If you had one question to ask a professional plumber, what would it be? There are several questions you could ask, but perhaps the most useful question is regarding plumbing drain repair. Most homeowners don’t realize how frequently drain clogs cause issues. By asking a plumber about the most common signs of a clogged drain, you can educate yourself.
When it comes to plumbing issues, prevention and fast action is key. You can save yourself from a significant repair bill by knowing when you might have a clog and calling a plumber ASAP.
Signs of a Clogged Drain
Some signs of a clogged drain are subtle, while others are obvious. If you experience any of the following, you could have a clog in your system:
Foul Smell
You probably know the smell of your home pretty well. In fact, it’s likely that you’ll notice an unusual smell immediately. Instead of ignoring that smell, stop to think where it may be coming from.
If the odor comes from your sink or bathtub, you could have a clog in your drain or pipe. A clog in your sink could trap water and collect bacteria. The smell of the bacteria may be a foul odor, and the only way to eliminate it is to get rid of the clog.
From the smell alone, it’s impossible to tell where the blockage is located. It could be somewhere close to the drain or much further down the line. In any case, you may want to work with someone for plumbing drain cleaning services. They can check your plumbing for clogs and remove them.
Bubbling Toilet or Sink
Another sign of a clogged pipe is a bubbling toilet or sink. If you hear any bubbling noises coming from your bathroom, you could have a clog in your system.
Water is Slow to Drain
Do you need to wait minutes for the water to clear from your bathtub after a shower? If so, the slow draining water is more than an inconvenience. It’s a sign that there’s a clog in your system and that it’s time to call for plumbing drain cleaning services.
Because this issue doesn’t seem to pose an immediate threat, most homeowners don’t do anything about it. Eventually, the water drains and all seems well. Unfortunately, putting off this repair is a mistake. The water is slow to drain because there’s some type of blockage in your pipes. Over time, the blockage will accumulate more debris and completely block your pipes. By that time, you could be in need of emergency plumbing services.
Toilet Won’t Flush
While some signs of a clogged drain don’t pose much of an immediate problem, others leave you unable to use your bathroom. For instance, a toilet that won’t flush is an issue you can’t live with. Being unable to flush your toilet means you can’t use your toilet.
If your toilet won’t flush, there’s usually a foreign object in your toilet. Toilet paper or a children’s toy could be blocking the flow of water. Even if you can’t see the object, it could be just beyond your vision. The clog could cause significant damage to your bathroom.
You could try to use a plunger to fix the toilet clog. However, plungers are only effective on small clogs that are close to the toilet. In the event that your clog is large or further down the line, you will need to call a plumber for professional assistance.
Puddles in Your Yard
After a rainy day, you probably won’t be surprised to see a puddle in your yard. But the rain isn’t the only cause of a puddle. If you have a block in your sewer line, there could be a leak that causes water to leach out into your yard.
Unfortunately, a clog in your sewer or water line is no easy fix. If you have roots growing through your sewer line, an immediate repair is necessary. In addition to being inconvenient, the clog could be allowing toxic waste into your yard.
Can You Prevent Clogs?
Another great question to ask a plumber is regarding clog prevention. While there is no guaranteed way to keep clogs from forming, there are a few things you can do to limit clogs. All of the following may save you from needing to call the plumber:
Be Cautious with Your Drains
If you’re not careful about what goes down your drains, you’ll experience frequent clogs. Use a strainer to prevent food and other debris from going down your pipes. In the bathroom, do your best to limit the hair that goes down your sinks and tubs.
Your garbage disposal also isn’t a catch-all. If you place vegetable and fruit skins and eggshells down your disposal, you could develop a blockage.
Treat Your Toilet with Care
Toilet paper should be the only thing that goes down your toilet bowl, along with human waste. Despite your efforts, some members of your household could be putting baby wipes and other materials in your toilet. Even if they’re marked as safe for toilets, they’re not. Eventually, a toilet clog will cause your bathroom to be out of commission.
Call for Drain Cleaning
Your plumbing needs regular maintenance, and that maintenance should include drain cleaning. Although you don’t need drain cleanings frequently, you should make an effort to clean them at least once a year. Don’t try to take matters into your own hands and rely on an expert for your plumbing drain cleaning services. This will clear out small clogs and debris, which decreases your chances of experiencing larger blockages. With a little maintenance, you can save significant money on repairs.
Who to Call for Plumbing Drain Repair
The biggest mistake you can make is to wait too long to call for professional assistance. Most DIY fixes won’t remove stubborn clogs. As soon as you suspect a clog in your system, you should call for professional plumbing drain repair. If you’re ready to take action, call us now at Combat Plumbing
