5 Signs You Need a Blocked Drain Plumber—Before It Becomes an Emergency
A blocked drain may seem like a simple problem but it is one that can quickly snowball into a huge (and very costly) issue when it's not rectified early. This is why it is crucial to know the early warning signs of severe blockages that will need attention from an emergency professional plumber.
In this article, we'll cover the tell-tale signs of a drain blockage and what you need to do if you spot one in your home.
Causes Of Pipe Blockages
There could be any number of issues causing a blockage. Each of them requires a different method to resolve, which is why it is vital to get a professional plumber in to rectify the issue. Some common causes are:
- Lodged objects like food and toys
- Loose hair
- Grease and oil-based substances
- Fibrous material like cloth-based waste and cotton wool
- Non-biodegradable substances like plastic or rubber
- Minerals in the water causing pipe scaling
- Plant and tree roots
- Mould, algae and mildew build up
- Gas pockets preventing proper flow within the pipes
5 Signs Of Pipe Blockages
- Water Backups And Unusual Rising Water
When a drain is clogged and there is a plumbing problem, a tell-tale sign is water backups or rising water that is unusual. Sometimes this can cause drains to regurgitate large amounts of water. It's important to pay attention to this immediately as it can also lead to major hygiene hazards.
- Stagnation And Slow Water Flow
Since blockages allow only small amounts of water to flow through a pipe, slow water is another common sign that there is a blockage in the pipe.
This slow water often leads to stagnation. This can cause significant problems as stagnant water encourages bacteria, fungi and it attracts insects, all of which can be detrimental to your health. This is why rectifying this issue quickly is incredibly important.
- Foul Smells And Unpleasant Smells
Even when there are no visible signs of blockage or water accumulation, unpleasant smells provide a clue that something has gone wrong. A bad smell can be another sign of water stagnation, which can promote the build up of bacteria, fungi and insects. The smell may linger and spread outside the immediate area of the drain, making the whole room smell toxic.
- Dripping And Leaks
Blockages in pipes can lead to increased water pressure. This can result in water being forced out of weakened areas or pipe joints, causing drips or leaks. This is why rectifying blockages is so important. Over time prolonged blockages can lead to serious plumbing issues, meaning you need to undertake costly repairs later down the line.
- Noises In The Walls And Near Drains
When pipes are blocked, they might create gurgling or clattering noises from the strain of trying to pump water around blockages. These can often be heard near the drains or through the walls. In addition to being a nuisance to deal with, this is an important sign that your plumbing is at risk of damage.
What to do if your Pipe is Blocked
As soon as you figure out that your pipe is blocked, it is vital to call an emergency plumber. This will ensure that they will be on the scene as quickly as possible, preventing further damage from taking hold.
All this being said, there are a number of steps you can take yourself to help the plumber resolve the issue.
- Look into the cause of the blockage.
Every cause of a blocked pipe requires a different approach. Thus, identifying what you think is behind the pipe being blocked prior to the plumber's arrival will give them a headstart in resolving it.
- Stop using an affected drain.
If you identify that a particular drain is blocked, it is important to cease using it. This is important whether the drain is in a sink or a shower. For showers, use of a hair-catcher can help prevent future blockages.
- Watch your water quality.
Hard water or water with high mineral contents (such as calcium) can cause pipe scaling which may lead to blockages. To prevent future blockages, monitoring this is worthwhile. In order to tell if your water is 'hard', you can do a simple test. Simply mix the water with soap to see if bubbles form. If bubbles do not form easily, the water is likely to be hard. It can help to let your plumber know this as it will give them some extra insight into pinpointing the reason behind the blockage.
- Clear out drains regularly.
To prevent future issues, ensuring drains are clear remains a first-line defense. Quick cleans should be done on a weekly basis, while monthly deep cleans are a must. Chemical drain cleaners or, if necessary, using siphons is recommended. Alternatively, to avoid using chemicals use a vinegar and baking soda mix.
Do You Need Help With A Blocked Drain?
A blocked drain can cause short and long-term problems if not resolved quickly. Luckily, an emergency plumber is well-placed to help if typical household solutions do not work.
If you have a blocked pipe and need emergency attention, Mainline Plumbing and Civil is here to help. Our licensed plumbers are experts in locating and removing blockages using advanced equipment. We understand how important it is to have a functioning system so we pride ourselves on providing fast, friendly and professional plumbing service to Dubbo and the Orana region. Just contact us via our website or call 0423 627 149.
Alternatively, we provide general plumbing work; installations and renovations ; clearing of blocked drains; gas, electric and solar hot water systems; and gasfitting to residential, commercial and civil clients. Get in touch today to find out more.
