When to Call a Plumber for a Clogged Drain or Toilet

a man plunging a clog in a sink

Clogs happen to everyone, but not every stoppage is a DIY fix. Some flow restrictions are red flags for bigger issues within your plumbing system, potentially in the sewer line. If you’re not sure when to throw in the towel and call a plumber for a clogged drain or toilet, Chesapeake Home Services can help.

Signs You Need a Professional Plumber to Fix a Clog

At Chesapeake Home Services, we know that most homeowners only want to consult a professional when it’s absolutely necessary. Here are the top signals that indicate larger-scale plumbing problems on the horizon.

  • Plunging Doesn’t Fix It
    If vigorous plunging is not fixing the drain or toilet stoppage, the holdup might be deeper in the pipes or sewer line. Stop using it immediately and call a plumber. 
  • Water is Backed Up Elsewhere or Multiple Drains are Clogged
    If you notice that multiple drains in your home are moving slowly, or when you run one part of your system, such as the dishwasher, water flushes up from a nearby drain, it’s time to call Chesapeake Home Services. Similarly, if flushing the toilet causes water to bubble up in the nearby bathtub or sink, it could mean congestion in the main sewer line.
  • Foul Odors Near Drains
    If you smell rotten eggs or sewage near your drain and the smell lingers, your system may be in trouble. If you can, check for smells in your crawl space or basement as well as drains in the main part of your home. If you’re on a septic system, be sure to note when your tank was last emptied.
  • Clogs Happening Frequently
    A telltale sign of distress is if the issue occurs often. Babying a drain or sewer line only lasts so long and is not a true solution. The team at Chesapeake Home Services can diagnose the problem before it becomes an emergency.

Chesapeake Home Services is a trusted plumber offering drain cleaning, sewer and water line replacement, and whole-home plumbing inspection services to customers across Delmarva. We also offer financing and 24/7 support

View the locations we serve on the Eastern Shore. Contact Chesapeake Home Services for help at 302-732-6006