Most of the plumbing system inside your home is unseen. When your drains are working properly, you generally don’t notice them. But a blockage in your plumbing system’s pipes can develop slowly and discreetly, well outside your eyesight.
Fortunately, some external signs can suggest it’s time for a full-on drain cleaning. Here are a few.
Standing Water
Is there a pool of water in your sink, shower, or washing machine? If so, that’s an indication that there’s a debris buildup in your drain system, like hair, grease, soap, or some other obstruction.
If only one of your drains has standing water surrounding it, then the blockage might be limited. But if water is pooling around multiple drains in your home, you may need a professional drain cleaning company to perform a complete drain cleaning.
Slow Drainage
Sink water should begin draining instantly after you turn off the faucet and should completely drain within a minute. Other drains, like your shower, might take slightly longer. But if they’re taking more than one or two minutes to fully clear, it could be a sign that you need drain cleaning service.
Recurring Clogs
Sometimes you might be able to take care of a one-time clog in your sink or toilet without too much trouble. But if you find yourself removing clogs frequently, it could be a sign there’s a more substantial buildup that might require more drain cleaning. A professional cleaner has more advanced tools that can de-clog your drains more thoroughly.
Foul Odors
When you notice an offensive smell in your house but can’t find any clear cause, your drains may be the culprit. The drains may be operational but might still be besieged with discarded food or sewage that’s causing the odor. A company specializing in drain cleaning has sophisticated equipment that can detect and fix the source of the smell.
Gurgling Sounds
Your drain might appear to be working perfectly well, with water emptying normally. But if you hear an odd gurgling noise, it could be a sign that a clog is developing. Water and air should move through your drain freely, but when the water has to force its way past a growing buildup, airflow gets restricted and must force its way out of the nearest escape. That can produce a startling noise.
Higher Water Bills
When a partial clog is creating water buildups, it might make appliances like toilets run a tad longer than normal. That, in turn, could lead to excessive water usage, which can drive your water bill higher. Cleaning drains might be the solution.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are drawn to leftover food and debris lining your drain pipes. If they seem to have appeared overnight and your kitchen is otherwise in relatively sanitary shape, a fruit fly infestation may be developing in your pipes. Professional drain cleaning can eliminate the source.
Professional Drain Cleaning Service
If you notice one or a few of these signs in and around your drains, it may be time to give Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call. We quickly take care of clogs in your sinks, toilets, bathroom, or basement to get water flowing again. Contact us today to schedule a visit.
