How to Detect a Blocked Drain in Your Home or Business

Dealing with a blocked drain can be frustrating, and it’s always best to catch the problem early. We have compiled a list with signs to watch for when you are dealing with blocked drains.
Slow draining
If your sink or bathtub takes longer than normal to drain, you may have a blockage. This is the most obvious sign of a blocked drain. This could be due to hair, soap, grease, or other simple causes.
Foul Odors
Foul odors coming from drains can indicate that there’s a blockage somewhere in your pipes. This could be due to rotting food in your sink or organic matter in your bathroom’s drain.
Strange Noises
Gurgling noises coming from your pipes is another clear sign that you may have a blocked drain. These noises are usually heard when water is draining from sinks or toilets. These noises are often caused by trapped air trying to escape from the blockage.
Water Backing Up
A blocked drain is when water backs up in other fixtures, such as sinks or toilets, or when you use appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. Water backup can cause flooding if left untreated.
What To Do About A Blockage
Now that we’ve covered some of the signs of blocked drains let’s take a look at what you should do if you suspect there’s an issue with yours:
- Use A Plunger To clear small blockages in your pipes, a plunger is a good choice.
- Pour Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water down your drain can help break down soap scum and melt away any grease or fats.
- Try A Store-Bought Drain Cleaner: Be careful when using these as some can damage pipes over time. You can also make your own drain cleaner with baking soda and vinegar.
If none of these solutions work it is time to call a professional plumber. They’ll have the expertise and tools to find and remove any blockages from your pipes.
Conclusion
Blocked drains are frustrating and can cost you money. However, catching them early will help prevent future damage. By keeping an eye out for the signs we’ve discussed above, you’ll be able to quickly identify when you need to take action.
Key Takeaways
- Slow draining is a common sign of a blocked drain caused by a buildup of hair, soap or grease.
- Foul odors emanating from your drains could indicate blockage caused by organic matter stuck in your pipes.
- When water drains from toilets or sinks, you will hear gurgling sounds coming from your pipes. This could indicate trapped air trying to escape.
- If water is backing up in other fixtures, it could indicate a problem with your drainage system.
- There are many solutions, starting with a plunger
Additional Information
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumber Solutions and Tips
- When Should You Call A Professional To Clear Your Blocked Drain?
- Household Remedies for Unblock Blocked Drains
- The Do's and Don'ts of Keeping Your Drains Free from Blockages
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Pinpointing the Culprits of Drain Obstructions
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
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- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
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