Clogged drains can be a frustrating and messy problem that many homeowners, unfortunately, have to deal with at some point. A slow-draining sink or bathtub can disrupt your daily routine and lead to some really nasty odors. Clogged drains can also cause potential damage to your plumbing system if you don’t address this issue immediately.
In today’s blog post, we will explore how to detect clogged drains, offer some DIY drain unclogging solutions, and discuss when it’s time to call a professional plumber. As always, Legendess Plumbing is here to help, so don’t hesitate to give them a call if you have any questions or concerns about clogged drains or any other type of plumbing issue.
Detecting Clogged Drains
One of the most common signs of a clogged drain is a slow-draining sink or bathtub. If you notice that water is taking longer than usual to disappear down the drain, it’s a clear indication that something is obstructing the pipe. Pay attention to this early warning sign to prevent more severe clogs from developing. What are some other early signs of a clogged drain, you might ask? Let’s take a look below!
Strange Noises
Another clear sign of a clogged drain is gurgling or bubbling noises coming from the drain. These sounds occur as air gets trapped in the pipe due to the blockage. If you hear unusual noises when using your sink, bathtub, or toilet, it’s time to investigate the issue.
Nasty Odors
Clogged drains can also lead to foul odors coming from your sink or bathtub. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true! The trapped debris and stagnant water in the pipes can create an environment for bacteria and mold growth, which is what causes these unpleasant smells. If you notice bad odors, you shouldn’t ignore them, as they can be a sign of a more severe clog.
Water Backups
Have you been noticing a lot of water backing up in your shower or toilet? This is a telltale sign that your drain is clogged. Water backups, needless to say, can really affect your quality of life. If you notice this issue happening in your home, you should call a professional plumbing service as soon as possible.
DIY Drain Unclogging Methods
Before calling in a professional plumber, you may want to try some DIY methods to clear out your clogged drain. These techniques can be surprisingly effective for minor clogs and are generally pretty cost-effective. Of course, if you’re dealing with a severe clog, these DIY methods won’t work all that well. It just depends on the severity of the issue and your own ability to use these methods. Use your best judgment!
Use a Plunger
You’ve probably used a plunger to fix a clogged toilet or sink before. If you haven’t, though, it’s quite simple. Just create a tight seal around the drain and plunge up and down vigorously to dislodge the blockage. Remember to cover any overflow sources when plunging a sink or bathtub drain.
Use Boiling Water (Unless You Have PVC Pipes)
For grease or soap scum clogs, boiling water can be surprisingly effective. Carefully pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to melt and flush away the obstruction. Be cautious not to use boiling water on PVC pipes, though, since it can damage them.
Use a Snake or Drain Auger
This can be a little bit tricky to do on your own, but you may just be able to deal with a minor clog by using a snake or drain auger. Simply insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle clockwise to break up and remove the blockage. This can get a little messy, so don’t forget to wear gloves while using this tool!
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Sometimes, your clogs will be too severe for you to deal with on your own, and that’s okay! Calling a plumber is a great way to ensure that the issue is being dealt with properly, anyway. Here are some signs that you should put down the snake or drain auger and call a professional in right away.
Persistent Clogs
If your attempts to unclog the drain using DIY methods have been unsuccessful, it’s time to call Legendess Plumbing. Persistent clogs may indicate a more severe blockage deeper within the plumbing system which will require specialized equipment to remove.
Slow Drainage Despite Regular Maintenance
If you have been regularly maintaining your drains but are still experiencing slow drainage or recurrent clogs, you should probably get your drains inspected by a professional. Slow drainage despite taking good care of your drains could be a sign of underlying issues that require expert attention.
DIY Methods Are Making Things Worse
This happens to the best of us. Attempting DIY drain unclogging methods without the proper knowledge or tools can sometimes lead to damage to your plumbing system. If you suspect that your DIY efforts have caused harm or made the problem worse, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
Unpleasant Odors
We can’t stress this enough! If you notice any unpleasant odors, it’s basically a sign that your drain system is a ticking time bomb. Bad odors also tend to be indicative of more severe problems, such as a sewer line blockage or damaged pipes. Thankfully, a professional plumbing service, like Legendess Plumbing, should easily be able to inspect your plumbing system and provide a solution.
Multiple Clogs
When multiple fixtures in your home (i.e. your sinks, toilets, bathtubs, or showers) are experiencing drainage issues simultaneously, it could be a sign of a larger plumbing problem. A professional plumber will be able to diagnose and address these complex issues effectively, so don’t hesitate to call Legendess Plumbing as soon as you notice multiple clogs happening around your home.
Final Thoughts
Clogged drains are never fun to deal with, and you can’t always solve this issue using DIY methods. That’s okay, though, because Legendess Plumbing is here to help! Feel free to give them a call any time to schedule a consultation.