Do you need to schedule a professional drain cleaning? If this is your first experience with this common plumbing service, take a look at everything you need to know about clogs, your home's drains, and why you should choose a professional plumbing repair over a DIY approach.

How Do You Know When To Schedule A Drain Cleaning Service?

Your home's drains won't require constant cleaning. Unlike other areas of your home, drains shouldn't need daily, weekly, or even monthly maintenance. But this doesn't mean your home's plumbing system can go years without help from a professional plumber. 

There are a few signs that signal the need for a cleaning service. If you're not sure when to call the plumbing contractor, look for:

• Slow-to-drain sinks and tubs. Does water stand in the bathtub for hours after your shower? Does it seem like it takes half a day for the water in your kitchen sink to go down the drain? Sluggish drains are a sign that you need to call a pro.

• Clogged fixtures. Failure to address a slow or sluggish drain can result in a complete clog. If the toilet won't flush or the water level in your sink/tub hasn't moved in hours, you need to schedule a drain cleaning service.

• Bad odors. Odd scents that come from your drains point to a problem. These strange smells can result from buildup on the inside of drain pipes or clogged waste material. 

Ideally, you should call the plumber before your drains clog completely. The longer you wait to schedule a service, the more problems you may notice. The clog could move deeper into your plumbing system and cause potentially pricey backups or problems with other fixtures.

Why Should You Call A Professional For A Plumbing Repair?

You have a plunger and a bottle of chemical cleaner. Are these home improvement store items enough to keep your home's plumbing system clear and clog-free?

While a plunger can help to loosen minor toilet and sink clogs, it won't remove buildup from the inside of a drain and it can't reach debris that's trapped deep inside of the system. Instead of wasting time, and potentially damaging your drains, avoid plunging a severely clogged fixture. Call a plumber as soon as possible to reduce the risks of damage to your plumbing and the rest of your home.

Plungers aren't the only DIY method to avoid. Chemical and other cleaners that claim to eat away clogs can also eat away your home's pipes. These products may have harsh ingredients that can destroy your drain. Before you waste money on expensive cleaning products, contact a pro. The plumber has non-chemical ways to remove clogs and keep your drains clean year-round.   

For more information about plumbing repair, contact a local company.