Most homeowners try to unclog drains themselves initially, and, depending on the severity and reason of the blockage, they might be successful. Unfortunately, some chemical products on the market today claim to unclog drains but end up damaging and corroding the interior of the pipe or degrade the materials at the pipe joints. A mini auger or drain snake can be used, but their operation can be rather tricky and awkward.

Hot grease may pour easily down a drain, but when it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the sides of your pipe, reducing its diameter, slowing water pressure, and causing a bottleneck that encourages clogs. Other foreign materials like objects (jewelry, toys, etc.) or pieces of food waste can also enter the drain and the pipes below, but will become trapped at the next bend in the plumbing. While some water will still drain through the pipe, the bottleneck and partial blockage will drastically slow down the drain.

Sediment build up over time can reduce the efficiency of your water heater to the point where you notice you're not getting enough hot water, especially if you are demanding hot water from more than one or two spots in your home. Other culprits can include temperature sensor failures and problems with the heating element. Water heater manufacturers recommend that you schedule regular maintenance checks with a licensed plumber in order to keep your system in top condition. Industry estimates for water heaters are between six and 13 years for conventional tank water heaters. Tankless water heaters tend to last longer.

Some plumbing repairs can't wait for regular office hours because your plumbing system is a key element to your building's sanitary conditions and habitability. If you have a sewage backup, for instance, repairing the cause can't wait. If a broken or leaking pipe is causing your home to flood, you'll have to shut off the water main, and you won't be able to have running water or flushing toilets until the pipe is repaired.