Your drains are one of those features of your home that you probably don’t think about very much. They’re an incredibly small part of your home’s plumbing system, but they are incredibly important. If an issue arises, your entire plumbing system can then be affected. The most common problem that affects your drains is that they get clogged. When your drains become clogged, getting them cleared is crucial. Here are seven warning signs that it’s time to call in a professional drain cleaning service.
Your Drains are Slow
Slow moving drains are one of the most common signs that there’s something wrong. Clogs typically form gradually. As they do, the flow of water becomes more and more restricted. Without clearing the clog, the drain will eventually become completely blocked, and that’s not something you want.
There’s Backflow
If there’s backflow, which means the water going through the drain doesn’t have a clear path. Instead, it goes somewhere else. This is often noticeable as water bubbling back into your shower, tub, or sink. If you have two sinks side by side, you might see that water backs up into one sink as it is going down the drain of the other. It’s also possible for water to back up into an unconnected drain. It might not seem like a big deal, and maybe you’ve just learned to live with it, but backflow is a serious issue that shouldn’t be ignored.
Standing Water
If you let a clog go ignored for too long, it will eventually completely block your drain. This means that no water will be able to get through it. You’ll be able to tell your drain is blocked by the presence of standing water in your sink or tub. Without getting the clog cleared, you won’t be able to use that particular drain anymore. It may be possible to clear a clog on your own if you can see it. This doesn’t mean that you don’t need professional drain cleaning services though. Even if you can get rid of the clog on your own, there might still be residual debris that can allow a new clog to form.
Bad Smells
In some cases, a drain with a clog might not develop an odor. The leading causes of clogs, however, will. Often, they’re caused by the waste that’s caught in the drain. This can include things such as food, hair, and other organic matter. Sometimes, the bad smells can be caused by gases from your sewer. There are a few tricks that you can try to get rid of odors. If there’s a clog, however, there’s a good chance that the smell won’t completely go away. Or, it might disappear for a while, but then it comes back later. If you notice that your drain is starting to smell a little funky, and you’re also noticing other signs that there’s a clog forming, it’s in your best interest to call a drain cleaning service.
Poor Water Pressure
Many of the clogs you might notice occur at the drains that take water away. These aren’t the only places that clogs can form. Sometimes, they can form at the places that bring water in, such as a sink faucet or a showerhead. Suddenly, your shower feels a little different or your bathtub isn’t filling as fast as it used to. If these fixtures become clogged, you’ll notice a dip in your water pressure.
Issues with Your Toilet
Your toilet tank and bowl are filled with the same water that goes to your sinks, showers, bathtubs, and other water sources. If there’s a blockage somewhere in the incoming plumbing, this can result in not having enough water for every source in your home. You might notice this because your toilet bowl is empty (or only partially filled). On the other hand, and issue with outgoing plumbing can cause your toilet bowl to overflow because the water inside can’t leave.
Can’t Remember Last Drain Cleaning
Even if you don’t notice any signs of a clog or other plumbing issues, annual cleaning can be incredibly helpful. This way, you can eliminate clogs that are in the process of forming. Even if there are no clogs present, regular cleanings can help to ensure that they never do. Additionally, an annual professional drain cleaning can help to ensure the efficiency of your drainage system. If you can’t remember the last time you’ve had your drains cleaned, regardless of whether or not you notice any signs of clogs, there’s no better time than now to schedule a professional drain cleaning.
Final Thoughts
While there are plenty of DIY drains clearing tactics out there, keep in mind that they are not always the most effective. Some can make the issue worse. If you notice any signs of problems with your drains, your best bet is to bring in the professionals.
