Is your sink overflowing with murky water? Then, you’re most likely dealing with a clogged drain. But before you grab a plunger, you might want to reconsider doing a DIY fix. Of course, unclogging doesn’t look like a picky job at all. Still, hiring the best plumbing services in Singapore will save you time and effort. Besides, why risk making things worse when you can hire a pro plumber with advanced tools? Read on to learn the basics of hiring top-rated plumbers in Singapore and have your water flowing in no time.

What Causes Clogged Drains in Singapore?

drain clogged with hair
Drain clogged with hair

Saying goodbye to clogged drains can be a nuisance that we all must deal with at some point. Luckily, noticing the early signs can save you a ton of hassle. If you’re noticing slow-draining sinks or backed-up toilets in your HDB flat, there are a few usual suspects to blame.

Hair, hair, hair

Arguably, hair is one of the main reasons for clogged drains. Keeping a pet may make things even worse, especially when combined with soap residue. Allowing it to build up often creates a tangled mess that binds with grease and other gunk in pipes.

Pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain

Surprisingly, fats, oils, and grease are some of the major reasons for trouble. When grease cools, it solidifies and sticks to pipe walls. This greasy buildup traps other debris, too, eventually blocking water flow.

Accumulated dirt, grime, and residue

Food particles in your drains are yet another reason to call a professional plumber in Singapore. Typically, they clump together with dust, lint, and soap scum, forming a solid barrier that blocks water flow.

Foreign objects lodged in drain pipes

Small toys, jewellery, Qtips and dental floss are just a few of the things that may fall down your bathroom drains. If you have kids or keep small solid objects in your bathroom, it’s best to take precautions. Installing a drain cover is a good start.

Tree roots

While it may seem unbelievable, tree roots are a common external cause of clogged drains in Singapore. Since they seek out water sources, sewer pipes become an attractive target. Eventually, they may penetrate and grow into pipes, impeding water flow.

A sagging or dipping drain line

A sagging or dipping drain line allows debris and sludge to collect in low spots, narrowing the pipe diameter. Over time, this issue may cause slower drainage and eventual clogging.

How Do I Know I Have Clogged Drains?

Undoubtedly, many homeowners ask themselves the following question. And, frankly, by the time they find out their bathroom or kitchen sink needs unclogging services, the problem usually gets much worse. But there’s still a way to notice the early signs and call a pro to diagnose.

  1. Slow drainage – Slow-draining sinks, showers, or tubs are the most obvious signs of clogged drains. If it’s taking foooorever for water to go down, that’s a red flag for a clog.
  2. Bad odour and gurgling sounds – If you notice sewer smells coming from your toilet or drains, always trust your nose and act accordingly. Typically, sewer smells or gurgling noises coming from drains or toilets mean something is blocking the flow.
  3. Changes in toilet water level – Another sign of clogging is the sudden super low or overflowing toilet water level. If your toilet’s flush efficiency is not doing its job for whatever reason, it’s time for a check.
  4. Water backup – Does water back up out of the plumbing fixtures when you use the sink, shower, or toilet? Bad news – you’re probably dealing with a blockage downstream. 

Why Should I Hire a Licensed Plumber for Drain Services

plumber fixing basin pipe
Plumber fixing basin pipe

Many times, people try to tackle clogging problems with DIY fixes. But while this approach may save you some money upfront, it often leads to emergency plumbing services. As you can imagine, paying for a professional plumbing service in advance is much more budget-efficient for several reasons: 

Expertise and Advanced Equipment

Home repairs are not always as easy as they seem, and that’s where licensed plumbers and handyman come in with their expertise and equipment. They use drain augers, hydro jetting equipment and video inspection tools that help diagnose and perform quick drain cleaning without damaging pipes.

Compliance with Safety Standards

When it comes to safety, trying to clean your drains alone poses a serious threat from electric shocks, or exposure to hazardous chemicals. Licensed pros follow strict safety standards that ensure proper handling of dangerous drain cleaning chemicals like caustic soda.

Adherence to Local Regulations

Singapore takes contractor work seriously, and plumbing services are no different. Drain cleaning often involves discharging wastewater containing contaminants down public sewer lines. In this regard, licensed plumbing services are the only solution for proper disposal without violating local regulations.

Quality and Guaranteed Work

Professional plumbers guarantee their drain cleaning work. If the clog returns shortly after, they will come to address it again free of charge. Their quality workmanship provides peace of mind.

How to Find Singapore’s Best Plumber Near Me

Perhaps finding a reliable plumber in Singapore is a bit overwhelming, given the wide range of choices on the market. Luckily, we have some quick tips to help you choose the best plumbing service in Singapore:

Check Online Directories

Don’t know where to start? Home services directories like Homees are an excellent way to find plumbers in your area. Moreover, you can compare contractors based on ratings, availability and fees. In most cases, you’ll find customer reviews that will help you make a more informed decision.

Get Referrals from Friends or Neighbors

The classic word-of-mouth method is still useful, and asking your neighbours or friends for referrals might do wonders. After all, a satisfied customer is the best ad for a quality service.

Check the Plumber’s Credentials and Insurance

Once you have some options, ensure the plumber has proper licensing and insurance. Ask to see their credentials and insurance certificates to ensure they meet regulatory requirements before hiring them. Licensed and insured plumbers will guarantee quality work and protect you in case of any issues.

Discuss the Problem and Get Estimates

Before you ask for a plumbing cost, explain your plumbing problem in detail. That way, you’ll get a more accurate estimate. Make sure the estimates thoroughly outline each job, materials needed and total fees.

Conclusion

Clogged drains are no fun, especially if you leave the problem unattended. Over time, it can turn from a nagging headache to a serious threat to your HDB flat. Thankfully, the pros at RSF Waterproofing are ready to swoop in and save the day 24/7. Taking the DIY route can only make matters worse if you don’t clear your clogged drain quickly and correctly on the first try. We also offer waterproofing solutions for your home! On the other hand, hiring the best plumbers in Singapore is just one call away! Take the stress out of dealing with annoying clogs and call the best in the business next time you encounter a stopped-up pipe.