Blocked Drains: Early Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Blocked drains don't form in one day. A blockage builds up slowly over time until it becomes unbearable. At this stage, the situation can be so bad to the point of raw sewage running out of the manhole. However, a clogged drain will show you some signs long before the situation gets messy. Here are four early warning signs of a blocked drain:

An Unpleasant Smell Coming From the Sinks

A foul smell in your sinks is a sure-fire sign of a clogged drain. Wastewater from your kitchen and bathroom sinks carries organic particles such as soap scum, hair and food debris. When these materials get trapped in the drainage pipes, they may start to decompose. This process, coupled with the stagnant wastewater in the drain, produces an unpleasant smell that leaks back into the sinks in your house. 

Slowly Draining Water in Basins and Sinks

There is nothing as irritating as a slow drain. It might even get in the way of your busy schedule. Slow drainage is an obvious indication or sign of an obstruction down the drain. Your kitchen sink is the easiest target when it comes to slow drainage due to food particles and other kitchen refuse that go through the sink. Ignoring a slow drain can worsen the problem. It is vital to take immediate action when you suspect a problem. Call in a licenced plumber to clean and unclog the drain. 

Sewage Seeping Out Of the Outdoor Drain 

If wastewater is coming out of the drain, then you might be dealing with a blockage. Debris build-ups prevent wastewater from flowing freely through the drainage pipes. This water can flow back through the pipes into the house or find outlets in the drain. You should seek help instantly from a competent plumber when you notice streams of sewage coming from the drain. This waste is hazardous, and it can jeopardize your health. 

Unusual Sounds in the Drainage Pipes

If you start to hear unusual noises in the pipes, there is a possibility of a clogged drain. Usually, the noise is produced when pipes shake or rattle as water struggles to pass an obstruction. If the blockage is in the main drainage pipe, noises will be heard in multiple showers and sinks in your home. On the other hand, gurgling noises in a given fixture is a sign of a local blockage. Whatever the case, you need to unblock the pipes before the situation escalates. 

Blocked drains are inevitable, especially if you use your kitchen and bathroom regularly. As a property owner, you need to watch out for the early signs of a clogged drain to avoid serious sewage overflow situations. Once you identify any of the above signs, you should hire companies like The Plumbing Doctor and let them handle it.