Signs of a Clogged Drain
To avoid significant pipe damage or a flooded property, homeowners should address clogged drains immediately.
Clogged drains typically begin as a minor issue but can quickly escalate into a major disturbance. To avoid significant pipe damage or a flooded property, homeowners should address this issue immediately. Several telltale signs of a clogged drain can help homeowners resolve the problem before it causes severe damage.
Please keep reading to learn more:
Standing water
Standing water is one of the most apparent signs of a clogged drain. It usually gathers in a sink, drain, or washing machine, resulting from a clog forming in the pipes. Depending on the location, the clog is typically an unsightly combination of hair, soap, food waste, and mineral build-up.
Some people might try to unclog the drain using an over-the-counter cleaner, but these products often contain harsh chemicals that may damage the pipes. Therefore, contacting a plumbing professional to clear the clog and allow water to resume draining would be best.
Excessive use of liquid drain cleaners
Homeowners keen on tackling plumbing problems alone might go a little overboard when using liquid drain cleaner. But, unfortunately, instead of destroying a clog, these products may only loosen it. As a result, the clog will get pushed further down the pipe, becoming virtually impossible to reach. Consequently, pouring too much liquid cleaner down a drain can worsen rather than resolve the issue.
Slow-moving water
Slow-moving water is one of the early signs of drain issues. Sinks and bathtubs are usually the first fixtures to be affected due to hair, grease, and soap accumulating in the pipes.
Gurgling pipes
A gas bubble can form if an obstacle prevents air or water flowing freely through the pipes. These bubbles make strange sounds in the pipes, most commonly a loud gurgling noise. Noises coming from the pipes likely indicate that a clog has formed or is forming.
Unpleasant odors
Clogged pipes are a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. For this reason, clogged drains will start to release foul odors. However, homeowners shouldn't wait for this worst-case scenario. Any strange odor coming from the pipes is a sign there might be an issue that needs a resolution as soon as possible.
Fruit flies
If no food is lying around, but the kitchen is full of fruit flies, they might be drawn to a clog forming in the pipes. This is often the result of food waste build-up. Fortunately, these pesky insects should disappear once the plumber corrects the underlying issue.
Contact a professional
Homeowners are generally eager to resolve a plumbing problem and restore a drain's full functionality. However, treating a clogged drain with inadequate products can only aggravate the situation. Instead, contact a professional plumbing service to address the issue swiftly and effectively.
MNS Plumbing provides prompt, efficient, and reliable drain cleaning, repiping, drain inspection, and video sewer line inspection services. Call 602-362-4524 to learn more.
