How do you know when it’s time for a drain cleaning? One surefire way is to wait until several drains are clogged and it becomes impossible to not do something about it. Of course, that’s not the ideal way to deal with anything. When you’re in that kind of situation, desperation could drive you to a late night of Googling drain unclogging remedies, some of which can be harmful to your pipes.
Instead, stay diligent and look out for some of the signs you need drain cleaning. We’ll list a few down below.
Sinks and Tubs are Backing Up
The first and most obvious sign of a much-needed drain cleaning is when your sinks or bathtubs back up. At first, it might begin with them draining much slower than usual. This is the point where you should find time to schedule a plumber.
One sink or tub with problems is a sign that the fixture’s drain pipe is clogged. Unclogging a simple drain pipe is an easy job for a plumber in Snellville, GA. However, if multiple sinks or tubs are backing up at the same time, it’s possible that your sewer line is the real problem. For more details on this, check out our guide on signs you may have an emergency problem with your sewer line.
Another indicator of sewer line trouble is unusual gurgling noises coming from your drains. This often happens when air is trapped in the plumbing system due to a blockage, causing water to push through with a distinct bubbling sound. If you hear this noise frequently, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection.
Another sign of sewer line trouble is the appearance of gurgling noises when water drains. This often indicates trapped air in the pipes due to a blockage. If left unaddressed, the problem could escalate into a complete sewer backup.
Aside from the usual substance clogs, a sewer line has the unique possibility of being clogged by tree roots. Regardless, sewer lines are essential to your home’s functioning, so they need to be inspected immediately.
Foul Odors
Most people can tolerate a slowly draining sink or tub. In fact, people usually do for several weeks before ever calling in a plumber. But for actual foul, sewage-like smells, we would advise you to pick up the phone much quicker.
Some types of clogs and sewer line issues can create a foul odor that then rises into the home itself. Foul odors aren’t always caused by clogs, however, but they do indicate something has gone terribly wrong with your sewer line. Ignoring this sign is a big mistake. To learn more about handling these situations, see our post on the dos and don’ts of a drain clog.
Previous Leaks Treated With Drain Cleaners
Have you encountered some minor clogs or drain issues in the past, but then promptly dealt with them by using a drain cleaner solution? We hate to be the ones to tell you, but this is one of the worst things you could have done. Although these drain cleaning solutions are touted as the cure-all for drain problems, the reality is that they’ll slowly corrode your drains.
Not only that, but you can be certain that the clogs haven’t been thoroughly dealt with. These solutions act to eat away the bulk of the clog so that water can flow freely again, but this isn’t what we’d call “drain cleaning.” Actual drain cleaning uses a method like hydro-jetting to blast hot, highly pressurized water through the pipes. For tips on keeping your drains clear, check out our advice on preventing kitchen drain clogs. This will take care of any buildup—newly forming or still lingering—while taking care of most kinds of clogs.
Additionally, frequent slow drains in multiple areas of your home may signal a more widespread issue within your plumbing system. Even if temporary solutions seem to work, recurring drainage problems often point to a buildup that requires professional intervention to fully resolve.
Similarly, recurring clogs in the same drains suggest that the issue isn’t fully resolved. Even if water flows temporarily, underlying buildup continues to accumulate, leading to more frequent blockages. Professional drain cleaning ensures a thorough solution, preventing future disruptions.
