Whether you’re a homeowner or an apartment dweller, you’ll eventually encounter a clogged drain. Sometimes, sluggish drains will resolve themselves, but if the problem persists, you might need to call a plumber for professional drain cleaning. To help you recognize the warning signs of stubborn piping, The Plumbing Source in Cleveland, OH, has compiled the following list.

Top 3 Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning

1. Slow Drains

Slow drains aren’t always a cause for concern, but keep an eye out for those that consistently experience problems. In some cases, there’s more going on under the surface. If you have a drain that can’t be resolved with the usual at-home methods, consider calling a plumber to get to the bottom of the issue. For example, some clogs in old pipes require heavy equipment like a drum auger, which is attached to a drill. Exerting too much force on older pipes can damage them, so it’s best to reach out to the professionals when dealing with persistent clogs.

2. Black Sludge

If you’ve ever noticed foul-smelling black sludge backing up into your bathtub drain, a clog might be the culprit. Black sludge is an accumulation of bacteria from everything that goes down the drain, including skin cells, mucus, and toothpaste. These kinds of clogs are difficult to resolve, as the sticky substance accumulates along the pipe walls. If you can’t remove the clog with a plunger, consider calling a plumbing company for professional drain cleaning.

3. Gurgling Sounds

If you hear strange gurgling sounds coming from your sinks or toilet, consider it a red flag for a clogged drain. Clogs typically contain air pockets, and when these air bubbles travel up into the water above the clog, it creates a strange bubbling sound. Some of these clogs can be plunged, but gurgling noises might also indicate more serious issues. For example, a clog in the sewer line will force sewer gas through the pipes, resulting in similar sounds. Because of this, it’s best to call your plumber just in case you need sewer line cleaning.

For quality plumbing services in the Cleveland, OH, area, choose the experts at The Plumbing Source. From drain cleaning to emergency water heater repair, their contractors have years of experience to get the job done right. Visit them online for more information, or give them a call at (877) 768-7239 to get in touch today.