Top Signs to Look Out for to Identify a Clogged Drain

You can feel something a little off your water system and suspect you may have clogged drains. But you aren't sure because you don't know what kind of signs to look out for. If you want to learn more about identifying a clogged drain, just keep reading below.

If your drain is running slowly or water is backing up, it may be time to clear the drain. But how can you tell if your drain is clogged or if there's just a slow debris build-up? Here are some signs that it's time to clear your drain:

1. Water Backing Up into the Sink, Tub, or Shower

If you notice water starting to back up into your sink, tub, or shower, it's a sign that your drain is clogged. This can be a major inconvenience, as a clogged drain can prevent you from using your sink, tub, or shower and can even lead to flooding.

2. Slow Draining

If the water takes a long time to drain, it's another sign that your drain is clogged. Water should drain relatively quickly, so if it's taking a while, it means the drain is blocked.

3. Gurgling Sounds

If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your drain, the air is trapped in the drain. This can happen when there's a blockage in the drain. The gurgling sound is the air escaping.

4. Bad Smells

If your drain smells bad, it's a sign that there is a build-up of debris in the drain. The bad smell is the result of the bacteria that is growing in the drain.

What Causes a Clogged Drain?

Various things can cause clogged drains, ranging from hair and soap scum buildup to objects accidentally flushed down the drain.

One of the most common causes of clogged drains is hair. Hair can easily become tangled in the drain, causing a blockage. You can install a hair trap in your drain to prevent this from happening. This will catch any hair that goes down the drain and prevent it from causing a clog.

Soap scum can also be a major contributor to clogged drains. This is because soap scum can build up on the sides of the drain, eventually causing a blockage. To prevent this, you should use a drain cover or screen to catch any soap scum before it can build up.

Another common cause of clogged drains is objects that have been flushed down the toilet. While it may seem like a good idea at the time, flushing things like sanitary pads, diapers, or paper towels can cause major problems down the line. These objects can become lodged in the drain, causing a blockage. If you must flush something other than toilet paper, use a product designed for that purpose, such as flushable wipes.

Finally, one of the most common causes of clogged drains is grease, soap, and dirt buildup. Over time, these substances can build up on the sides of the drain, causing a blockage. To prevent this, you should regularly clean your drains with a mild cleaner.

Conclusion

As you can see, many different things can cause clogged drains. While some of these causes are more common than others, all of them can lead to serious problems if they are not taken care of quickly. If you think that your drains may be clogged, it is important to contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. A professional plumber can quickly and easily identify the problem and provide the best solution for your particular situation.

If you need a pipe clog removal service, you can hire us at Millennial Plumbing & Tankless. We have been a part of the plumbing industry in the USA for over 25 years, so you know you can rely on us for your plumbing needs. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services.