If your drains are emptying slowly or if you have tried a DIY drain cleaner and the problem recurs, it’s time to call for professional clogged drain repair. Clogged drains are caused by foreign materials that slowly build up inside your home’s plumbing pipes and sewage system.
Recognizing these warning signs will help you avoid a plumbing emergency before it damages your home.
Slow Drains
A slow drain is an obvious sign that you must call a plumber immediately. It takes far longer than it should for wastewater to move through a slow drain, and the longer you wait to fix the problem, the more serious it will become.
A slow drain often results from soap scum, thick shaving foam, hair, or food that builds up on the pipe’s walls. This can cause a partial clog and make it harder for water to move through the system. A professional plumber of clogged drain repair in New Braunfels, TX, will remove the build-up and clean the pipes so that they work better and less slowly.
All of the plumbing fixtures in your home are connected to a mainline that carries wastewater out to the sewer treatment plant. When the lines work correctly, the water flows down the drains and away from the house relatively quickly and uninterruptedly. But problems in one or more drains can affect the whole system.
A plumber usually uses a high-powered drain hydro jet to clear these blockages. This is a highly effective way to remove even the most stubborn clogs, but it should only be used by professionals who know how to operate this equipment without risking damage to your pipes. They can also repair any leaking or broken drain lines and alert you to potential issues with your home’s plumbing that need immediate attention.
Pooling Water
If you notice water pooling in your sink, tub, or shower drains, it indicates that the clog extends beyond the individual fixture. The clog may be in the main sewer line, which is responsible for sending all of your waste to the sewer or septic system. If this line gets clogged, wastewater has nowhere to go and is forced back up through other drain lines. Sometimes, a clogged main line can even cause toilets to overflow.
Pooling water is typically dark in color and smells rotten or musty. It can also contain raw sewage, which is dangerous and unpleasant to come into contact with. The best way to avoid this is to have a professional inspect your drains and the main sewer line.
Although it’s normal for some drains to clog occasionally, it shouldn’t happen regularly. If you find yourself unclogging your sink or plunger frequently, it’s a sign that a more significant problem needs to be addressed immediately. A plumber can use a high-powered drain auger to clear the clog and restore your plumbing. If you’re having trouble with multiple drains, consider shutting off the water to your entire home so you can get the help you need faster. This is an essential step in preventing more costly repairs down the road.
Foul Smells
One of the first signs that your drains are clogged is a foul smell. The accumulated food waste, hair products, soap, and other debris in your pipes provide a breeding ground for bacteria that produce bad odors. The resulting gas is called hydrogen sulfide and can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory issues in people who are sensitive to it.
Over time, the clog may become more extensive, preventing air or water from passing through the pipes. This forces the water inside to decompose, which creates more odor. The odor may be so strong you can smell it in other parts of your home.
A clogged drain can also become a trap for musty mold and mildew, which can be hazardous to your health. The fungi grow in dark, moist environments and cause various medical problems, including breathing issues. Regular drain cleaning is the best way to avoid these unhealthy growths in your plumbing system.
If you can recognize the warning signs of a clogged drain, you’ll be able to get it repaired promptly and before it becomes severe. That will save you money on unnecessary repairs and ensure your plumbing system functions at its best. So, clean your drains before you see a pool of water or hear gurgling sounds.
Gurgling Sounds
If gurgling sounds begin coming from your sinks, tubs, or showers, you could have a full-blown clog that needs professional attention. These sounds occur when gas bubbles build up in your plumbing pipes due to a blockage in the line. This is often caused by food waste, soap scum, or other organic materials blocking the pipe. This also causes a foul odor that is difficult to get rid of.
If you hear gurgling sounds from one particular fixture, it is more likely that the problem lies with just that drain. A P-trap — a bent section of pipe installed under kitchen sinks, showers, and bathtubs — may be the culprit, or it could be a more significant issue affecting the entire sewer line.
It’s important to know what gurgling sounds mean, based on where they are heard, to understand how serious the issue is and when it’s time to call for help. If you notice these signs, seeking professional clogged drain repair is essential, as the longer you wait, the more damage your pipes may suffer. Professional clog cleaners have the tools and experience to quickly clear even the most stubborn drain clogs.
