How to Detect a Blocked Drain in Your Home or Business

Name: Blocked Drain Melbourne
Brand: Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

Posted by Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers on 14 Sep 2024

Dealing with a blocked drain can be frustrating, and it’s always best to catch the problem early. We have compiled a list with signs to watch for when you are dealing with blocked drains.

Slow Draining

If your sink or bathtub takes longer than normal to drain, you may have a blockage. This is the most obvious sign of a blocked drain. It could be caused by something as simple as a buildup of hair, soap, or grease.

Foul Odors

Foul odors coming from drains can indicate that there’s a blockage somewhere in your pipes. The smell could be caused by anything from rotting food stuck in your kitchen sink to organic matter caught in your bathroom’s waste pipe.

Strange Noises

A blocked drain can also be identified by gurgling sounds coming from your pipes. These sounds are often heard when water drains from toilets and sinks. They’re often caused by trapped air trying desperately to escape through the blockage.

Water backing up

If water backs up into other fixtures like toilets or sinks when you’re using appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers, it’s very likely that you have a blocked drain. If left untreated, water backup can lead to further issues such as flooding.

What To Do About A Blockage

Now that we’ve covered some of the signs of blocked drains let’s take a look at what you should do if you suspect there’s an issue with yours:

Use A Plunger: A plunger can help dislodge any small blockages within your pipes.
Pour Boiling water: Pouring boiling hot water down the drain can break down soap scum, and help melt any grease or fats.
Try A Store-Bought Drain Cleaner: Be careful when using these as some can damage pipes over time. Alternatively, you can make your own homemade drain cleaner by mixing baking soda and vinegar.

If none of these solutions work, it’s time to call in a professional plumber. They’ll have the expertise and tools to find and remove any blockages from your pipes.

Conclusion

Blocked drains are frustrating and can cost you money. However, catching them early will help prevent future damage. You’ll quickly be able to identify the signs that we have discussed and take appropriate action.

Key Takeaways

Slow draining is a common sign of a blocked drain caused by a buildup of hair, soap or grease.
Your drains may be leaking foul odors that could be indicative of blockage due to organic matter trapped in them.
When water drains from toilets or sinks, you will hear gurgling sounds coming from your pipes. This could indicate trapped air trying to escape.
If water is backing up in other fixtures, it could indicate a problem with your drainage system.
There are many solutions, starting with a plunger