We all take our household drains for granted. But like other parts of our homes, drains and plumbing systems do need maintenance from time to time.
Regular drain cleaning and maintenance is essential to keeping your drains clean, clear and unclogged.
If you’re not sure whether you need to buy some drain cleaner or call in drain service professionals to take a look, read on.
We’ve put together some warning signs of potential drain problems to look out for. So if you spot any of these in your home, it could be time to take action.
1. Slow-Draining Water
Is the water in the sink or bath draining away more slowly than usual? Has it always been slow, but it’s been getting worse? This is a likely sign of a blockage, and it’ll only get worse if you leave it.
Hair, grease, food and other debris can all clog up your drains and stop the water from draining away as it should.
2. Unusual Gurgling Noises
Loud gurgling noises coming from the plug hole when water is draining away could be a sign that there’s an obstruction in the pipe. The water can’t drain freely away, and is making a noise as it squeezes through the gaps.
Some noises are normal when water is draining away. But if you notice a change or the noise is particularly bad, you might need to get an expert in to take a look.
3. Unpleasant Odours
You can’t necessarily see a blockage in a drainage pipe, but sometimes you can smell it. An unpleasant consequence of a clogged drain is an increase in odours, particularly in kitchen sinks when decomposing food debris is the source of the blockage.
You may be able to clear this kind of blockage yourself, using either drain cleaner or natural solutions (such as baking soda and vinegar) along with a plunger and some elbow grease.
But if you can’t find the source of the smell or it gets worse, you might need a CCTV drain survey. This involves sending a specially designed camera down the drain to find the blockage.
4. High Water Levels in the Toilet
Changes to water levels in the toilet can be an indication of a potential problem. A common issue is water levels rising very high when the toilet is flushed, before taking a long time to drain away. This can be rather alarming, and needs investigation before it gets worse.
5. Backed-Up Wastewater
In severe cases, you may see wastewater coming back up through your sink plugholes and toilets. This can be seriously worrying, as well as unpleasant to live with.
If this happens frequently in your house, it’s a definite sign that something is wrong in your drains and that you need urgent assistance from a specialist.
6. You Can’t Remember the Last Time You Had a Drainage Service
If you can’t recall the last time your drains were serviced or even inspected, take this as a sign that it’s time to get it sorted.
The same goes if you’ve just moved into an older property. If you can’t find any records showing the last time the drains were inspected or maintained, it makes sense as the new owner to get it done. If nothing else, it’ll give you peace of mind that everything is in good working order.
Drain maintenance is easy to forget about in the hubbub of everyday life, but it is really important. It could save you from costly plumbing emergencies in the future, and keep your home and its drainage system running as it should.
