Clogged drain? Here’s what to do right now.
One slow drain is rarely urgent. Several drains at once, or water coming up where it shouldn’t, points to the sewer line instead.
First, this.
For a slow drain
For a slow drain, NMSU Extension suggests pouring 1/2 cup baking soda, then 1/2 cup vinegar, waiting 10 minutes, then pouring hot water down the drain.
SourceGo easy on chemical openers
Avoid chemical drain openers, especially if your home is on a septic system.
SourceIn Tyler, the city checks its side first
If the sewer backs up in Tyler, call the Water Service Center during business hours at (903) 531-1285 (option 2 or 3); a city crew can check whether the blockage is in the city-owned pipe.
Source
Usually one to plan.
- Call nowSewage or wastewater coming up into the house, or several drains backing up at once (see sewer).
- TodayThe only toilet or the kitchen drain is fully blocked and a plunger or snake has not cleared it.
- Can waitOne slow sink, tub, or shower drain while other drains work normally.
Before you call.
Safety first
What to tell the plumber
- Which drains are slow or blocked, and whether more than one fixture is affected.
- Whether you have used any chemical drain cleaner, and which product.
- Whether your home is on city sewer or a septic system.
- Where your sewer cleanout is, if you know. Tyler suggests owners and tenants learn the general layout of their plumbing, especially the sewer cleanout.
What it costs
We don’t publish prices we can’t source. Your plumber looks, then quotes before starting.
Calling us is free. The plumber pays us a referral fee.
12 on our list do drains.
Of the 26, by their Google profiles. Sam checks who takes it when you call.
We don’t do the work. Reviews are for each plumber, from Google.