Plugged drains are the sort of problem that starts off minor but can easily evolve into a pretty expensive plumbing disaster. No matter if you are a homeowner or a business, having the ability to detect the first signs of drain issues can save you thousands of dollars in repair work and also a considerable interruption to your daily routine.
Most homeowners are not thinking about their drains until there is an issue. But drainage systems give plenty of advance warning before they fail. If you are aware of the four big warning signs, you can clear obstructions in advance before they become major problems requiring emergency plumbing.
1. Slow Draining Sinks or Bathtubs
The most common initial indication of a blocked drain is slower-than-usual water disappearing down the plughole. You might have your kitchen sink holding water for a few moments after you have done the dishes, or standing in a puddle when you are having a shower because the bathroom drain is not coping.
This is because the waste gradually builds up in your pipes. Grease, food bits, and dish soap remnants in the kitchen create sticky residue that catches other types of waste. Bathroom drains will clog with hair, soap, and personal care products eventually.
Never neglect slow draining, even when it’s hardly perceptible. What may start out as a small nuisance has a tendency to spiral rapidly as more material gets stuck in the growing clog.
2. Gurgling Sounds from Drains
Strange noises coming from your drains are your plumbing system calling for help. Gurgling, bubbling, or sucking is an indication of trapped air in your pipes due to partial clogging.
When the water tries to flow around the obstruction, it creates air pockets which result in such strange sounds. You hear gurgling when you pull out a plug from a sink, when you flush a toilet, or even as water drains from a completely unrelated fixture somewhere in a building.
These noises are most apparent in multi-story structures with a more intricate drainage system. Gurgling is usually due to the fact that plugged pipes are unable to provide proper air pressure, thus the entire system operates less than optimally.
3. Unpleasant Smells Coming From Drains
Your drains emitting bad smells are a clear sign that there is something organic that is decomposing in your drain system. Different smells can point you in the direction of where the issue is.
Kitchen sinks usually emit rotten food, greasy smells when organic matter plugs the pipes. Bathroom sinks may emit mouldy or sewage-type smells from rotting hair, soap, and other personal hygiene products in the stagnant water.
They are more detectable when the weather is hot or when you have not been using the offending drain for a few days. They are indicators that your drain is not draining effectively, and waste products are lingering in the pipes long enough to decay.
4. Water Backing Up into Unexpected Locations
The worst sign of a clogged drain is water backing up where it’s not supposed to. Backing water into floor drains, overflowing from gully traps outdoors, or coming up through shower drains when you flush the toilet are all signs of a clogged drain.
This is when the clog is that bad that water will not move through the normal draining path and instead finds other ways through your plumbing. Sewage backup in your home or place of business is a health hazard and should be corrected immediately.
Backed-up water tends to mean you have a problem with your primary sewer line rather than with a single drain, which is a more difficult and expensive problem to correct. Hire a blocked drain plumber in Dubbo to identify the cause and get your property back up and running.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Being aware of these four warning signals enables you to have drain problems repaired before they become plumbing crises. Slow drains, gurgling, odours, and standing water are all indicators that your drains need to be professionally serviced.
Do not wait until the day you will encounter sewage backflow or completely blocked drains. Contact a professional plumber the moment you notice some of these signs to keep your drainage system in good condition and protect your property from water damage.