How do you know you have a clogged drain? It’s almost impossible to tell.

Everyone is at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to plumbing and pipes; no one can easily see inside their pipes. It’s nearly impossible to know when drains and pipes are starting to collect debris and clog. A blockage can develop anywhere at any time in any pipe, plumbing fixture or drain including the pipes attached to a shower, sink, or toilet, to the main sewer line. ​

Top 11 Most Frequent Indicators You Need Drain Cleaning

• #1 Standing Water

Do you have water that refuses to drain from a sink or washing machine? When you take a shower, do you get left standing in water that comes up over your ankles? Standing water is a strong signal that there is a jam somewhere in your drainage pipes. Cleaning your drains is the only way to unclog the pipes to let water drain out of your home or business. It’s time to give us a call.

• #2 Mysterious Foul Odors

You’ve noticed a weird smell in your home but don’t know where it’s coming from. No matter how much you clean, it only seems to get worse, not better… but maybe you’re not cleaning the right area.

Your drains could be the source of the problem. Even if your drains seem to be functioning as they should, that doesn’t mean food or sewage isn’t building up somewhere in your pipes. If you notice unusual smells, call us for a consultation immediately.

• #3 Slow Moving Drains

Is it taking longer and longer for your sinks, tubs, and even your shower to empty of water? Much longer than normal? You probably have a clog forming somewhere in your drain.

A slow-moving drain will become a bigger problem if you don’t clean your drainage pipes. You will save a lot of headaches and money if you call JK Plumbing to resolve this today.

• #4 Presence of Fruit Flies, Gnats & Drain Flies

If you are suddenly experiencing problems with fruit flies, drain flies, or gnats, and you have removed all waste and scrubbed your counters til your hands hurt and they are still buzzing around, you may have a drain problem.

Insects like fruit flies will find food stuck in your drainage pipes. Plumbing professionals like us will know how to clean all traces of food from your drains. When your drains are cleaned thoroughly, the insects will bug out. Call us today for an inspection. 

• #5 Multiple Clogged Drains Simultaneously

Are you suffering from more than one clog? It’s not just the sink, but also the bathtub, toilet, and utility sink in the laundry room. While this is common, multiple clogged drains are a critical indicator a serious problem exists with your pipes. It might even have something to do with your lateral sewer line. 

Don’t waste another moment. Ignoring this problem or procrastinating will only lead to major damage and high repair costs. Call us right now. 

• #6 Standing Water In Your Lawn or Yard

If your yard is inexplicably suffering from puddles and standing water that you cannot explain, you may have a drain pipe that needs to be cleaned. Cleaning your drains may be the only way to unclog the pipes, allowing standing water in your yard to drain and dissipate. 

• #7 Frequent Clogs

Does it feel like you JUST had a clog, and now there’s another one? Are you constantly trying to clear these clogs yourself, and they keep coming back? Frequent clogs likely mean you have a serious blockage.

Years of gunk and residue can build up on the inside of pipes. Home drain cleaners might break the clog down some, but they won’t always get rid of the problem. The buildup comes back and creates frequent clogs in your home.

• #8 Plant Growth Near Your Sewer Line

Another sign you may have a drain cleaning problem is the sudden presence of plant growth, like weeds growing near your sewer line. This may also be related to your lateral sewer line. Call JK Plumbing for a consultation to be sure.

• #9 Overflowing Toilets

If your toilets are overflowing without a clear explanation (like Junior dumped all their Legos into the bowl), then you may have a drainage problem with the lines. Waste and toilet paper can clog up sewage drains. And frequent overflows could mean there’s a clog that’s not allowing your toilet to empty properly. Call JK Plumbing and we’ll identify the problem and get your overflowing toilets AND your drainage issue fixed today.

• #10 Gurgling Sounds

Are you hearing odd, gurgling sounds coming from your sink? While your sink drains just fine, do you still hear that gurgling sound? Odd or weird noises coming from pipes are a sign there’s a problem brewing. As a clog begins to form, it creates air bubbles as water rushes past it. These air bubbles are what is causing the gurgling sound you hear as the sink drains.

Let us identify and resolve your clogged drain, and those weird sounds will disappear at the same time. 

• #11 Using Excessive Drain Cleaner

Maybe you’ve been trying to DIY your drainage problem with a liquid drain cleaner. While one bottle of liquid drain cleaner could get the job done, if you’ve had to use two or more bottles repeatedly and you still have a clogged drain, then you need to do two things:

1. Stop pouring store-bought cleaner down your drains. All that cleaner could actually be making your situation worse by damaging your pipes.
2. Call JK Plumbing today for service. Only a professional drain cleaning service will be able to clear it out while protecting your pipe’s structure.

At JK Plumbing, our San Francisco Bay Area Team is an expert in drain cleaning and repair specialists that deliver solutions tailored to your specific problem. Whether you have a blockage affecting a sink in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or garage, you can count on us to clear it. When Your Drains Need Cleaning, Do It Right the First Time! Call JK Plumbing today at 415-359-4588.

Drain blockages and clogs are inevitable for pretty much everyone, but they don’t have to be frequent. The best way to avoid needing drain repair is to avoid the most common causes. While some causes like hair, soap, and other substances that are part of a normal routine are difficult to work around, there are some things you could reduce or avoid such as:

• Human and Pet Hair, Soap Scum
• Food Waste, Grease, Fats, and Oils
• Toilet Paper, Tissue, Feminine Products
• Foreign Objects, Baby Wipes, Cotton Balls

Regular professional drain cleaning is vital for maintaining a healthy plumbing system. We recommend scheduling a drain cleaning service at least once a year. This proactive approach helps prevent clogs and ensures your plumbing system operates smoothly. Our plumbers use the latest hydrojetting technology to clean drains thoroughly, safeguarding your home against unexpected plumbing emergencies.

While chemical drain cleaners offer a quick fix, they can cause long-term damage to your plumbing system. These harsh chemicals can erode pipes, leading to costly plumbing repairs. Our plumbing technicians recommend mechanical methods like hydro jet cleaning for a safer and more effective solution.

If you discover a blocked drain in your house or place of business, resist the urge to run for the drain cleaner. Calling a local drain cleaning service like JK Plumbing (that’s us) is your best first choice. Why? Because trying to fix it yourself might not only be a waste of your time because it doesn’t work, but you could actually end up making your clogged drain problems worse.

Absolutely! Our comprehensive drain cleaning services efficiently handle clogged toilets and sewer lines. Our expert plumbing technicians use advanced tools and techniques, like hydro jetting, to ensure your plumbing system is free of blockages and functioning optimally.

While a popular DIY solution, using baking soda and vinegar can be ineffective for serious clogs. These household remedies often provide only a temporary fix. For lasting results, professional drain cleaning services are the best choice. Our expert plumbers ensure your drains are thoroughly cleaned without the risk of damage.