Many signs can start popping up when your drain is clogged, from pungent odors to gurgling sounds. Knowing how to detect a clogged drain can help avoid water damage and more serious plumbing issues. At Snowbird Heating & Cooling, we have years of experience clearing up drain clogs. Here are some of the signs that you might need drain cleaning services.
1. Standing Water
Standing water in your bathtub or sink is one of the clearest signs associated with a clogged drain. If nearly the entire circumference of a drainpipe is blocked, you might even notice standing water in your washing machine or dishwasher. You can prevent this issue by requesting drain cleaning services regularly.
2. Flushing Problems
When you flush a toilet in your home, the water flow should be unobstructed. If the drainpipe is free from debris, the flushing process should be completed without issue. However, a few problems can impact your toilet and the flushing mechanism.
For example, your pipes may be clogged if you need to flush multiple times to remove waste. In this scenario, you may regularly experience toilet overflows. When your toilet overflows, your home could sustain water damage, and harmful bacteria can also enter your indoor air.
3. Sediment and Debris in Water
If your water is discolored, you may have a clog in your home’s plumbing system. This issue can be caused by rust, corrosion, or air in the pipes. For example, an excess of air can cause milky white or cloudy water. If the metal surfaces in your pipes are rusting, the water that flows out may be brown or yellow.
4. Air Bubbles or Gurgling Noises
If you’re hearing strange sounds from your sink, position your ear near the drain immediately after switching off the water. Do you hear any gurgling sounds? You may also notice air bubbles in your toilet when you turn the faucet on. These issues indicate that you have a clog in your drain. Water may also be leaking into the nearby soil. Severe clogs can lead to cracked pipes.
5. Sewage or Musty Smells
Sewage typically has a strong and pervasive odor that may hit you immediately when you walk into your home. While the smell might initially overwhelm your senses, try to find the source. If it’s coming from your sink, the problem may be caused by a dried P-trap, a fitting designed to stop sewer gas from getting into your home. You can implement a temporary fix by running some water. If the stench persists, one of the pipes in your plumbing system may be disconnected.
You should also look for a moldy and musty smell from your bathtub or sink. Mold requires moisture to grow and spread. If you have stagnant water in your home, mold may begin to spread around your drains. You may encounter this problem when your drain becomes clogged with grease, hair, or other obstructions.
6. Staining Near Drains
If you suspect a clog, visually inspect your drains for brownish stains. These stains are caused by dirty water that leaves behind residue. If you notice these stains, you likely have a clogged drain. When the stains impact your sink or bathtub, requesting cleaning services is a good idea to avoid a more serious plumbing issue.
7. Slow Draining
Whenever you wash your dishes or clean your hands, pay attention to how quickly the water drains. When your plumbing system is free from obstructions, the water should instantly flow from the faucet and into the drain. A pipe is likely clogged if the water pools up and takes a few moments to drain. If you don’t tend to this issue quickly, you may eventually find standing water in your sink.
Snowbird Heating & Cooling We Can Help Clear Your Clogged Drain
When you find a clogged drain in your home, our plumbers at Snowbird Heating & Cooling can resolve the issue swiftly and effectively. We can clear up even the most stubborn clogs before they cause water damage. Call our plumbers if you require sump pump services, drain repair, or leak detection. We also provide Auburndale residents with heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. Call us today to learn more about our plumbing services.
