Even if you aren’t in the middle of a plumbing emergency, you may have noticed certain signs that your drains are not working as effectively as they could be. But what are some signs that your drains need to be properly cleaned?
We have collected some of the most common signs that it is time to get your drains cleaned. Read on to find out if they apply to you!
Slow draining
If your shower, bath or sink is taking an increasingly long time to drain, then a blockage or clog is very likely. With a slow-moving drain, you may be able to fix it yourself with hot water, but if the blockage is too great, a proper drain cleaning now can help to prevent a larger job and the greatest damage further down the line.
Bad smells
Have you begun to notice that there is a foul smell around your home? Are you struggling to figure out where that bad smell is coming from? You have probably already scrubbed your home from top to bottom and given the dog a wash or two.
The problem is, most likely, your drains. If your drain is behaving normally, it can be tempting to think that there is no issue. But a foul scent could indicate a buildup of gunk in your drainage pipes. Rotting food is an especially unpleasant culprit.
Employing a professional is a great idea, as they will know how to locate the source of the odour and give your pipes a thorough cleaning to prevent it from happening again – as long as you take proper care of your drainage system!
Clogging
Sometimes, you may have taken care of a clog in your sink or shower, only for it to have built up again quickly. This could indicate a blockage further down the pipe that is far more serious. A proper drain cleaning can fully clean out the drainage pipes and prevent the issue from recurring quickly.
There is standing water
Have you noticed that the water is not draining from your shower during your morning ablutions? Or that the water is struggling to drain away from your sink and is instead just remaining where it is? This could be a sign that it is time to get your drains cleaned.
Standing water generally means that there is a blockage at some point in your pipes – in the shower, it is usually a buildup of hair and soap, and in kitchen sinks, food particles and grease can cause this issue.
Toilet troubles
If your toilet is overflowing without any obvious explanation (like using too much toilet paper), this could indicate an issue with your drainage pipes. Sewage drains can become clogged with toilet paper and other, less appropriate items that are flushed. If your toilet is overflowing, there must be a blockage somewhere in the system that needs cleaning.
Everything is clogged
Having a single clogged sink or a clog in your shower can be easily explicable – but if your bathtub, toilet, shower and sink are all draining slowly, then it is time to employ a professional drain cleaning service.
Multiple clogs show that your pipes have a severe issue, sometimes with the main sewer or drainage line. If you suspect this could be the case, get in touch with a professional as soon as possible – this could cause flooding in your house and might be an issue throughout your neighbourhood.
Unusual noises
Have you been hearing strange sounds coming from your sink or shower? Is your bathtub gurgling even if the water is draining perfectly? If this is the case, then a clog is most likely beginning to form in your pipes and causing air bubbles to make sounds as water passes the blockage. Getting your drains cleaned will eliminate the noise and get rid of the problem behind it.
Overusing drain cleaner
Using a drain cleaner is a great way to clear through your pipes. However, in some cases, you may have used one or more bottles of liquid cleaner and still find that your drains are not moving as they should.
If this is the case, it’s time to stop using drain cleaners and start thinking about calling a professional. These caustic chemicals are specially designed to clear clogs, so if they aren’t working, you could just be causing damage to your pipes. Contact a professional to clean your drainage pipes instead!
Are you nodding your head in recognition? If you have noticed one or more of these signs, it could be time to contact a professional who can give your drains the thorough cleaning that they require. Contact the team at Endpoint plumbing today!