Many clogs are easy and inexpensive to do on your own. However, some clogs need a professional touch from a local plumber. At Essig, we’ve been in the business for over 85 years. We have a proven track record of cleaning drain clogs, no matter how stubborn or difficult to reach they are.
We offer a slew of drain cleaning services, including snaking, water jetting, and video inspections. The videos allow us to check our work and let you know if we see any additional issues in your drains. If you have a clog and are on the fence about calling a plumber or handling it yourself, read on. We’ve got some tips for when a professional is required.
You Can’t Reach It
A clog that’s in a weird place or too far from an access point requires a plumber. Drain cleaners and plungers won’t work if it’s that far away. We have the tools and experience necessary to reach almost any clog. These clogs can be tricky and require a skilled professional to guarantee they’re fully removed without causing additional damage.
Sometimes these drain clogs aren’t even from something that’s gone down the drain. Tree roots that have grown into or through a pipe can cause clogs. When that happens, the roots can eventually shatter the pipe apart if the issue isn’t resolved.
You’re Getting a Clog Regularly
If a clog keeps coming back, it can indicate more serious issues. When a drain clogs once a week or more, you might be looking at possible pipe corrosion or an impending sewer line backup. Even if it’s not the same drain clogging up, you should note how often it happens. If you can’t go more than a few days without a clog, it’s time to call your local plumber to take a look.
There are Multiple Clogs, and There’s a Smell
If more than one drain is backing up and you can smell sewage, you might not be dealing with your average clog. These are both signs of a sewer clog. While it’s not likely or common for raw sewage to suddenly come spilling into your home, it’s certainly better to get a plumber out there sooner rather than later.
It’s Something Weird
Sometimes, strange things happen. Toy cars get flushed down the drain, and squirrels can crawl out of the toilet. When you aren’t sure what you’re dealing with, it’s usually better to let a professional handle it. If there’s a clog that doesn’t make sense, or if the water starts bubbling back up the pipe, call Essig!
Prevent Clogs
The best thing you can do is prevent clogs before they occur. Regularly cleaning your drains is inexpensive, but it makes a big difference. Rinse them out monthly with water and hot vinegar, use a hair-stopper in the shower, and avoid flushing cooking oil down the drain. If you have a garbage disposal, you can clean it with ice cubes once a month.
Clogs can happen any time, day or night. If you aren’t sure where the clog came from, where it is, or how it happened, call the professionals at Essig. We’re proud to serve our clients in Birdsboro!