Signs of a clogged drain

Clogged drains are some of the most common issues a plumber deals with. While it is usually a quick fix, a clogged drain can sometimes hide more serious problems. When left unattended, it can quickly turn into a water damage issue, as the water infiltrates in your floors, walls, furniture and belongings. Look out for any sign of a clogged drain to prevent a more serious plumbing problem and extensive damage.

Signs of a clogged drain

1. Slow Draining

Slow draining is one of the most common symptoms of a clogged kitchen drain pipe. The same can happen to the bathroom sink, shower, or bathtub. If you notice the sink or shower filling up with water faster than the water draining, it could be a sign of obstruction. When the water does not drain properly, it is usually caused by soap or debris buildup.

2. Overflowing toilet

When it comes to the toilet, a clogged drain can turn into a hazard. An overflowing toilet brings bacteria-filled water into your home, posing a serious health threat. This usually happens when you flush items that should not have been flushed, such as toilet paper. Another cause could be a toilet drain clogged pipe. Even if it is not overflowing, hearing bubbling from the toilet is also a sign of a clogged drain.

3. A foul smell

A bad smell coming from the drain could be an initial sign that you have a clogged drain. The smell is usually caused by rotting food that is stuck in the pipes or an unwelcome rodent that crawled in your plumbing system and became lodged.

4. Water stains in the basement

If you notice stains on your basement’s floor it could be a sign of a drain issue. If you live in an area with big changes in precipitation between seasons, the water might lead to your home. During late winter and spring, the water table rises due to the melting snow and high precipitation. The same can happen if your property was built below the table line, allowing the city storm drains to leak into your home. You might consider installing a sump pump to avoid any water damage during floods.

5. Water quality

The quality of water should always be at its best, given that you use it on a daily basis for showering, cooking, doing dishes, or laundry. If you notice that the water changes its color or has any kind of smell, it is usually a sign of a drain issue. It is highly important to have it checked immediately to prevent contamination.

5. Increased bills

A clogged drain can ultimately result in a pipe break due to the water pressure. Even if it is a minor leak that goes undetected, the excess water will add up to your bill.

How to prevent a clogged drain

It is always advised to run a regular maintenance check-up on your drain system. In addition to that, here is what you can do to prevent a clogged drain:

1.       Do not throw down the drain any large food particles, trash, grease, or bones.
2.       Install a filter or a screen over the drains to prevent any unwanted items to go down.
3.       Seal any areas where rodents and other vermin can enter the plumbing system.

What to do when you have a clogged drain

Clogged drains might need more than a quick fix. Even then, it is best to have it done by a plumber in order to avoid any extensive damage. A professional plumber can offer you a proper diagnosis and fix the issue to prevent it from happening again. In case the clogged drain caused water damage, our licensed technicians are available 24/7 to offer restoration services in all five boroughs of New York, Westchester, and Long Island. We work with an extensive network of plumbers, ready to assist you immediately. Contact our Water Damage Restoration specialists for a free estimate of the damage. In case this is a covered issue, we bill the insurance company directly so you can focus on getting your life back to normal.