It may take some time for a blockage to form and become fully visible, but once an issue has begun to take its toll, it will be clear quite fast.
By being familiar with the signs and symptoms of a clogged drain, you will be able to act promptly and resolve the issue as soon as possible with help of a blocked drain plumber.
The Attractions
If your toilet, shower, bath, or sinks are draining slowly, this is one of the most evident symptoms that a drain is clogged. If the obstruction is especially severe, water may not drain at all.
If only one fixture is clogged, the obstruction is most likely in a pipe related to that specific appliance; however, if all of them are clogged, the blockage is most likely in the sewer drain.
The toilet can be useful in determining the degree of the problem – if flushing the toilet causes water to rise in the shower or running taps causes water to rise in the toilet, the problem is most likely a clogged drain.
This also applies if any water-based appliances are causing water to appear elsewhere when used, so don’t forget to check your property’s external drains and manhole covers for signs of rising water – but only from the outside, as entering manholes is extremely dangerous due to the risk of hazardous gases and bacteria.
The Aromas
Foul odours are a dead giveaway for a clogged drain and can be one of the most evident symptoms of an underlying problem — if anything has stopped the drain and began to decay, you will undoubtedly be aware of it.
Because the foul smell may appear before any visible signs, it’s critical not to disregard any strange odours in the home that can’t be easily detected.
The Noises
Finally, if your pipes and fixtures are making unusual noises, this might be an indicator of a blockage. Gurgling sounds from drains, plug holes, toilet flushes, and pipes are early warning indicators; these sounds are produced as air trapped in the pipes by the obstruction is dislodged and pushed up through the system.
What Will Be The Next Step?
Any of the symptoms described above is cause for alarm on its own, but if you see two – or even all three – of them, it’s time to take action.
The first step is to ascertain who is responsible for dealing with the situation. As a general rule, you are only liable for the components of the system that are located inside your home’s limits and are entirely used by your home. If a blockage occurs within your property’s system, you must deal with it; however, if only a portion of the system is within your home’s limits and the remainder is shared with neighbouring properties, the local water and sewage business is liable.
With this in mind, your next move should be obvious. If the blockage is off-site, it’s simply a matter of reporting it to the appropriate utility company and waiting for them to fix it; on the other hand, if you carefully inspect under your drain cover and discover evidence that the problem is within your jurisdiction, you should take direct action.
