Plumbing issues are not uncommon in homes across the country. As a homeowner, a common problem that people encounter is a clogged drain. Over time, pipes accumulate debris, like soap scum, hair, food particles, grease, oil, wipes, paper towels, non-flushable items, and tree roots that eventually lead to build-ups that cause clogs.

A clogged drain, whether in the kitchen or a bathroom, is a nuisance.  It needs immediate attention to avoid mess, inconvenience, and potential health risks. Clogs hamper the effective functioning of drains, and when left unaddressed for long, can overflow or cause severe damage to the overall plumbing system. While minor drain clogs are easy to fix using some simple home remedies, there is a need to hire an experienced professional plumber to address stubborn clogs and complicated drain problems effectively. 

Clean and free-flowing drains are critical to the proper working of the sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. It is essential for homeowners to proactively look out for the drain clog warning signs to avoid complex and more expensive plumbing issues.

Read on to know about some of the tell-tale symptoms of a clogged drain:

Slow water drainage

One of the apparent signs of a clogged drain is when the water takes longer than usual to go down the toilet, shower, bathtub, and sink drain, or they do not drain at all. The issue may occur in a single drain or multiple drains across the house. The build-up in the pipes is often the reason behind slow water movement. Clean the drains regularly and avoid putting items not meant for them to prevent clogs. Avoid using store-bought drain cleaners as they do more harm than good and can damage the plumbing.

Water back-up

If the water backflows from any of the pipes, it indicates lack of a clear passage to flow smoothly. Sinks and toilets are more prone to water back-ups. The issue is more visible in the toilet as there are notable bubbles after every flush. Backups indicate something is causing an obstruction, and the water has to force its way through a small space. Use a plunger to clear the blockage or call a professional to examine the pipes.

Unpleasant odors

Perpetual foul smells emanating from the drains indicate that all is not well. When food pieces, debris, and other organic matter build-up and start to decompose in the pipes, it leads to stinky smells. Failed attempts of a rodent to gain access to the home by crawling through the pipes can also cause strange-smelling drains. If the unpleasant odor fails to go away, do not ignore it, and check the system to fix the issue to avoid further clogging and damage.

Gurgling sound

If there is gurgling or any other strange noise while flushing the toilet or running water through the tap, it can indicate a blockage. Gurgling occurs  when the air gets trapped inside the pipes due to an obstruction. Issues with the main sewer line or vent pipe blockage are some other reasons for gurgling sounds. Sewer line-related issues require professional assistance to fix the issue safely and avoid back-ups.

Unexplained water puddles 

Water puddles indoors, near the sink, commode, shower area, washing machine or bathtub, or outdoors, anywhere around the yard or lawn requires calling a professional for evaluation. Clogged drains can lead to backflow and leakages. Tree roots can severely damage the sewer pipes and lead to expensive repairs down the line.

Drain clogs are dangerous and annoying and don’t take long to turn into a major inconvenience leading to costly repairs or replacements. Call a professional plumber to unclog the drains and assess the plumbing system when DIY attempts fail to fix the issue. Homeowners should also consider taking preventative steps to reduce the possibility of clog formation and other plumbing issues.

About the author: This article is written by Richa for Dan’s Dirty Drains – Las Vegas drain cleaning experts.

Guest Contributor: Richa Khandelwal