As they say, prevention is better than cure. This is true for blocked drains where the sinks overflow, toilets become unusable, and sections of the house may even be covered in wastewater. It can be very distressing to experience a blocked drain, but it is possible to avoid the situation altogether with just a little effort.
Whatever the cause of blocked drains, they tend to take a while to build up before causing serious problems. They also show some early signs and symptoms. Familiarize yourself with the below indicators to nip the problem in the bud before a blocked drain causes serious damage to your property.
Do you know how to spot blocked drains in your home? We have some tips to help you avoid the situation from getting worse.
Slow draining water
An obvious hint to a blocked drain is when water drains a lot slower than normal. Whether it is in the shower, bath, sink or toilet, slow draining water tends to mean there is a blockage of some sort in the drainage system. If left unsolved, this issue will continue to worsen over time and wastewater can begin to accumulate. When wastewater spills out onto the floor due to a blockage, your property may be prone to damage and disease-causing germs spreading through your home.
Gurgling drains
If you have heard gurgling sounds coming from the drain as it is draining water, it is an indication of a possible drain blockage. Such sounds occur from the sink, pipes, toilet flushes and plug holes when air escapes and displaces while the water drains. A combination of dirt, debris and grease can trap air inside your drains, while a clear drain will allow water and air to flow freely. When gurgling noises can be heard from multiple drains in your property, there is a good chance that a larger blockage exists in your main pipe.
Foul odors
It is important not to ignore any odd smells in your home that appear to originate from your drain. In addition to issues with water drainage, drain blockages also tend to have unpleasant smells. These foul odors are caused by stagnant water, debris and grease stuck in the pipes, especially if they happen to be food debris. As food begins to decompose in its ideal environment of warmth and moisture, the bad smell rises through the drains into your property.
Raised water level
An almost sure giveaway of blocked drains is when the water level of the toilet rises higher than usual when you flush. While a plunger may help if the issue is not severe, an overflowing toilet should set your alarm bells ringing. A blockage in the drains can also cause water to rise in the shower, tubs and sinks, all from just a flush of the toilet. To identify which drain is the cause of the problem, it may be best to call in the experts.
When you spot any of these signs of a blockage, you can attempt to unclog a drain yourself with a plunger, drain snake or drain cleaner.
If the problem persists or gets worse, find the best local plumbers in your area with the right equipment and experience to clear any blocked drain before them.
