Proper drainage helps protect your plumbing system from excessive wear and tear, potentially prolonging its service life. If your drains have underlying issues like clogs and backups, contact a qualified plumber to diagnose and fix them. Here are five signs you need a drain clearing:
1. Slow Draining Water
Slow drainage in your sink or bathtub could indicate debris accumulation in your pipes. Grease, food particles, soap scum, hair, and mineral buildup can block drains, contributing to slow-moving water. As more debris collects in the pipe, the clog can become more significant, leading to slower drainage or complete blockage.
If you experience slow-draining water, hire a plumber for an effective drain clearing. A professional can use a drain auger to break up or retrieve the clog to ease drainage. They can also use a cup plunger to clear clogs in sinks, bathtubs, and shower drains, restoring proper water flow.
2. Strange Odors
Peculiar smells from your drains can result from decomposing organic matter trapped inside the pipes. Bacteria can flourish in drainpipes’ warm, moist environment and produce foul odors. When bacteria break down organic matter in your drains, a rotten egg smell gets emitted to your indoor space. Plumbers can use bio-enzyme drain cleaners that contain beneficial bacteria and enzymes that break down organic matter, helping to prevent future clogs and odors. They can also use drain snakes to pull out the clog or push it further down the pipe.
Dry P-traps can cause strange odors. P-traps are U-shaped pipes that hold a small amount of water to create a barrier preventing sewer gases from entering your home. If a drain or fixture is not used regularly, the water in the P-trap can evaporate, allowing foul odors to escape from the sewer or septic system into your living space. A plumber can make sure the P-trap is adequately refilled to resolve the issue.
3. Gurgling Noises
Persistent gurgling or bubbling sounds from your drains could signify a blockage in your plumbing system. The noises occur when air becomes trapped in your plumbing pipes due to an obstruction in the pipe. If you hear such noises, hire a plumber to address the issue before it escalates to total blockage or pipe damage.
A plumber can insert a small camera on a flexible rod into the drain to assess the condition of the pipes and locate the clog’s exact location. After inspection, the plumber can employ hydro-jetting, which involves utilizing high-pressure water to eliminate tough blockages and cleanse the interior surfaces of pipes. This plumbing method dislodges and flushes away blockages, including grease, sludge, and tree roots.
4. Overuse of Drain Cleaners
Overusing drain cleaners without success can indicate that the underlying problem is more significant. Stubborn and deep-seated blockages might not respond well to liquid drain cleaners, and the clogs can recur. Some liquid drain cleaners may also contain harsh chemicals that can corrode and damage your plumbing pipes over time.
If you’ve made several attempts to clear a drain without success, consider calling a professional plumber. A professional can use advanced tools like hydro-jetters and electric drain cleaning machines to clear tough clogs. They can also recommend proper disposal practices, regular maintenance, and potential pipe repairs or replacements.
5. Frequent Water Backup
When water backs up into a sink, tub, or toilet, it’s a strong indication of a blockage in the plumbing system. The blockage prevents wastewater from flowing freely through the pipes, causing it to return to a sink, tub, or toilet. Tree roots infiltrating the pipes or intruding foreign objects like toys or construction debris in the main sewer line can cause wastewater to back up.
Water backing into your fixtures can lead to sewage backups inside your home. Raw sewage contains harmful pathogens and contaminants that pose health risks. If you notice water backup, stop using the affected fixtures to prevent further water damage and potential overflow. Reach out to a skilled plumber who can use specialized equipment like augers and root cutters to restore proper flow.
Schedule a Professional Drain Clearing
A professional drain clearing can help remove clogs and restore normal functioning. Plumbers can use different methods like drain cabling, hydro-jetting, rooter services, and motorized augers to clear drains effectively. After resolving the issue, the plumber can advise on practical preventive measures, such as routine maintenance, to prevent future blockages. Schedule a professional drain clearing today if you’re experiencing clogs, backups, or strange noises and odors from your pipes.
