On a normal day, you use your bathroom sink like you always do, but suddenly the water starts draining slowly. What does it mean? The source of the problem may be at the P trap or at the pipe line itself. Before you call in a plumber and pull money out of your pocket, there are some things that you can do that might solve the problem.
You can try clearing the drain of the sink or tub drain with a drain cleaning solution or a drain snake. If you are handy, you can even unscrew the trap. For toilet drains, you can use a plunger. It will require some time and effort, but it will save you some money. However, if the problem is in the main line then it’s time to call a plumber to unblock it. Knowing when to do it yourself and when to call a pro will help keep you from unnecessary expenses while still having your plumbing up and running.
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Types of Drain Clearing and Costs
Blockages can range from slow draining to complete ponding. What is the cost of drain unblocking? Plumbers usually charge by the hour. Depending on the location, it can range from R550 to R1900. Clearing it by yourself if the problem is at the trap may only cost you a few dollars for the tools and an hour of your time.
The average cost for work done is approximately R1600 to R3550 depending on the amount of clearing work. Clearing a severe blockage can cost around twice as that or more. This is why it’s best to solve the problem early.
Factors That Affect Cost
When determining the price of a plumber in Cape Town, four main factors contribute to the cost:
Variations Due to Location and Seasons:
Not every plumber across the world has the same hourly rate. Your location and the time of year it is can affect the overall cost.
The Severity of the Issue:
If the blockage is severe and requires more time and equipment from the plumber, you’ll have to pay more than a simple fix that takes a couple of minutes.
Amount of Work Required:
The more work you need from the plumber, the more you’ll have to pay. Fixing one simple clog in a drain will likely be less expensive than multiple clogs in the main line.
Reason Behind the Issue:
One blockage may be easier to fix than another. The cause of the issue in the pipes will determine the course of action the plumber takes, thereby affecting the overall price.
When to Hire a Pro
You don’t need to hire a professional plumber right away when you encounter problems with your drain. First find out the cause of the blockage before you call a plumber.
Blockages in the kitchen drain are probably caused by food waste while those in the bathroom are probably from hair. You can solve this yourself with a drain cleaner or a plunger.
If the blockage is a serious matter however, you will notice that a lot of the plumbing fixtures are experiencing blockages. This means there’s a problem with your main sewer line. If left unfixed, it will result to flooding of your home and it is very unhygienic. You need to contact a plumber as soon as possible.
