You will, at some point or another, probably deal with a clogged drain. This doesn't necessarily mean there is a serious problem with your plumbing in itself; it's just a reality that usually occurs for most homeowners and renters alike. The question is, when can you deal with a clogged drain on your own, and when do you need to call a plumber?

There are at home solutions for people dealing with clogged drains, of course. Chemical products are available, which can potentially clear mild clogs. But there are complications that come with those products, as well as physical products (like drain snakes). One thing is for certain: once your drain is clogged, you need to deal with it quickly. Whether you're dealing with a private well for your drinking water, as 13 million Americans do, or you're working with something more mainstream, you still need to take your plumbing seriously. With that being said, let's look into some of the signs that you need to call a plumber for a clogged drain.

1. When Multiple Drains Are Backing Up

One of the main signs that you need to talk to a plumber about a clogged drain is that multiple drains are backed up. Typically, you'll notice this if you delay talking to a plumber or attempt to deal with the initial clog by yourself. When other drains begin getting clogged or backing up, this is a sign that there is a bigger, more systemic issue in your plumbing system. Essentially, the main drain in your home may be clogged in this case, rather than the drains of individual fixtures. While you may be able to unclog the drains of individual fixtures on your own, this is not the case of the main drain. You need to call a plumber immediately if you notice this issue occurring.

2. You Notice The Smell of Sewage

It's hard to ignore the smell of sewage in the air, and you shouldn't. If your drain is clogged and you can smell sewage, this is a sign that you need to call a plumber immediately. This either means that the clog is quite old, and bacteria has built up to the point that it smells like sewage, which means that it won't be easy for you to solve the problem on your own... Or it means that the clog is indicative of a sewage backup, which could get out of hand quickly. Take this matter seriously, and address it as soon as possible.

3. Plungers Don't Work

Generally speaking, if you're dealing with a clogged drain, the first thing you need to do is try to plunge it. Now, it can take some time to plunge a clogged drain, especially if you don't also attempt to supplement your plunging with chemical solutions. If you've attempted to plunge a clogged drain for over half an hour without success, this could be a sign that you're dealing with more serious issues.

4. Augurs Don't Work

Another possibility that you should consider is an augur, or drain snake. You should attempt this after attempting to plunge the drain. The plunger should always be the first option, as it's less invasive. This should be fed into the pipe in a clockwise motion. You should notice the clog begins to give way after a short amount of time. If it does not, you'll not only be wasting time but potentially harming the drain as well. Don't attempt to work a clog too long; call a plumber if you need help.

There are a lot of problems that can occur when you're dealing with a clogged drain. Potentially, you could exacerbate a present issue rather than fixing it. While many people put off calling a plumber because they want to save money, the reality is that you may actually end up spending more money fixing a problem that you caused while attempting to unclog a drain, than you would if you simply called a plumber outright. Get in touch with a plumber, and explain your issue over the phone. The more you tell them, the easier it will be for them to resolve the issue.