A clog can appear in a toilet, sink, or shower for a number of reasons. It may have resulted from a recent event, like placing something in the toilet that should've been placed in the trash. The problem may have been building for some time. For example, it may have been taking longer for a tub to empty. Plumbing problems don't have a schedule and need immediate attention. Call one of the best emergency plumbers in Pittsburgh, PA, to assess and solve your problem. Here are some of the things to expect when you hire a plumber to clean your drain.
Assessing the Problem
A professional plumber has the knowledge and tools to discover why your drain is clogged. Excess toilet paper may have been placed in your toilet. Hair or soap may be the cause of your shower drain problem. Dirt could be the culprit of the clog in your sink, or grease may be to blame for your kitchen sink clog. The problem may be obvious to the plumber or may take some investigation.
The plumber will not immediately begin to dissemble the plumbing to find the problem. He or she will place a small camera inside the drain using a flexible cable. This will give the plumber an idea of what is causing the clog.
Removing the Clog
What procedure the plumber uses to clear the drain depends upon the type of clog. The plumber has the right tools and equipment for the job:
- Plunger: A plunger may be all the plumber needs to remove the clog. The plumber will continue to investigate to make sure the source of the clog is removed.
- Pipe: A blocked U-shaped pipe, known as a P-trap, may be causing the drainage problem. A plumber will unhook the pipe, look for a clog, and clean the pipe.
- Snake: A drain auger, sometimes called a snake, is inserted into the drain to break up a clog. A plumber may use an electric drill to force the cable through the clog. A clog can result from hard water buildup. Hard water refers to water with a high amount of mineral deposits, like lime and calcium.
- Hydro jetting: Hydro jetting is used when there is a deep clog in the plumbing system. For example, an older house may have had the same pipes for years. Sludge builds up in the pipes over time.
Prevention
The plumber may suggest ways to improve your plumbing system. Galvanized pipes corrode over time and should be replaced with copper, CPVC, or PEX pipes. Having an annual inspection of your plumbing system can help avoid emergency plumbing issues. A slow drain indicates a problem, so calling a plumber at the first sign of trouble can save you money in the long run.
Call Stahl Plumbing at 412-273-1000 to clean your drains, replace your water line, or make other repairs. We provide emergency plumbing repair in the Pittsburgh area any time of the day and any day of the week.