7 Warning Signs You Need Drain Cleaning

Are you worried that it’s been too long since your last drain cleaning?

Plumbing is an important part of our homes, but most of us ignore it until we have a problem. That said, it is easy to miss the warning signs that something might be wrong.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Read on for these seven drain cleaning warning signs to look out for.

1. Gurgling Sound 

Pay attention to any gurgling sounds you hear as your water is draining away. This noise can be a subtle, early warning sign that the worst is yet to come. Strange noises from your drain can suggest that a clog is starting to form.

The noise results from this forming clog, causing air bubbles as the water tries to get around it. If you hear this noise, it’s best to act fast.

Call in a drain cleaning technician to take a look and clear the forming blockage. This proactive approach will prevent it from becoming a more serious issue down the road. And it’ll get rid of that infuriating noise as well.  

2. Slow Moving Drain 

Another subtle sign you should look out for is slow draining water. We get it, it’s never convenient to have plumbing issues, and a lot of the minor stuff can slip our minds or get put off. But, you shouldn’t ignore the small stuff.

You might have seen your shower or bathtub is taking much longer to drain out the water. Or you might notice a build-up of water in your sink that sits there and seems to take a lifetime or two to drain away. If you see this, you’ve likely got a clog in the drain.

There are many ways a clog can form, and it’s usually a build-up of a mixture of these things over time. These include:

• hair
• fat
• food particles
• grease

Once they’ve built up over time, you’ll find yourself with a drain that’s clogged up. And if you don’t address it as soon as you can, it can lead to issues further down the line.

It’s best to get issues with slow draining water looked at right away before it gets worse. And from now on, make sure you’re only putting things down the drain that should go there.

3.  Standing Water 

If you’ve noticed slow draining water, the next thing is standing water. Instead of draining away, water will sit in your sink for ages. Or, if you’re in the shower, you might get halfway through and realize that you’re up to your ankles in a puddle.

Standing water is no longer a subtle sign. It’s one of the most obvious ways to see your drain needs a clean. There is a reason that the drain isn’t allowing water to flow out.

Whatever you do, don’t use a liquid cleaner. This abrasive material can add to the blockage and cause more harm than good. A professional will be able to diagnose the issues and give advice on the best way to proceed.

4. Water Backup

Water backup is the next step up from standing water. Not only will your water not go anywhere, but it’s also actually getting pushed back up. This build-up causes even more severe pooling and puddling and can flood your home.

If this happens anywhere, you need to call out a professional right away. The water coming back up the pipes will cause water and flood damage to your home.

In areas like the bathroom, it’s likely to be raw sewage. This hazardous material can cause dangerous toxins to enter your home and put your family at risk. So don’t delay!

5. Bad Smells

There’s nothing more off-putting than walking into a room that stinks. You might notice a horrible smell of dirty, stale water and decaying organic matter. Not only does it cause discomfort and put you off your dinner, but it can also be a health hazard too.

If you notice this terrible smell, and it doesn’t go away when you’ve deep cleaned, it could be something in your drain. When sewage or food waste clogs your drains, it can send those nasty odors up out of your plug holes.

In these cases, you should call in a technician right away as it will need specialist equipment. Things like sewage are a health hazard and need special knowledge to remove. A professional drain cleaning service is the best way to prevent any toxic build-up.

6. Fruit Flies

If you’ve never had an issue before, you might notice you have little fruit flies hanging around. And when you’ve done a full clean of any food that might draw them in, they’re still hanging around.

Many people don’t realize that food particles in your drains that are stuck will be attractive to flies. By getting your drains cleaned and any particles removed, you’ll fix this issue.

There won’t be anything left once the drain has had a thorough clean, so there won’t be anything to attract them. The flies will either die off or go find another source of food.

7. Problems From Liquid Drain Cleaners

Sometimes, for minor blockages, drain cleaners from the store can get rid of it if you know how to use them. But when the first serving of drain cleaner doesn’t work, it can be tempting to use another.

Don’t continue to use a drain cleaner if the first time it doesn’t work! This repetitive use can cause severe damage to your pipes and still never fix your issue. What it can do is lead to major headaches and huge repair bills to fix and replace your pipework.

Additionally, you should never attempt to use drain cleaners if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you have an issue that isn’t fixed by the first application, or you’re unsure what to do, call in a professional.

When to Get a Drain Cleaning Service Made Easy

So there you have it! Now you know these seven warning signs, and you’ll know what to look out for. Moreover, you’ll know not to delay when it comes to calling out a drain cleaning service.

Don’t ignore subtle signs like slow draining and weird noises. By acting fast in the early stages, you can avoid further problems, including issues on this list.

If you need plumbing services you can trust and rely on, contact us at Millwood Plumbing Inc. today. Our licensed, bonded, and reputable plumbers pride themselves in taking the time to discuss any services you may need.