Owning a home comes with the responsibility of maintaining its various systems, and plumbing is one of the most critical. While some plumbing issues require the expertise of a professional, there are many Blocked drains are more than just an inconvenience. If left unattended, they can lead to water damage, unpleasant odours, and even structural damage to your property. However, recognising the signs early can save you a lot of hassle. In this blog, we will cover the common signs of a blocked drain, what causes them, and what you can do about it.
One of the earliest and most common signs of a blocked drain is slow drainage. If your sinks, bathtubs, or showers are draining water slowly, it’s likely there’s a partial blockage. Hair, soap scum, grease, or other debris can build up over time and restrict water flow. You might notice the water swirling for longer than usual before it fully drains away. While a plunger or drain cleaner might offer a short-term fix, professional intervention is often needed to prevent complete blockage.
A foul smell emanating from your drains is another tell-tale sign of a blockage. When food particles, grease, or other waste become trapped in your pipes, they start to decompose, producing unpleasant odours. If left unchecked, this smell can permeate your home, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom. Clearing the blockage is essential, not just to eliminate the odour but also to restore proper drainage.
A gurgling sound coming from your drains, pipes, or toilet is a sign that air is trapped in the pipes. As water tries to navigate around the blockage, it displaces the air, which then escapes and causes the gurgling noise. These noises often occur when you’re using one appliance, such as flushing the toilet, but you hear the sound in a different location, like the kitchen sink. If you hear gurgling, it’s time to call in a professional before the issue escalates.
Have you noticed that after flushing your toilet, the water level rises higher than normal? This is a strong indicator of a blockage further down the drain. In some cases, the water may even overflow, leading to unsanitary conditions and potential damage to your flooring. Similar issues can occur in sinks and showers if water doesn’t drain properly and pools at the surface. In severe cases, you may also notice water backing up into other areas of your home, such as your washing machine or dishwasher.
If you find yourself dealing with blockages repeatedly, it could point to a deeper issue with your drainage system. While small, isolated blockages might be caused by simple things like hair or food scraps, recurrent blockages suggest there may be structural damage to your pipes or a more serious obstruction, such as tree roots. A CCTV survey is often the best way to diagnose persistent problems and identify the source of the blockage.
Blocked drains are caused by a wide range of factors, including:
While some minor blockages can be cleared with a plunger or drain cleaner, serious blockages require professional help. At Drain Buddy Solutions, we use state-of-the-art equipment, including high-pressure jetting, to remove blockages and restore your drainage system to full working order.
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