Top Signs To Look Out For When Your Drain Is Clogged

Top Signs to Look Out for When Your Drain Is Clogged
Clogged drains are a common household problem that can quickly turn into a major plumbing issue. Thankfully, there are ways to address clogged drains that are relatively simple and cost-effective.

Clogged drains are caused by various factors, such as hair, food particles, and soap scum. These blockages can cause water to back up in the sink, tub, or shower, creating an unpleasant smell.

If you think your drain might be blocked, keep an eye out for some potential indications. They include the following:

Slow Drainage
If you notice water pooling around the sink when you wash your hands or brush your teeth, it’s probably a sign that your drain is clogged. Soap bubbles can collect around the stopper and leave an unpleasant layer that can be difficult to remove. This is not only irritating but can be a sign of a bigger plumbing issue.

If only one sink is draining slowly, it is likely due to a clog that is relatively close to the surface. You may be able to clear the blockage yourself without too much trouble. On the other hand, if multiple sinks start draining slowly simultaneously, the blockage is probably further down in the sewer line; this is much more difficult to access. Years of residue and corrosion can often cause clogs much deeper than you may expect, and for those scenarios, it is best to call a plumbing professional.

Murky Water Backup
Have you ever been horrified to find murky water coming out of your tub? If your kitchen sink and dishwasher are both running and the sink starts to back up, try using the garbage disposal to clear any food particles from the shared drain.

If your plumbing isn’t working properly, it could be a sign of a serious problem. If you don’t take action, your family could be exposed to hazardous sewage, or the fixtures could overflow and cause much damage. It is important to seek help right away.

Stinky Sewage Smell
When you enter your house, you want to be welcomed by a pleasant smell. If, however, you are hit with an unpleasant smell of sewage, you should try to find out what is causing it and take steps to get rid of it as soon as possible.

If the smell comes from a sink that hasn’t been used in a while, try running some water through it. This could be due to the P-trap having dried out, so this would be an easy fix. However, if the odor is still present, there may be a disconnected pipe that needs to be addressed right away.

Mold Growth
A musty, moldy smell from your sink or bathtub could signify a problem. This kind of smell is usually caused by stagnant water, bacteria, and organic materials such as hair, soap scum, and grease that build up in the drain and create the perfect environment for mold to grow. To get rid of the smell and prevent it from coming back, you need to get a professional plumber to clean the drain and remove any obstructions.

Conclusion
Addressing clogged drains can be a tricky process that many people are not prepared to handle on their own. If you are unable to unclog the drain yourself, it is crucial to contact a professional plumbing service for help. Professional plumbers are trained and experienced in identifying the source of the problem and providing a safe and effective solution to clear the drain and restore it to proper working order.

Clogged drains are a common issue every homeowner will eventually have to deal with at some point. If you really think about it, our drains and plumbing systems take on a lot in a given week. From hair build-up, debris, and other elements, our drains can easily become clogged if they aren’t properly cleaned.

Here are a few warning signs to look out for if you think one of your drains is clogged:

STRANGE ODORS
Some drains may have a specific scent when you wash something down them, but a foul odor coming from your drain is not something you want to ignore. If there’s food that is stuck in your drain, bacteria can build up, causing a very distinct smell. In severe cases, a rodent could have tried to crawl through your pipes and may have gotten stuck. Either way, foul smells in your drains are not supposed to be ignored. Our team at J&M Plumbing & Drain Cleaning will come to your home and assess the situation with a proper drain cleaning.

WATER IS DRAINING SLOWLY
Slow-draining water is often harmless and can be easily fixed. This is common, especially in showers, due to soap scum and hair build-up in the drain. If you notice the water in your shower or bathtub is draining slowly, there might be a minor clog. While you can try using Draino or snaking your drain at home, you can also contact our team at J&M Plumbing & Drain Cleaning to come out and remove the clog if you are unable to fully clear it.

GURGLING NOISES
If there are noticeably loud gurgling sounds coming from your drain, there could be air trapped in your plumbing system due to an obstruction. Keep an ear out for strange gurgling noises because they cannot go unaddressed.

WATER BACKING UP
If you notice that water is backing up into your tub, shower, or sink, especially after flushing the toilet, you’re likely dealing with a clog in your sewer line. This can be caused by material buildup but is also a common sign that tree roots have broken into and blocked off your pipes.

SUDDEN GREEN SPOTS ON YOUR LAWN
If you notice especially green patches on your lawn or other areas of sudden irregularity, there’s a good chance that one of your external pipes has failed. Other signs of this include spots of increased dampness or strange odors from drain entrances.

DEBRIS COMING FROM YOUR TAPS
If you notice any grime or gunk coming out of your taps, especially when you first turn it on, there’s a good chance you have a severe clog somewhere in your pipes.

Water stains in the basement
If you see water stains in the basement, this can be due to poor drainage of surface water outside or an issue with water traveling underground. If you have water stains on your ceiling or walls, it’s not likely a drainage issue, but a leaky roof, leaky pipes or sweating pipes.

What are the causes of these issues?
The signs above are indicators that you have drainage issues, but what are the causes of these tell-tale signs? The main culprit is usually a clogged drain. Clogs can occur in the main sewer line or one of the secondary lines. The secondary lines connect to the main sewer line, and if these pipes are clogged then you will only have an isolated problem with the fixture connected to that line. But if your main sewer line is clogged then you’ll have issues with multiple plumbing fixtures. Clogged drains can be due to food, hair, flushed objects and even plant or tree roots.

Another cause can be the poor setup of your drainage system in your yard. This should be designed in a way that the water drains away from the foundation of your home and doesn’t pool in your yard.

Fix it yourself or call in the professionals?
There are numbers of plumbing issues you can solve yourself before calling in for a plumber. You can unblock drains with a number of home remedies or drain cleaners, but for bigger drainage problems, you’ll need the help of plumbing professionals.

Call My Georgia Plumber at (770)592-0081, to schedule any services or visit our Website at www.MyGeorgiaPlumber.com