Even if you take the best care of your plumbing out of everyone in St. Louis, you're going to get clogs at some point. They're inevitable, with the amount of things we put down the drain. In many cases, they can be handled on your own. But for the tough ones, you'll want to get an experienced local plumber to take a look.
If you have a clogged drain (or any other plumbing problem) and need assistance, Signature Plumbing is here to help. We've been serving the Greater St. Louis area for over a decade, and know how to tackle all types of clogs. Call us at (636) 742-2533 or contact us online for 24/7 plumbing services.
When a Clog Needs a Professional Plumber: Post Outline
On this page, you'll learn how to tell when a clog needs a professional plumber. In the process, we'll go over the following:
- Signs That a Clog Needs a Professional Plumber
- Common Causes for Major Clogs in St. Louis
- Top 3 Professional Plumber's Tips on How to Prevent Future Clogs
Signs That a Clog Needs a Professional Plumber
Clogs that just won't go away can be a major pain. If you're noticing any of the below signs, it wouldn't hurt to call a professional St. Louis plumber to get some insights into the problem:
DIY Clog Clearing Solutions Aren't Working
If you've already tried using a plunger, hot water, or another clog-clearing method and you're still seeing water back up, you should call a professional. This can be an indicator that the blockage is too firm or too deep for DIY methods.
Backups are Occurring in Multiple Appliances
Sometimes you think you've got the clog fixed, then it seems like it just moved to a different appliance. For example, you could get the toilet working again with a plunger, but then sewage starts backing up out of the bathroom sink's drain. The clog probably didn't move; instead, it's probably located further down the line.
Clogs Keep Coming Back
Related to the previous sign, a clog that keeps returning to the same appliance is a job for a leading plumber. The blockage may not be getting cleared properly, or there could be something wrong with the appliance itself.
If you're dealing with any of the above warning signs, chances are that your clog needs a professional plumber. At Signature Plumbing, our leading St. Louis plumbing contractors act fast to protect your pipes and prevent further wear on the system. Our drain cleaning services will take care of your clog and keep your water flowing properly.
Common Causes for Major Clogs in St. Louis
Clogs in St. Louis result from a wide variety of causes, but the most serious ones will typically come from the following:
- "Flushable" Wipes are a myth; these commonly get stuck and block pipes.
- Excessive Toilet Paper can get stuck and stop moving down your sewer line.
- Hair frequently gets caught in drains, causing clogs in bathtubs and showers.
- Grease will harden and stick to the sides of pipes, eventually cutting them off entirely.
- Food Debris can easily get caught in your pipes and doesn't break down easily or quickly.
- Soap Scum slowly collects in pipes over time, similar to grease, limiting water flow.
- Tree Roots in older St. Louis neighborhoods frequently enter cracks in sewer lines, then grow into a major blockage.
While it's impossible to protect your pipes completely, you can use the tips below to minimize the number of clogs you run into.
Top 3 Professional Plumber's Tips on How to Prevent Future Clogs
While it's always nice to have expert St. Louis plumbing services to help clear a clog, it's even better to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are our top 3 tips to stop clogs before they happen:
Plumber Clog Prevention Tip #1: Manage What Goes Down Your Drain
The best thing you can do is stop putting problematic things down your drains. Grease can be collected and disposed of elsewhere, and food scraps should be locally composted in St. Louis. Of course, several other items like hair and soap scum are things we don't intentionally put down our drains. For those, tip #2 comes into play.
Plumber Clog Prevention Tip #2: Use a Drain Cover
Drain covers can stop your pipes from clogging by stopping things that would have gone down the drain. In particular, hair and small food debris can be caught and then disposed of properly. This gets you closer to the goal of nothing improper going down your drain.
Plumber Clog Prevention Tip #3: Don't Use Chemical Drain Cleaner
This can surprise some people when they first read it, but drain cleaner can harm your pipes. Its corrosive nature can eat away at them, and for certain types of clogs, the chemicals can be ineffective or even worsen the problem. Not to mention, improper usage can be dangerous for your health.
Call Signature Plumbing Now for Immediate Help With Clogs
If you need expert plumbing help to clean your drains or clear a clog, Signature Plumbing is ready for you. We offer emergency plumbing services, so no matter when you need us, we're just a call away.
Talk to one of our plumbing professionals at (636) 742-2533 or tell us about your issue online to get started today.