How to Detect a Blocked Drain in Your Home or Business

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

Posted by Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney on 6 Sep 2024

A blocked drain can cause frustration and should be addressed immediately. 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 one of the most common signs 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

Gurgling noises coming from your pipes is another clear sign that you may have a blocked drain. 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

We’ve already covered the signs of a blocked drain, but let’s now look at what to do if yours is causing problems.

Use A Plunger To clear small blockages in your pipes, a plunger is a good choice.
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 is time to call a professional plumber. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to locate and effectively remove any blockages in 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 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.
Water backing up into other fixtures indicates that there might be an issue with your drainage system.
There are many solutions, starting with a plunger