Who you gonna call? Start with a plumber
If you’re continually reaching for the plunger or your sink is draining slower than it normally does, knowing who to call for a clogged drain is the first step towards fixing it. Hiring a plumber who performs drain cleaning services can ensure the drains are cleaned properly and restored to working order. Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state, but typically they must complete an approved training course or apprenticeship, have a certain number of years of experience, and pass a licensing exam.
While homeowners can handle certain clogs, like an S-trap, other clogs happen deep in the drain or pipes and require professional help. Plumbers often offer drain cleaning as one of their services, which offers a number of benefits. While the drains in your home are visible, the pipes they connect to are not. Plumbers are well-versed in tracking down clogs and cleaning them out. Hiring a local drain cleaning service can ensure that the clog is actually gone.
To an extent, you can probably clean a clogged drain. If the toilet clogs, you can likely use a plumber to break up the clog and get the water flowing again. You may also be able to learn how to remove a sink drain or how drain cleaner works to clear certain clogs or buildup. For more stubborn clogs, you can use a plumbing snake to break up any debris that is deeper in the drain. If you’ve tried clearing the clog to no avail, then hiring a plumber will likely be your best bet.
If the handyman holds the proper license, they can offer drain cleaning services. You may be able to find a local handyman who’s knowledgeable and has the necessary tools to clear a clogged drain.
Plumbers and drain cleaning specialists employ a number of strategies to clean a clogged drain. Some plumbers use flexible cameras that can twist and turn through the pipes and reveal any clogs, build up, roots, or other issues. Depending on what the problems are, plumbers can then treat the issue with products that kill roots or remove clogs. They may also choose to use a drain snake to physically break up clogs and then flush them through the system.
