The water in your shower drains slowly. Your sink is gurgling. Or your toilet overflows after you flush it. Your first thought: Can I fix this myself? Sometimes you can. But sometimes you actually make the problem worse by trying to fix it yourself. In this article, we’ll help you determine when you can handle it yourself and when it’s better to call a plumbing professional.
When can you try it yourself?
If you have a minor clog in one spot in your home, you can try to fix it yourself. Consider these situations:
- Water draining slowly from the sink: there is likely grease or food debris in the trap. Unscrewing the trap, cleaning it, and screwing it back on often solves the problem.
- Clogged toilet due to too much toilet paper: in most cases, a plunger is all you need. Give it a few good pumps and the clog will come loose.
- 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 a few dollars.
Important: Do not use chemical drain cleaners. Products such as HG or sink drain cleaners contain corrosive substances that can damage your pipes, especially with repeated use. They rarely actually 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 best not to try to fix the problem yourself, but to call a professional right away:
1. Several drains are clogged at the same time
If the water isn't draining from the shower, toilet, and sink, the problem isn't with a single drain but with the main sewer line. That's the shared section of pipe where all the drains connect. You can't access it yourself.
2. The clog keeps coming back
You unclogged the sink yourself, but a week later it’s clogged again. Or the toilet gets clogged every month. Recurring clogs point to an underlying problem: tree roots, a sinkhole, lime buildup, or a faulty connection. You can’t fix that with a plunger.
3. Water is rising
If you flush the toilet and water starts bubbling up in the shower, or if water rises from a floor drain, this is a sign of a serious clog or overload in the main line. Trying to fix this yourself could lead to flooding throughout your home.
4. You can smell a sewer odor in your home
A persistent sewer odor may indicate a partial blockage, a dry trap, or a crack in the pipe. This is not only unpleasant but also unhealthy. Sewer gas contains methane and hydrogen sulfide, among other substances.
5. You hear gurgling or bubbling sounds
Gurgling noises in your drain indicate that air is trapped behind a clog or that there is a problem with the venting of your sewer system. It may sound harmless, but it is often a sign of a more serious clog.
6. Water in the crawl space or basement
Moisture or water under your home may indicate a leaking or broken sewer line. This can lead to foundation damage, mold, and foul odors. Have this checked as soon as possible using a camera inspection or smoke detection.
7. You suspect tree roots or a break
Do you have large trees in your yard and recurring clogs? If so, there’s a good chance that roots have invaded your sewer line. This can only be resolved with professional equipment such as a root cutter or a high-pressure washer.
What exactly does a sewer specialist do?
Many people put off calling a specialist because they don’t know what to expect. Here’s how a typical job at RBNL goes:
- Phone consultation: You describe the problem, and we assess the situation. Based on that, we’ll immediately give you an estimate of the flat rate.
- On-site technician: Our own certified technician will come by, usually the same day. He will assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
- Drain cleaning: Depending on the problem, the technician will use a high-pressure jet, a mechanical snake, a root cutter, or a combination of these tools.
- Inspection (if necessary): In the event of recurring issues or suspected damage, the technician will perform a camera inspection to identify the cause.
- Advice: We’ll explain the cause and provide tips to prevent it from happening again. For recurring issues, we’ll discuss next steps, such as sewer line renovation or regular cleaning.
For a standard clog, the entire job takes between 30 and 90 minutes.
What Not to Do When You Have a Clogged Drain
Well-intentioned attempts to unclog a drain yourself can sometimes make the problem worse. Avoid these mistakes:
- Using chemical drain cleaners: they corrode your pipes and rarely address the root cause. In the case of a complete blockage, the cleaner sits in the pipe and causes further damage.
- Using a garden hose to flush the sewer: without the right pressure and nozzle, you’ll just push the clog further down the pipe.
- Doing your own outdoor sewer work: the outdoor pipe is buried underground. Without knowing its location, you might dig in the wrong spot or damage the pipe.
- Waiting too long: a small clog will eventually turn into a big one. The longer you wait, the more expensive and complicated the solution becomes.
How much does it cost to have a specialist come to your home?
Costs vary greatly depending on the company and the situation. With companies that charge hourly rates, you can easily end up paying €200 to €400, including call-out fees and materials. At RBNL, we do things differently:
- Flat rate starting at €165: all-inclusive, no call-out fees, no hidden charges.
- No cure, no pay: If we don't solve the problem, you don't pay.
- No after-hours surcharge: available 24/7 at the same rate.
- 3-month warranty: If the problem recurs, we'll come back at no charge.
Want to know more about the costs? Read our detailed cost overview.
Need immediate help? Contact us →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unclog a drain myself?
If you have a minor clog in a single drain (sink, toilet), you can try fixing it yourself with a plunger or by cleaning the trap. Are multiple drains clogged, does the problem keep coming back, or is water backing up? If so, call a professional.
How soon can a technician come to my place?
At RBNL, we’re available 24/7. In the Randstad (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht), we can usually be with you the same day.
Should I call my landlord or the homeowners' association first?
If you rent, contact your landlord or the homeowners’ association first. The cause determines who pays. Are you experiencing an immediate water leak? Then call in a specialist right away to minimize the damage, regardless of who ends up paying.
Is a camera inspection always necessary?
No. For a one-time, simple clog, that’s usually not necessary. However, we do recommend it if you’re experiencing recurring issues, suspect damage, or if the cause is unclear. It will save you money in the long run by addressing the problem at its source.
Can a sewer problem cause damage to my home?
Yes. A leaking or cracked sewer line can cause foundation damage, mold growth, foul odors, and flooding in crawl spaces and basements. The sooner you act, the less damage there will be.
