The water in your shower drains slowly. Your sink gurgles. Or your toilet overflows after flushing. Your first thought might be: can I fix this myself? Sometimes you can. But sometimes, trying to fix it yourself can actually make the problem worse. In this article, we'll help you determine when you can handle it yourself and when it's better to call a drainage specialist.
When can you try it yourself?
If you have a minor clog in just one spot in your home, you can try to fix it yourself. Consider these situations:
- Slowly draining water in the sink: This is likely caused by grease or food residue in the U-bend (siphon). Loosening the U-bend, cleaning it, and reattaching it often solves the problem.
- Clogged toilet due to too much paper: A toilet plunger is usually enough. A few good pumps and the blockage should clear.
- Hair clog in the shower: Pull the hair out of the drain or use a small drain snake. You can buy one at most drugstores for just a few euros.
Important: Do not use chemical drain cleaners. Products like HG or other sink unblockers contain corrosive substances that can damage your pipes, especially if used repeatedly. They rarely truly solve the problem and can make the situation worse over time.
7 signs you should call a specialist
If you notice any of the following signs, it's wise not to try to fix it yourself, but to call a professional immediately:
1. Multiple drains are clogged at the same time
If water isn't draining in your shower, toilet, and sink all at once, the problem isn't with a single drain but with the main sewer line. This is the shared pipe where all your drains connect, and you won't be able to access it yourself.
2. The clog keeps coming back
You unclogged the sink yourself, and a week later it's blocked again. Or your toilet gets clogged every month. Recurring clogs indicate a deeper problem: tree roots, a pipe collapse, limescale buildup, or an incorrect connection. A plunger won't fix these issues.
3. Water comes up
If you flush the toilet and water bubbles up in the shower, or if water comes up from a floor drain, it's a sign of a serious clog or overload in the main pipe. Trying to fix this yourself could lead to flooding throughout your entire home.
4. You smell sewage indoors
A persistent sewage smell can indicate a partial clog, a dry drain trap, or a crack in the pipe. This is not only unpleasant but also unhealthy. Sewer gas contains substances like methane and hydrogen sulfide.
5. You hear bubbling or gurgling sounds
Bubbling sounds in your drain indicate air trapped behind a clog or a problem with your sewer ventilation. While it might sound harmless, it's often a warning sign of a larger blockage developing.
6. Water in the crawl space or basement
Moisture or water under your home can indicate a leaking or broken sewer pipe. This can lead to foundation damage, mold, and unpleasant odors. Have this investigated as soon as possible with a camera inspection or smoke detection.
7. You suspect tree roots or a break
Do you have large trees in your garden and recurring blockages? Then there's a good chance that roots have entered your sewer pipe. This can only be fixed with professional tools like a root cutter or a high-pressure jet.
What exactly does a sewer specialist do?
Many people postpone calling a specialist because they don't know what to expect. Here's how a typical job at RBNL proceeds:
- Phone intake: You describe the problem, and we assess what's going on. Based on that, we immediately provide an estimate of the fixed price.
- Technician on-site: Our own certified technician visits, usually on the same day. He assesses the situation and determines the best approach.
- Clearing the blockage: Depending on the problem, the technician uses a high-pressure jet, mechanical spring, root cutter, or a combination of these.
- Inspection (if needed): For recurring problems or suspected damage, the technician performs a camera inspection to identify the cause.
- Advice: We’ll explain the cause and provide tips to prevent it from happening again. If the problem is recurring, we’ll discuss next steps, such as sewer replacement or regular cleaning.
For a standard blockage, the entire job takes between 30 and 90 minutes.
What not to do with a clogged sewer
Well-intentioned attempts to solve a blockage yourself can sometimes make the problem worse. Avoid these mistakes:
- Using chemical drain cleaners: They corrode your pipes and rarely solve the real cause. With a complete blockage, the chemical remains stagnant in the pipe and causes additional damage.
- Spraying a garden hose into the sewer: Without the correct pressure and nozzle, you'll only push the blockage further into the pipe.
- Working on the outdoor sewer system yourself: The outdoor pipe is underground. Without knowing its location, you might dig in the wrong spot or damage the pipe.
- Waiting too long: A small blockage will naturally become a big one. The longer you wait, the more expensive and complicated the solution becomes.
How much does it cost to call in a specialist?
The costs vary greatly depending on the company and situation. With companies that charge hourly rates, you can quickly pay €200 to €400, including call-out fees and materials. At RBNL, we operate differently:
- Fixed rate from €165: All-inclusive, no call-out fees, no hidden surcharges.
- No cure, no pay: If we don't solve the problem, you pay nothing.
- No surcharge outside office hours: Available 24/7 for the same rate.
- 3-month warranty: If the problem returns, we'll come back free of charge.
Want to know more about the costs? Read our detailed cost overview.
Need immediate help? Contact us →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix a clogged sewer myself?
For a minor blockage at a single point (sink, toilet), you can try to fix it yourself with a plunger or by cleaning the siphon. If multiple drains are blocked, the problem keeps recurring, or water is backing up, then call a specialist.
How quickly can a technician get to me?
At RBNL, we are available 24/7. In the Randstad region (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht), we can usually be with you on the same day.
Should I call my landlord or Owners' Association first?
If you are a tenant, please contact your landlord or Owners' Association first. The cause of the problem determines who is responsible for payment. If you are experiencing immediate flooding, call a specialist right away to prevent further damage, regardless of who will ultimately pay.
Is a camera inspection always necessary?
No. For a single, straightforward blockage, it's usually not needed. However, if you have recurring issues, suspect damage, or if the cause is unclear, we do recommend it. It saves you money in the long run by addressing the root of the problem.
Can a sewer problem cause damage to my home?
Yes. A leaking or cracked sewer pipe can cause damage to your foundation, lead to mold growth, unpleasant odors, and flooding in crawl spaces and basements. The quicker you act, the less damage will occur.
