That is the question many of us have when we’re caught with our drains clogged and our nerves on edge. After countless Internet searches and calls to the handiest people we know, the answer sometimes still isn’t clear. So, here’s a guide that can help you decide whether you should try to fix common plumbing problems yourself or call a professional.
The problem: Overflowing toilet
Hey, we all know the feeling of staring down at a toilet bowl with rising water. There’s a moment when you’re pretty confident it’s not going to overflow (or at least you’re begging it not to), but in an instant, there’s water everywhere! Think! Quick! What do you do? Do you grab towels? What kind of towels? Not the good towels! Paper towels? That’s a waste! Oh, make it stop!
The solution: DIY
Breathe. Yes, you have to move quickly, but you can do this. First, look for the water shut-off valve and turn the water off. This should stop the water from pouring out. Use a plunger, or a plumber’s snake (if handy) to clear the clog. When everything has cleared, turn the water back on.
If you find the issue with your toilet is less about a random clog and instead you’ve noticed water slowing over time, try Drano® Max Build-Up Remover to keep things running smoothly. No plumber necessary.
The problem: Standing water in tub/sink
What starts out as a slow moving drain can eventually end up completely clogged, leaving you with a tub or sink full of standing water. Yikes!
The solution: DIY
The good news is Drano® has many products that can help you solve your standing water issue. For a clogged tub, try the Drano® Snake Plus Drain Cleaning Kit. It comes with an 18-inch flexible tool to loosen the clog and our most powerful gel to penetrate and dissolve it away. For clogged sinks, use Drano® Max Gel Clog Remover; its thick formula pours through standing water and clings to clogs to dissolve them away.
The problem: Standing water in tub/sink not resolved after using Drano® product(s)
The Solution: DIY, again
If you feel Drano® has made some headway but the problem has not completely cleared, we typically recommend trying to retreat a second time. In addition, try allowing the product to work for a longer period of time. If, however, it has not helped at all or you have reason to believe a foreign object is in the drain (e.g. your son’s favorite super hero) a plumber may be needed. Make the call.
The problem: Septic System Issues
The septic system is something the average layperson doesn’t know much about. So when there’s an issue, it seems to be the most daunting.
The solution: DIY (preventative) / Professional (to fix)
Septic tanks can be maintained on a regular basis by using Drano® Build Up Remover to promote the health of your septic system. Doing so will lessen your chances of needing to hire a professional down the road. But if it’s too late for preventative measures, hiring a plumber will be your best bet to fix your septic issue.
If you have any other questions, consult our Solution Finder to find the best Drano® product to solve your issue.