Uncategorized | May 1, 2025

Top Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning (And Why You Shouldn’t Wait)

Top Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning (And Why You Shouldn’t Wait)

Let’s face it—drains aren’t exactly the stars of the show when it comes to home maintenance. But the moment something goes wrong? Oh, you’ll notice. Slow drainage, mysterious odors, and gurgling sounds are just the beginning. If left unchecked, these seemingly minor annoyances can spiral into expensive repairs and major water damage.

In this post, we’ll break down exactly what drain cleaning is, why it’s so important, and the top signs that it’s time to bring in a professional. Plus, we’ll walk through the different methods plumbers use to get things flowing again.

So, What Is Drain Cleaning Exactly?

Drain cleaning is more than just pouring chemicals down your sink. It’s the process of removing buildup—like grease, soap, hair, food scraps, and even tree roots—from your plumbing system. A proper clean doesn’t just patch things up. It clears the full line, restoring water flow and preventing future problems.

Professionals use several tools and techniques:

  • Drain snakes/augers: Long cables used to hook or break up clogs.
  • Hydro-jetting: High-pressure water that blasts away gunk and debris.
  • Video inspections: Tiny cameras help plumbers see deep into the pipes and identify the source of the issue.
  • Eco-friendly cleaners: Non-corrosive formulas that clean and deodorize without damaging pipes.

Why Drain Cleaning Matters

Ignoring your drains can lead to:

  • Water damage
  • Mold growth
  • Sewer backups
  • Higher repair bills

Even worse, clogged drains can turn into health hazards, especially when waste backs up into your living space. That’s why recognizing early warning signs is so important.

The Top Signs You Need Drain Cleaning Right Now

Here’s the lowdown on the most common red flags. If you notice any of these, it’s time to get help—fast.

1. Slow Drains Everywhere

drain cleaning

If your tub or sink takes forever to drain, you probably have a clog forming. It’s usually caused by soap, grease, or hair collecting over time. One slow drain might be manageable. But if multiple drains in your home are moving slowly? That suggests a deeper issue—possibly in the main sewer line.

2. Standing Water That Won’t Budge

Seeing water pooling in your shower or sink is never good. Standing water is a major sign that something is fully blocked in the pipes. It could be buildup from hair, soap scum, or food particles. Either way, it’s not going away on its own.

And if there’s water near your floor drain or toilet base? That could mean a sewer backup is on its way. Definitely don’t ignore that.

3. Recurring Clogs (You Just Fixed That!)

clogged drain

If you’re clearing the same drain over and over again, you’re not solving the real problem. Frequent clogs can point to:

  • Deep pipe blockages
  • Buildup that wasn’t completely removed
  • Tree roots invading your sewer lines

DIY fixes won’t cut it here. Only professional equipment can fully clear the pipes and stop the cycle.

4. Water Backing Up

You flush the toilet, and suddenly water comes up in the bathtub. Or you run the laundry and hear gurgling in the sink. That’s water backing up due to a serious blockage. Not only is it gross, but it can also cause water damage and contamination.

5. Weird Gurgling Sounds

That gurgling noise you hear when draining a sink or flushing a toilet? It’s not your pipes saying hello. It’s air trapped in the system—often because of a partial blockage. If the sound sticks around, call in the pros to check what’s going on behind the scenes.

6. Unbearable Smells Coming from the Drain

Smelling something awful and can’t figure out where it’s coming from? It might be your drains. Bacteria and waste buildup inside your pipes can create foul odors that no amount of air freshener will mask.

Even unused sinks can stink if the P-trap (a curved section of pipe) dries out, allowing sewer gas to seep in. If running water doesn’t help, it’s time for a cleaning.

7. Rising Water Bills for No Reason

Noticed a spike in your water bill? You might have a leak caused by pressure from a clog. These leaks are often hidden—behind walls or underground—and can go unnoticed for weeks. Look for:

  • Stains
  • Water sounds when no taps are running
  • Drops in water pressure

8. Fruit Flies or Pests Appearing Indoors

Got fruit flies hanging around, even though your counters are spotless? They might be feasting on gunk inside your drains. The same goes for other pests like sewer flies or even small rodents. Cleaning out your pipes can evict them for good.

9. Overflowing Toilets (With No Toy in Sight)

clogged toilet

We all know kids can flush some wild things. But if your toilet overflows without an obvious cause, it’s likely a clog in the sewer line. These clogs prevent waste from draining, causing pressure to build until—well, you get the picture.

10. Overusing Store-Bought Drain Cleaner

If you’ve used multiple bottles of chemical drain cleaner and your sink still isn’t draining, stop. Those cleaners are harsh and can eat away at your pipes over time. A pro has the tools to fix the issue without causing damage.

How Often Should You Clean Your Drains?

Experts recommend cleaning your drains at least once every two years. But homes with:

  • Large families
  • Older plumbing
  • Trees near the sewer line

…may need it more often. Kitchens and showers, especially, tend to get gunky faster.

Quick Recap: When to Call for Drain Cleaning

If you notice:

  • Multiple slow drains
  • Standing water
  • Gurgling noises
  • Bad smells
  • Frequent clogs
  • Water backups
  • Pests

Don’t wait. These are all signs your pipes are crying for help.

Wrapping It Up

Drain problems don’t just fix themselves. Waiting too long can mean water damage, expensive repairs, or even health hazards. Knowing the signs of clogged or unhealthy drains can save you from all that mess.

So, if your drains are slow, smelly, or sounding strange—don’t shrug it off. Call in a pro and get your plumbing back in shape.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, water damage, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.

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