How to Detect a Blocked Drain in Your Home or Business

Name: Blocked Drain Sydney
Brand: Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

Posted by Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains on 25 Jul 2024

Dealing with a blocked drain can be frustrating, and it’s always best to catch the problem early. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of signs to look out for when it comes to blocked drains.

Slow Draining

Blockages can occur when your bathtub or sink drains slower than usual. 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

A blockage in your pipes can cause foul odors from your drains. 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. These noises are often caused by trapped air trying to escape from the blockage.

Water Backing Up

A blocked drain is when water backs up in other fixtures, such as sinks or toilets, or when you use appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. 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 To clear small blockages in your pipes, a plunger is a good choice.
Pour Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water down your drain can help break down soap scum and melt away any grease or fats.
Use a store-bought Drain cleaner. These can cause damage to 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 is time to call 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. By keeping an eye out for the signs we’ve discussed above, you’ll be able to quickly identify when you need to take action.

Key Takeaways

Slow draining can be a sign of a blocked drain. This is usually caused by hair, soap, or grease.
Your drains may be leaking foul odors that could be indicative of blockage due to organic matter trapped in them.
Gurgling noises coming from your pipes are usually heard when water is draining from sinks or toilets – they may denote trapped air trying desperately to escape through the blockage.
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