How Do I Know If My Drains Are Blocked?

Overflowing toilet bowls or sinks that do not empty are the worst nightmares of all homeowners. Usually, it is blocked drains that cause these problems and become a reason to call for emergency plumbing services. Clogged drains give some early warning signs, and it is best to recognize them before the problem gets worse and becomes a disaster. If you are aware of the common early signs you can get professional help at the right time and solve the issue before the problem becomes more serious.

Some of the most common signs of blocked drains are:

1. Slow drainage: If you see slow drainage in your bathtub, sink or shower area it is most probably because of a clog in the drain. When the drain is working perfectly fine and is healthy the water goes into the drain quickly but when items like food scrap or hair enter the drain, they lead to a blockage.
2. Gurgling or noisy drains:  When the water struggles to get drained you may witness a gurgling noise. This is a quite common sign of a problem in the drains.
3. Water level in toilet bowl: When there is a blockage in the drain, the water level in the toilet bowl becomes unusually low. When you flush the toilet, the water will rise and then slowly drain.
4. Foul smell: When there is a clog in the drain, the items causing the clog start to decompose over time and these along with the stagnant water causes a foul smell in the affected drains, bathtubs, toilets and sinks.

The blockage takes time to build up and become apparent, but once the drain is clogged you will very soon see the obvious signs. If you are aware of these early signs of problems in the drain you will be able to act at the right time and fix the problem soon. The sight, smell, and sound aspects of drains are particularly important to recognize clog in the drains.

What to do next?

If you see any of the above signs in your drains it is an alarm to quickly tackle the issue. The first step is to understand who is responsible to deal with the issue. All parts and systems that are within the boundary of your home and are used solely in your home are your responsibility. If the system or parts are common and used by many houses in the neighborhood then the local water company will take care of them. With this you will know your next action, if the blockage is off-site then you just need to report to the relevant company.

On the other hand, if see evidence of clogs within your boundary you should call for professional plumbing services. If the item causing the blockage is visible you can attempt removing it on your own, however, if the clog is deep into the drain you must call for an expert. If you need help with a clogged drain you can reach out to us at Platinum Plumbing on 0741552828.