As homeowners, something we can take for granted is a clean, working drain.
All drains will eventually encounter clogs and issues. Luckily, when that happens, you can rely on the professionals at Arctic Bear Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment for prompt cleaning and unclogging services.
Since 2007, Arctic Bear has been helping Triple Cities homeowners like yourself get the best performance (and enjoyment) out of their home’s vital systems. With same-day services, upfront pricing, and more benefits, we help you achieve peak comfort.
Learn more about our drain solutions or request service in Vestal by contacting us online or giving us a call.
5 Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning
While minor drain clogs can often be handled with DIY solutions, persistent clogs are no light matter. Ignoring clogs can lead to worsened blockages, water damage, and even health hazards.
So, keep your eye out for these five warning signs that it’s time for professional help:
- Slow drainage: If you notice the water is slow to drain from sinks, showers, or tubs, then a professional can effectively restore proper drainage.
- Foul odors: Accumulated debris or organic matter in your drain might be causing bad scents.
- Recurring clogs: If you’re frequently running into clogs in the same drain, this can indicate a deeper issue that DIY solutions can’t fix.
- Gurgling noises: As water is draining, if you hear bubbling noises or gurgling, then you might have a blockage within the pipes.
- Water backing up: Lastly, you can have a serious blockage or partial obstruction in the main sewer line if water backs up into your sink, toilet, or tub when using other water fixtures.
Common Issues Causing Drain Clogs
Understanding your drains and plumbing system is a great way to keep them in better shape and notice when you have a problem on your hands. So, these are the typical issues that cause a drain to clog:
- Hair buildup: Over time, hair strands accumulate and cause blockages in sinks, showers, and tubs.
- Food waste: Similar to hair strands accumulating, so can food waste. This includes foot particles, grease, and cooking oils — all of these can cause stubborn drain clogs.
- Soap scum: While many soaps will dissolve and smoothly go down the drain, soap scum can build on the walls of drainpipes.
- Foreign objects: As you can imagine, foreign objects — like jewelry, toys, or sanitary products — cause blockages when they accidentally fall into drains.
- Tree root intrusion: One that’s out of your control, tree roots can also cause drain clogs. Tree root infiltration happens when a tree root expands and enters pipes through small cracks or joints. If this happens to you, don’t hesitate to have Arctic Bear clear the clog (either with hydro jetting or root cutting) and repair the pipes.
Why Choose Us?
Don’t settle with your home’s plumbing care. With Arctic Bear, you can enjoy both long-lasting results and customer-centric service.
In addition to delivering success for your home through trained, experienced technicians, we proudly support the communities of Vestal, Endicott, and Endwell through Special Olympics, The Humane Society, and more.
Discover the Arctic Bear advantage for yourself by calling to request a drain cleaning appointment.
Drain Cleaning FAQs
Are chemical drain cleaners bad to use?
Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on pipes (especially older or corroded plumbing systems) and may cause damage over time. Additionally, they can be ineffective at clearing tough blockages, so it’s typically better to have a professional quickly help.
Why does my shower drain keep backing up?
Shower drains are the most frequently clogged drain, and this is due to buildup of hair, soap scum, and other debris. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent significant drain backup for your shower.
What do I do if my kitchen sink drain is clogged?
If your kitchen sink drain is clogged and the garbage disposal doesn’t work, you can use a sink plunger or a plumbing snake to dislodge the clog. If this doesn’t work, then it’s best to enlist a plumbing expert to tackle the problem.
