A blocked drain is an emergency when it causes water to overflow onto the floor, when sewage comes up through drains, when several fixtures back up at once, or when it leaves the home without a working toilet. A single slow drain, while annoying, can usually wait for a regular visit.
Overflows and Flooding
When water rises over the edge of a sink, tub, or toilet, it can soak cabinets, floors, and the ceiling below. Stop using the fixture, close its shutoff valve if there is one, and mop up the water. Repeated overflows can damage subfloors and lead to mold.
Sewage Coming Up
Dark water, waste, or a strong sewer smell coming from a tub or floor drain means the main line is likely blocked. This is a health risk. Stop using all water, keep people away, and wear gloves if you need to touch anything.
More Than One Fixture Backing Up
A clog in a shared line affects every drain above it. If the shower fills when you flush, or the kitchen sink gurgles when the washer drains, the blockage is beyond what a plunger can reach. Keep water use to a minimum until it is cleared.
No Usable Toilet
For homes with one bathroom, a blocked toilet that will not clear is urgent. If a few rounds with a plunger do not help, stop plunging and call for help. Too much force can damage the seal at the base.
On the other hand, a slow bathroom sink, a kitchen drain that clears after plunging, or a tub that drains slowly but does not back up can usually be scheduled.
When a blockage fits the urgent list, getting the blockage cleared right away prevents bigger damage. A drain that is merely slow is a good fit for an ordinary service call. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.