Applying drain cleaner is a common DIY solution to clogged drains, but it can be extremely harmful to your pipes and lead to corrosion and leaks. It is almost always better to try snaking a clog than using a drain cleaner, but the best solution is to hire a professional plumber. They can locate the clog and gauge the severity using a camera system and then decide if using a plumber’s snake, auger, or drain cleaner is the best option to remove the clog and limit damage to your plumbing system.

Anything from debris, rust, ice, and even poor installation can cause clogs in your plumbing vents. Some signs of a clog include slow drains, gurgling sounds in drains and toilets, and bad odors. The bad odors are the most concerning, as these can include methane and hydrogen sulfide. Contact a plumber to come take a look if you notice any of these signs.

There are a few reasons your snake won’t go down the floor drain. One common reason is a large obstruction in the drain that is causing a blockage. You can remove any debris you see in the drain before trying to snake it. In addition, the snake might not be long enough to reach the clog, or it might be the wrong diameter. 

Knowing the signs can alert you to a clogged drain line. Clogs cause slow drainage or cause no drainage (if there’s a complete blockage). You may also notice foul odors, gurgling noises, water backing up in other appliances on the same line, or a poorly flushing toilet. If you experience any of these issues and think your line might be clogged, call a plumber.