How to Detect a Blocked Drain in Your Home or Business

A blocked drain can cause frustration and should be addressed immediately. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of signs to look out for when it comes to blocked drains.
Slow Draining
If your sink or bathtub takes longer than normal to drain, you may have a blockage. This is one of the most common signs of a blocked drain. This could be due to hair, soap, grease, or other simple causes.
Foul Odors
A blockage in your pipes can cause foul odors from your drains. The smell could be caused by anything from rotting food stuck in your kitchen sink to organic matter caught in your bathroom’s waste pipe.
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. They’re often caused by trapped air trying desperately to escape through 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. If left untreated, water backup can lead to further issues such as flooding.
What To Do About A Blockage
We’ve already covered the signs of a blocked drain, but let’s now look at what to do if yours is causing problems.
- 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 can be frustrating to deal with, but catching them early can save you money and prevent further damage. You’ll quickly be able to identify the signs that we have discussed and take appropriate action.
Key Takeaways
- Slow draining can be a sign of a blocked drain. This is usually caused by hair, soap, or grease.
- Foul odors emanating from your drains could indicate blockage caused by organic matter stuck in your pipes.
- Gurgling noises coming from your pipes are usually heard when water is draining from sinks or toilets – they may denote trapped air trying desperately to escape through the blockage.
- Water backing up into other fixtures indicates that there might be an issue with your drainage system.
- There are many solutions, starting with a plunger
Additional Information
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- Try these solutions to unclog your drain now