The sewer system is like the circulatory system of the house: when it works, we don’t notice it, but as soon as something goes wrong, problems are unavoidable. Sometimes, a blockage seems like a trifle – you throw in a little baking soda and vinegar, use a plunger, and everything is fine. But sometimes the pipes cry out for help so loudly that you can’t do without a specialist. How do you know if the situation is serious? Why is it better not to be a hero yourself? And what can plumbers in London Canada do when you no longer know where to run? Let’s figure it out.
How do you know if a clog is complex?
Not all sewer problems are the same. If the water drains a little slower, that’s half the battle. But some signs say it’s time to call a professional. The first is a complete blockage. Imagine you drain the water into the sink, which stands like a pool. Or the toilet is filled to the brim after flushing. This is not just a clog but a real blockage in the system.
The second sign is flooding. If the water doesn’t just stand still but starts pouring onto the floor – from under the sink, bathtub, or toilet – it’s a disaster. This happens when a blockage blocks the main pipe, and the water seeks a way out wherever it wants. The third warning sign is damage to the pipes. For example, you hear cracking, see cracks, or smell sewage that doesn’t go away. This means that the problem is a blockage, as well as the system itself. It’s best to look for plumbers in London Ontario https://superiorplumbing.ca/london/ immediately in such cases because it’s hard to do it alone. They offer reliable assistance with sewer cleaning, and therefore quickly and professionally remove blockages of any complexity.
Why is cleaning the sewer yourself a bad idea?
When pipes are clogged, you want to fix them quickly. You grab a plunger, chemicals from the store, or even a rope and start fighting. But with serious clogs, it’s like putting out a fire with a glass of water—it either won’t help, or it will get worse. Why is this so?
Pushing the blockage deeper: If you use a plunger and push a piece of fat or hair further down the pipe, it can move to a point where you can’t access it, potentially leading to a blockage in the main sewer instead of a localized one.
Damaging old or cracked pipes: Strong pressure from a cable or chemicals can corrode rusty metal or plastic pipes, which may cause them to break. This could lead to the need for a full system replacement rather than just cleaning.
Not knowing the real cause of the blockage: Clogging can often be a symptom rather than the underlying problem. Tree roots could have grown into the pipe, or scale might have formed somewhere. Without the right experience and tools, you may not be able to detect these issues. Plumbing London Ontario can quickly identify the real cause and prevent further damage.
Benefits of professional cleaning
When you call a specialist, you don’t just pay for someone’s hands – you get results. Professionals have what you don’t have at home: knowledge, experience, and special equipment. Here’s how they deal with complex blockages.
The first step is diagnostics. For example, a plumber can use a video camera to examine the pipe. It’s a little thing on a wire that shows exactly where the blockage is and what caused it. Without this, you would just hit randomly, but they hit the target. The camera will check for cracks or other surprises if the clog is deep. Then, there are serious tools. A cable is enough for simple blockages, but when the case is complicated, hydrodynamic machines are used. These are devices that supply water under high pressure. They don’t just break through the blockage but wash everything out—grease, dirt, even small debris. The pipes are then as good as new. Most importantly, it’s safe for the system because the pressure is designed not to damage the walls.
Another advantage is speed. You can spend half a day fiddling with a plunger and chemicals, and a specialist will do everything in an hour. Plus, they guarantee that if something goes wrong, they will return and fix it. And when you do it yourself, you have to fix the consequences yourself.
What happens if you don’t call a specialist on time?
You think: “Well, I’ll be patient, maybe it will go away on its own”? It never does. A complex blockage is like a toothache: the longer you wait, the worse. If the water doesn’t go away, the pressure in the pipes increases, and sooner or later, something will crack. Or the downstairs neighbours will come knocking with a bill for the damaged ceiling. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll have to replace a piece of sewage, and that’s a whole other set of costs.
Odour is another problem. If a blockage blocks the pipe, dirt and bacteria accumulate, and the house smells. This is not only unpleasant but also harmful. So it’s better not to wait but to call those who know how to fix it. Clogging leads to stagnation of wastewater, which increases the odor, and cracks in the riser allow gases to leak out. In such cases, replacing the riser becomes a necessary step to eliminate the cause of the odor and restore the normal functioning of the sewer system.
How to prepare for the arrival of a specialist?
If you’ve already realized that you can’t do it yourself, do a few simple things. Shut off the water so that it doesn’t flow until the technician arrives. Remove all unnecessary stuff under the sink or bathtub—buckets, rags, cleaning products. Please describe the problem: when it started, what you tried, and what you see now. This will help the specialist figure it out faster.
Even if you’re calling Plumber London Ontario now, it’s better to know how to prevent this from happening again. Don’t pour grease down the sink – pouring it into a jar and throwing it away is better. Put nets on the drains to keep hair or debris from getting into the pipes. And once a month, flush the system with hot water and baking soda – a simple preventive measure that works.
Conclusion
Complex clogs are no joke. You should not deal with complete blockage, flooding, or damage to pipes alone. Yes, a plunger or chemicals may seem cheaper, but if the problem is serious, you’ll only lose time and nerves. You also risk making things worse – pushing the blockage deeper or breaking the pipe. Calling Superior Plumbing and Heating is a smarter decision. They have the equipment, like hydrodynamic machines or cameras, and the experience to fix things quickly. So when your sewer breaks down, don’t play the hero – leave it to those who know how to save it.