Blocked drains are a common problem for most homeowners. Sometimes hair inevitably clogs the bathroom drain, or food particles block the kitchen drain.
Although it’s tempting to DIY unblocking stubborn clogs, working with professional plumbers will save you time and resources. Licensed plumbers have the necessary skills, tools and experience to handle the blockage and any other issues that may arise.
Let’s find out how much it costs to hire an expert, how they work and why you need that expert touch.
Causes of a Blocked Drain
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Tree Roots
Tree roots are the most common cause of sewer and water main blockages. Naturally, tree roots need moisture and nutrients to grow.
They often grow towards wastewater in sewer pipes, particularly in areas with leaks or cracks. If your home has many trees nearby, ensure you schedule routine inspections to check for root invasion.
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Grease, Oil and Fats
Grease, oil and fats never go well with plumbing systems. These substances are sticky, so they solidify and attach to the pipe walls. Over time, they attract other substances that accumulate and clog the pipes.
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Hair
Our bodies naturally shed hair, which can build up in your bathroom drains, minimizing or cutting off flow. Since shedding hair is inevitable, installing screens in your drain is best to clean them out regularly.
How a Plumber Can Unblock a Drain
Blocked drains occur due to various reasons, so licensed plumbers use multiple methods to clear the clogs, such as:
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Manual and Motorized Drain Snake
Most experts use manual or motorized drain augers or snakes to clear regular blockages. These devices have a long handle with a rotating tip.
Manual drain augers or snakes can detach soft clogs made of small papers, dirt, soap suds, small foods, grease, oil and hair. Motorized drain augers have a longer reach and more power to detach tougher clogs made of cement, small plastics and grout.
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Sewer Line and Drain Cameras
Sewer line and drain cameras make it easier to determine the cause and location of most clogs. This information helps to determine the best course of action and appropriate tools to get the job done.
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Hydro-jetting Devices
Hydro-jetting machines are the most powerful tools. They apply highly-pressurized hot water to dislodge any debris from the drain or sewer pipes, including mineral deposits, soap, grease and oil.
Average Prices of a Plumber
The costs of hiring a professional plumber vary depending on the expert’s skill level and location.
Although master plumbers are generally more expensive, sparing expenses at the moment could cost you in the future.
Most plumbers charge standards fees for particular services, such as:
- Unclogging simple kitchen or toilet drain blockages- $80 to $120
- Unclogging a short length of clogged drains- $300 to $500
- Replacing a section of the piping- $1000 to $3000
- Replacing the complete drainage system- $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the project size.
Why You Should Call a Plumber
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Saves Time and Resources
Although you can DIY some tasks to save costs, trained professionals are well-equipped to handle the current issue and prevent future problems.
A professional will start by inspecting your drains to determine the extent of the issue. Early detection ensures time to take action before the blockage compromises your home.
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Long-term Maintenance
Regular drain inspection and maintenance help to prevent significant issues in the future. It’s best to work with a professional company and plan system cleanups and inspections.
The experts understand how often your drain requires maintenance to ensure your home remains in excellent condition.
Addressing blocked drains as soon as you notice them is essential because it could signify larger underlying problems. DIY is always an option, but you’ll need a licensed plumber to help locate and unblock severely blocked drains.