5 Warning Signs Of A Clogged Drain

One of the most common plumbing problems you will encounter as a homeowner is a clogged drain. There are a variety of reasons as to why your drains can become clogged, but the one thing they all have in common is that they can be a pain to fix. That is why we recommend hiring a plumbing expert to come address the problem. The question is: how do you know if your drain is actually clogged? Read on to learn the most common warning signs of a clogged drain.

Over time, various elements, debris, and other materials can accumulate in your drain. These eventually result in a clog, which prevents your plumbing from working properly. Left undealt with, this can cause severe damage to your overall system further down the road. In order to avoid this, we advise you to be on the lookout for these common drain clog warning signs.

Unexplained Puddles In The Yard

Have you ever noticed random puddles in your yard, even when it hasn't rained in a while? You may have a drain with a very deep clog. In some instances, tree roots can cause these clogs and potentially cause significant damage to your plumbing system. Always be wary of your yard's condition. If you spot suspicious puddles, call your Portland plumber.

Your Toilet Doesn't Flush

The most common warning sign of a clogged drain is if your toilet won't flush. This could be caused by an obstruction in the toilet's pipes, but it can also be the result of a clog deeper in the system. If a plunger or auger doesn't do anything to fix the clog, we recommend consulting a plumber for a drain cleaning. A clogged toilet should never be underestimated and left unattended can lead to major issues on the entire system.

There's A Foul Odor Coming For Your Drains

Drains may smell briefly after you flush or wash something down, but a drain that has a perpetual odor is trying to tell you something. Bacteria can accumulate in the pipes, especially if there is food stuck. In some cases, a rodent may have attempted to crawl through the pipes and got stuck. No matter what, if you smell a foul odor coming from your drain and it doesn't go away, check with a professional.

Your Drains Gurgle

Aside from your drains smelling, you should also keep an ear out for unusual gurgling sounds. A gurgling drain means there is air trapped somewhere in your plumbing due to an obstruction. Another source for the gurgling could be a clogged vent stack, or possibly a problem in the main sewer system line. Whatever the problem is, noticeably loud gurgling drains cannot be neglected.

Slow Draining

Water that takes a long time to go down the drain can be another obvious sign of a clog, especially in the sink, the bathtub, or the shower. These clogs are often caused by built-up soap scum or other impurities that we wash off our bodies. These types of clogs are relatively harmless and easy to fix. Still, if you are unsure, there is no harm in contacting a plumber.

Drain clogs are more annoying than dangerous, but we still recommend addressing these issues sooner rather than later by calling your local Portland plumber. What starts as a minor inconvenience can turn into a major (and expensive) repair further down the road.