Did you know something as simple as a clogged drain can pose both a health risk and potential damage to your home?
Clogs often happen due to various objects going through the drain. Kids flushing things down the toilet or items blocking the sink drain are the most common factors. These items include hair, food waste, soap, toys, and dirt.
To address the issue, it pays to know the signs of a clogged drain. Let’s look at these signs and plan around them.
1. Slow Drainage
Do you notice the slow draining of water from your tub, toilet, or sink? If so, this could be a sign of a clogged drain. This particular hint also tells you at which specific point the clog extends to.
Is the kitchen sink suffering from this problem while the toilet still flushes fine? The clog may originate from the sink’s pipes. But if the slow drainage also affects the toilet, the clog might be somewhere far deeper. In this case, it’s in the sewer pipe.
The worst-case scenario leads to water overflowing and accumulating on the floor.
2. Water Backing up While Draining
Another sign would be the water backing up from the drain. This would be one of the most common signs alongside the slow water drainage as it lets you deduce the possible cause of the clog.
You will notice this in sinks and toilets. Toilets are more noticeable because you’ll spot notable gurgling sound and visible bubbling every time you flush.
The sounds clue you in whether there are objects obstructing the pipes. The gurgling may be from the obstructive objects in the pipes—thus forcing the water flow to go through smaller spaces.
3. Toilet Not Flushing
One of the worst-case scenarios and definitely an embarrassing one for some is to flush the toilet only for the water to rise back up. It might even overflow out of the bowl.
There are several factors and reasons behind this problem. The obstruction might have been from too much toilet paper flushed or a foreign object forced through the toilet.
When this occurs, stop the water flow from the tank and try to use a plunger. This could help in removing the clog and clearing the passageway. Otherwise, call for assistance.
4. Bad Odor
When you notice a stench emanating from the drains, there might be something wrong with the pipes. With clogged drains, the waste flushed through these pipes would start to accumulate and fester over time. This ends up with the smell of sewage coming from the drains.
When you notice this scent from your kitchen sink drain or the toilet, act immediately. You will also notice the scent within the room, which makes it hard to ignore.
Check your pipes right away and deal with the problem straight from the source. Some of these fumes are dangerous.
5. Flies and Plants
You might notice plant growth around the sewer line. This one may become a danger in itself due to its roots intruding with the pipe.
You might also notice puddles forming outside your home. These are likely due to the leaks from the encroached pipes. This is a sign that requires immediate attention.
Take notice of fruit flies or drain flies flying about. With a clogged drain, these insects take the opportunity to begin nesting in such areas.
The scent would attract these insects. It may prove dangerous when these discover your kitchen and food.
Make sure to take prompt action in getting rid of the clog.
Fixing the Clog Problem
We have laid out these signs. Now let us look at the possible ways you can address the issue and prevent further damage. The following actions would range from actions that you can take to calling for help.
Use a Plunger
One of the solutions you can attempt is to use a plunger to get rid of the clog. This way, you can force out the object with its suction capability.
First, put the plunger on the drain. Make sure there is water covering the plunger’s base. After which, start plunging until the clog gets forced out.
While using this method, make sure that you do not put excessive force on the pipes.
Eliminating Grease
One of the possible causes behind clogged drains in sinks would be grease. To address this, use a homemade drain cleaner to remove the grease from the pipes.
The mixture would comprise of the following items:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup table salt
- 1/4 cup of cream of tartar
Mix these items into a jar and then put a little bit of it into the drain. Afterward, follow it up with boiling water. This would work as a solution for regular sink maintenance.
Non-Toxic Drain Cleaners
The drain cleaner we mentioned earlier (baking soda, table salt, cream of tartar solution) works wonders in case you choose to not opt for chemicals. Other alternatives include baking soda mixed with a bit of lemon juice and vinegar with a bit of salt and borax.
These mixtures are optimal alternatives to chemical drain cleaners. While these chemical cleaners work well for such purpose, these can pose dangers to your plumbing.
Another option you can try is to use enzymatic drain cleaners to address the clogging problem. These can dissolve other objects that caused the clog, such as hair or food.
Call for Professional Assistance
If any of your attempts in fixing the clogging problem do not pay off, do not be afraid to call for professionals to help you. A plumber has both the tools and the skillset for such a task. When the problem seems beyond your ability, help is simply one call away.
Say Goodbye to a Clogged Drain Today
A clogged drain can create more problems when left alone. With these signs, you would know what to do and how you can solve them. But when it is beyond your capability, do not hesitate to call for help.
This is where we come in. We offer services such as plumbing, drain cleaning, heating, and air conditioning. Contact us today when it comes to these forms of problems, and we will be there to help you.
