Here’s a startling number to consider: every year, the average household leaks roughly 10,000 gallons of water. If you suspect you have a clogged pipe, it’s important to handle it immediately.
A pipe clog can lead to backed-up water in your home. You may even notice water coming through seals and caulking. To avoid damage to your home, you need to understand the signs of plumbing problems so you can take action.
This helpful guide explains what to look for with clogged pipes and how it can affect your plumbing, so be sure to keep reading.
1. Sink Drains Slow
The most common sign of a clogged pipe is a delay in how quickly your sink drains. You might notice soap bubbles staying near your drain, or toothpaste that clings to the side of your sink’s basin.
If you only have one sink that’s draining slowly, chances are it’s the only sink in your house with issues and that the clog is close to the surface. Should multiple sinks start draining slowly, the issue could be much deeper and might be related to your sewer lines or septic pipes.
A professional plumber can use an auger or scope your drains with a camera to determine the exact nature of the clog, its location, and the best course of action.
2. Fixtures Backing Up
If you suddenly notice brown water coming from your pipes, consider it a plumbing emergency. You might also notice water backing into your kitchen sink when you run your dishwasher. If you have a garbage disposal, pulse it several times to try, as this may push any food debris through.
Should the issue persist, contact a professional immediately. You may have sewage backing up into your house, which poses a significant threat. If you have well water, this sewage can contaminate your drinking water.
3. Musty Smells
Do you notice a musty smell from your drains? If so, it might be from mold or mildew building up in your pipes. Bacteria thrive in moist, damp environments. As your clogged drain continues to accumulate hair, soap scum, grease, and toothpaste, the bacteria will continue to grow and smell, causing clogged pipes.
4. Pests and Insects
As your pipes continue to back up, you’ll notice pests and other insects. If you see larger rodents entering through your drains, you may have a broken pipe somewhere contributing to your clog.
5. Elevated Water Bills
Have you noticed an uptick in your water bills? If so, you may have a leak.
Although this isn’t a clog, it can be just as bad. This is considered a plumbing emergency and should be addressed. While your plumber is out, they should clean your pipes to ensure there isn’t a clog somewhere else.
If you have any type of clog, Unblocking Brussels can help. They offer fast and effective unclogging services.
6. You See Standing Water
A sure sign of a clog is standing water near your dishwasher or washing machine. It can be tempting to assume the issue is with your appliances, but it very well may be the result of a clogged drain near your basement floor.
You might also see standing water in a shower or sink or even around your toilet’s base. If you notice this, contact a plumber right away. Standing water can carry a host of bacterial diseases, including tetanus.
7. Strange Sounds and Bubbles
Gurgling noises may indicate a clogged drain. Put your ear close to the drain of your sink, turn off the water, and listen for gurgling noises or other unusual sounds.
Next, look at your toilet and turn your faucet on. Look for air bubbles coming up from the water.
If you notice gurgling noises or air bubbles in your toilet, you need your drains cleaned. Air bubbles in the toilet mean that you most likely have a clogged sewer line.
As the water in your pipes slowly drains, it might even leak into nearby soil. You would need mainline cleaning immediately to correct the issue.
8. Clogged Toilets
If your toilets clog frequently or overflow, there could be a clog in your drain line. The occasional clogged toilet or one that overflows might not be cause for concern, but repeated clogs warrants a call to the plumber.
A wad of toilet paper or even overgrown tree roots might be causing the clog, and a professional plumber can identify it with special tools and training.
9. You Can’t Unclog Your Trains
Although it’s recommended that plumbers unclog your drains, you can try DIY methods at home. You can try solutions like white vinegar and baking soda.
Chemical drain cleaners pose a severe hazard to your health and the health of your family and pets if ingested, breathed in, or if they make contact with your skin. Avoid using them and always keep these cleaners away from children.
They can also damage your drains, so stick to non-toxic methods such as augers that can break up and remove clogs. Plumbers have the professional equipment to fix any pipe without the use of toxic chemicals.
Clear Your Clogged Pipe Today
If you have a clogged pipe, you can try to unclog it using natural remedies or an auger. However, you’ll most likely need a professional to tackle these plumbing issues. Clogged pipes may be a plumbing emergency, especially if sewage is backing up into your house, so don’t delay calling in the pros.
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