November 02/2022

Does a Backed Up Drain Require a Plumber?

A drain backup occurs when a blockage in your drain pipes obstructs the normal flow of wastewater into your septic system or the city’s sewer system; and the wastewater starts to come up through your drains, sinks, and toilets. A common reason for a backed up drain is clogs in the drain pipes or main sewer lines. The source of the clogs may be intruding tree roots, foreign objects in the drain pipes, or cracked sewer pipes. A backed up drain is something you want to avoid at all costs, as it can cause serious inconveniences, create unsanitary conditions in your home, and even lead to expensive water damage.

When you have a backed up drain, you want the problem to be fixed as quickly as possible. If the source of the clog that’s causing drain line backup is grease, fat, food waste, or items like wet wipes, you can try a few DIY techniques to fix the problem. Before contacting a trusted plumber, try the following techniques:

Use A Plunger to Dislodge the Clog

A simple plunging can often resolve drain clogs, so if you are dealing with a backed up drain, plunging should be your first course of action. Simply ensure there’s some water in the sink, tub, or toilet and then place your plunger over the drain opening. Ensure you have a good seal over the drain. Forcefully thrust the plunger in upward and downward motions for about 30 seconds to one minute. After the plunging action, test the drain to see if the water drains without any problems. If you can’t clear the clog, you’ll want to try using a drain snake to dislodge the obstruction.

Use A Drain Snake

When you have a backed up drain caused by clogs, a drain snake is a simple and inexpensive tool you can use to dislodge drain clogs.

Here’s how to use a drain auger to dislodge drain clogs.

Slowly push the snake cable into the drain and apply pressure on the snake’s handle. Rotate the handle clockwise as you push it into the drain until you feel some resistance. The rotating action may break up the blockage or it will attach to the tip of the snake so that you can pull it out. If this method doesn’t work, you can remove the P-trap and clean it out.

When to Call a Plumber for A Backed Up Drain

• You’ve tried all the DIY methods and they are not working
• You have multiple drains that are backing up, and there’s a foul odor wafting around your home
• Drain line backup is caused by pipe damage
• The clog is occurring in pipes located in places like behind walls and underneath your home’s foundation
• You are dealing with persistent backed up drains

Mr. Rooter Plumbing Is Here to Help

Getting to the bottom of drain backups is best left to knowledgeable and experienced plumbers. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we are ready to help you with any plumbing issue you may be experiencing. Whether it be drain backups, clogged drains, pipe leaks, or low water pressure, our plumbers have the expertise, experience, and advanced tools to provide you with reliable plumbing service.