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These Plumbing Warning Signs Are HIDDEN in Plain Sight | Nelson Haines Plumbing

Your house gives you plumbing warning signs long before some problems become emergencies. In this episode of Hire It Done, I sit down with Travis Haines and Nathan Bourdon of Nelson Haines Plumbing and Drain Cleaning to break down the drain, sewer, leak and cold-weather issues homeowners should know how to spot. We cover the everyday habits that create clogs, what gurgling toilets and bubbling floor drains can mean, why strong drain chemicals are not always the answer, when camera inspections and hydro jetting come into play, and how to prepare your plumbing before freezing weather. Nelson Haines has been serving plumbing and drain needs for more than 50 years, so this conversation is packed with practical homeowner advice from people who work on these problems every day. Question: Are “flushable” wipes actually safe for plumbing? Answer: Nathan and Travis explain that wipes do not break down like toilet paper and can contribute to clogs in household plumbing and larger sewer systems. Question: What should you do if a basement floor drain starts backing up? Answer: Stop running water and call a plumber. The next step may include clearing the line and using a camera to identify what is causing the backup. Question: Is chemical drain cleaner a good fix for a slow drain? Answer: Nathan cautions against strong drain acids, especially with cast-iron or older pipes. A plumber can clean the drain and help determine what is causing the recurring problem. Question: Why is pouring grease down the sink a bad idea? Answer: Hot water may carry grease into the drain, but the grease can cool and solidify farther down the line, adding to buildup and clogs. Question: What does a gurgling toilet mean? Answer: It can be a sign of a clog in the main line or, in some situations, an issue with the plumbing vent. Repeated new noises are worth investigating. Question: Can a home automatically shut off water during a leak? Answer: Yes. Travis recommends whole-home leak detection with an automatic shutoff, which can monitor unusual flow and help stop the water when a problem is detected. Question: What plumbing should you check before winter? Answer: Disconnect garden hoses, prepare outdoor faucets, know your shutoff valves and consider professional winterization if the home will be vacant during freezing weather. CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS: Nelson Haines Plumbing Website: https://nelsonhainesplumbing.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Nelson-Haines-Plumbing-and-Drain-Cleaning-61581930606420/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NELSONHAINESPLUMBINGANDDRAINCL Travis Haines LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-haines-9a9344115/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.haines.2025/ Nathan Bourdon LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-bourdon-414a253b8/ #HireItDone #PlumbingTips #HomeMaintenance