You should stop using a clogged drain as soon as water rises instead of going down, when other fixtures start to back up, when you see or smell sewage, or when a few rounds of plunging have not helped. Continuing to use a blocked drain can push water onto your floor or into other fixtures.
Water That Rises Instead of Drains
If water climbs up in the sink, tub, or toilet when you use it, there is nowhere for it to go. Adding more water only increases the chance of an overflow. Stop using that fixture and any nearby ones that share the same drain.
Backups in Other Fixtures
When the kitchen sink backs up after running the dishwasher, or the tub fills after flushing, the clog is in a shared pipe. Using any connected fixture can make the problem worse. Hold off on laundry, showers, and dishes until the line is clear.
Signs of Sewage
Dark water, solid waste, or a strong sewer smell means the main line may be blocked. Stop using all water in the home. Keep people away from the area, and avoid touching the water without gloves.
When DIY Has Not Worked
A plunger can clear many simple clogs. But if a few tries do not help, more force will not either. Avoid stacking chemical drain cleaners or snaking deep into pipes you cannot see, since that can damage fittings or older pipes.
In the meantime, use another bathroom if one is available. Keep a bucket and towels nearby. Note which fixtures are affected, as this helps a plumber find the clog.
If the drain will not clear, a plumber can open the line and look at what caused it. When the drain is working again, ongoing drain maintenance can help keep it that way. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.