Drain Cleaning Checklist: What to Try Before You Call a Plumber

A slow drain is one of the most common plumbing complaints, and it's not always a sign of a serious problem. Here's how to think through it before deciding whether to call for service.

• Is it just one fixture, or multiple drains at once? Multiple fixtures point to a bigger line issue.
• Does it gurgle? Gurgling often means a partial blockage further down the line.
• Has it gotten progressively worse over days or weeks? That suggests a growing blockage rather than a one-time clog.
• Have you used chemical drain cleaners? These can mask a problem while damaging older pipes — worth mentioning to your technician.
• Is the affected fixture in a kitchen (grease-related) or bathroom (hair and soap-related)? The likely cause differs.

If a single slow drain doesn't respond to a plunger, professional drain cleaning — via cabling or hydro-jetting depending on the cause — clears the blockage completely rather than pushing it further down the line.