Is It Time For Drain Cleaning?

Efficient drains are critical for the proper function of your plumbing system. Unfortunately, over time, your drain system may clog due to a range of problems, including buildup of grease, soap scum, and debris.

Fortunately, drain clogs don't happen overnight. Instead, the blockage starts small and gradually gets worse. So, if attentive, you can easily spot the signs that your drains need cleaning long before the problem escalates. Here are some indications that it’s time for a drain cleaning.

Slow Drainage

The drain system carries wastewater out of your home. Therefore, if the drains have clogs, wastewater will have limited passage, which causes slow drainage.

In the early stage, you may notice that your sink or tub drains slower than usual after you shower or wash the dishes. The issue worsens gradually, and if you don't attend to it, the drains may stop working ultimately, so water may start to pool in your sink or tub.

Other problems such as pipe damage and full septic tanks can also cause slow drainage. Therefore, contact a reliable plumber as soon as you notice this sign. The specialist will inspect your plumbing system to rule out drain clogs as the cause of slow drainage.

Gurgling Noises

If your drains make gurgling sounds when you run the water or flush the toilet, a clogged drain system is the most likely cause. When the drains have a blockage, air may get trapped in the system. When you run the water or flush the toilet, the air tries to escape, which causes the gurgling noise.

However, gurgling noises may indicate other plumbing issues. For instance, the noise may be a sign of a venting problem. The vent pipe lets air enter the drain system without water flow disruption. Therefore, if the vent pipe has clogs, air may not get into the system, which causes a vacuum. The vacuum pulls water from traps, so you may hear gurgling noises when you run water or flush the toilet.

If you have a gurgling plumbing system, don't attempt to fix the problem alone, as you may cause further damage. Instead, hire a professional plumber to diagnose and solve the problem.

Foul Smells

Drain clogs result from the build-up of hair, grease, soap scum, food particles, and other materials in the drain pipes. Over time, the waste decomposes, which causes foul smells and may start to back up into your home.

In some cases, the awful odor may indicate a dry P-trap. Pour water into the P-trap to restore the water seal. If nothing changes after this step, the clog is probably located further down the drain system, so you need professional help.

Water Backups

As the drains' blockage worsens, wastewater will have no passage. Consequently, the water may start to back up the sinks, tubs, and toilets.

Failure to unclog the system may cause extensive water damage to your home. For instance, the water may ruin your carpets, flooring, and drywall. In addition, overflowing water may also create a conducive environment for mold and mildew growth. Therefore, don't hesitate to contact a professional plumber for system inspection and repairs if you notice this sign.

Insect Infestation

Drain flies and fruit flies are common in homes with drain blockage. The waste build-up in the drain pipes offers these insects a perfect breeding ground. As a result, you may notice more flies than usual in your home, especially around the sink and tub drains.

If you notice an infestation, take appropriate measures to eliminate the insects. However, don't forget that these pests are just a symptom of a bigger problem — a clogged drain system. Therefore, even if you manage to eliminate the pests, they will keep coming back until you unclog the drains.

If you notice any of the signs above, don't hesitate to contact us at Drain Right Services. We will inspect your plumbing system and unclog the drains to restore normal water flow in your home.