While there are several different reasons for drain blockages, starting with easier ones like hair or soap build-up, to more complicated and expensive issues such as tree root blockages that can not only block drains but burst pipes as well, there's always a way to tell which issue you're dealing with before you take any measures.

Proper inspection and diagnosis of the issue will allow you or your plumber to address the issue using the proper methods and supplies rather than shooting in the dark. 

Whether you have a blocked kitchen sink drain, a blocked toilet, or issues with other drain pipes, here are some of the ways you can use to tell whether or not you're having a drainage problem.

These common signs will help you learn how to do a proper drain inspection so you can catch the problem before it escalates and does any further damage.

1.  Slowly draining

If your sink or tub drains slowly and fills up with water much easier, this could be one of the first signs of a blocked drain. The primary culprits in this situation are most commonly soap scum, hair and oily substances which can easily build-up in your drains and block them.

2. Gurgling sounds

If you hear a gurgling sound when water passes through the drains this may indicate a build-up in the drain that's trapped air somewhere within the drainage system. This might be a more serious issue than a simple clog and might require the use of professional tools such as a jetter or a snake depending on what's causing the problem.

3. A bad smell

If you notice an unpleasant smell coming through in your kitchen or bathroom, you may be dealing with a clog.

4. Your toilet backs up

If your toilet backs up when you flush it, you are probably dealing with a blockage somewhere along the drainage system. This may be caused by flushing feminine products, baby wipes, or even larger items such as children's toys, diapers, dead pets (ex. goldfish) and so on.

If your drainage problem is more severe and requires the use of a drain camera, a jetter or a drain machine, you should consider hiring professional plumbing services especially if the situation calls for specialized equipment and drain repairs. Our experienced plumbers will be able to address any type of drain issue using the latest technology and their unmatched expertise and knowledge.

There’s no doubt that there are several different plumbing tasks that are simple enough for homeowners to take care of on their own. However, if you’re dealing with a damaged or blocked drain, you should consider calling in the pros to help you out. This way, you can avoid potential problems that may occur if the situation isn’t handled correctly and securely. If you’ve decided to hire a professional plumber stick around to find out more about how they price their services.

Let’s take a look at the main factors that drain cleaning professionals consider when determining their prices.

Location

Depending on where you live, you can get a different estimate for the same amount of work. That’s because the market rates for a particular plumbing job can vary a lot from one location to another. This typically means that you can usually expect to pay higher rates in metropolitan areas than in rural ones.

Access to the job site

Another factor plumbers consider when determining the final price for their services is whether or not it’s easy to access the job site and conduct the drain cleaning quickly and efficiently.

Scope of work

Not all plumbing issues require the same amount of work. Sometimes the reason behind your clogged drains can be something that’s simple and easy to extract. In other cases the job will require a lot more time and effort. It may even require specialized equipment that’s powerful enough to cut through more challenging obstacles such as tree roots and other blockages. This can all add up to the final cost of the services.

Technique used

Depending on the issue at hand, your plumber will be able to decide which cleaning method they’ll need to use to remove the clog and clean your drains. Some methods such as snaking are cheaper than other more sophisticated methods, which include hydro jetting. Additionally, if your plumber can’t tell for sure where the clog is located, they may need to do a video camera inspection, for an additional cost.