4 Signs That Your Home Has a Blocked Drain

A blocked drain in your house is a frustrating, unsanitary, and unhygienic mess. However, it's one of the most common household problems. It occurs when your drain is not moving water as fast as it should or not at all. Usually, it's a result of accumulated debris and scum, caused by solids that have found their way inside the drainage. Common causes of blocked drainage in a household include hair, leftover foods, and soap scum.

If you notice that you have a blocked drain, ensure that you call a plumber immediately to have it taken care of. Here are 4 warning signs that you have a blocked drain.

Slow Drainage

Whether it's your shower drain, sink, or tub, slow drainage is always a warning sign of a blocked drain. Most of the time, it's a result of accumulated scum and hair trapped in the drainage, causing it to drain very slowly if at all. One way of preventing it is by cleaning out your drainage on a regular basis. This will help you stay on top of the situation and prevent clogs from happening. 

If you're too late, however, call a plumber as soon as you notice the slow pace of draining before it escalates to a blocked drain. 

Smelly Drain

A drain that is constantly flowing shouldn't have a bad smell. If you notice that your drain has a bad odour, try running some water down the drain. If the smell does not clear up, know that your plumbing is facing a very serious problem. 

A smelly drain could be a result of rotting food particles blocking the drain. It could also be due to a rodent who died trying to access your home through the plumbing and failed. Either way, you need the services of a professional to clear it up. 

Water Backing Up When Draining

If every time you try to drain water you see more water backing up from the inside of the sink or toilet, then you definitely have a blocked drain. Water backing up when draining is clear a sign that there is an object obstructing your plumbing pipes. This could also result in a gurgling sound, which means that air is trapped inside your drains. 

Plants and Flies Around Your Plumbing

You might also notice puddles forming around your home, causing the unwanted visits of fruit flies or drain flies nesting in these areas. The bad odour from the blocked drain and the unsanitary water will definitely attract these insects. 

If you notice plants growing around your pipes, then you have probably had a blocked drain for a while. These are particularly dangerous since their roots will seriously interfere with the pipe. Ensure you take prompt action by calling a plumber to unblock the clogged drain.

If you've tried using a plunger to unblock the drain and failed, ensure you call a professional to fix the problem. In fact, due to your lack of experience with blocked drains, you could end up using too much force with the plunger and cause damage to the pipes.

For more information about blocked drains, contact a local plumber.