsening the clog. Some common mistakes to avoid include:

• Chemical drain cleaners. These are marketed as great ideas but can damage your plumbing system and pose health risks if they enter your water supply.
• Disassembling plumbing pipes. Unless you have experience, leave dismantling to the professionals. You could rack up a hefty repair or replacement bill if you manually damage your plumbing system.
• Excessive force. Some people use too much “elbow grease” when pushing and pulling their plungers, which does more damage than good.

Contacting a Professional Plumber for Plumbing Emergencies

If you’ve tried the basics and your drain is still clogged, contact Open Drains. Our well-equipped plumbers are knowledgeable and experienced professionals, capable of quickly diagnosing and fixing blocked drains.