One of the most common reasons for calling a plumber is a blocked drain. Blocked drains can cause minor problems, ranging from unpleasant odors to water that will not flow away. However, if these concerns are allowed to fester, they can quickly escalate into far more extensive and more challenging problems.

The good news is that if you suspect a blocked drain, blocked drain repair is relatively painless and straightforward. Your drains can be unblocked with the help of a qualified plumber. Here are some things to keep an eye out for to ensure that your plumbing system is in good working order.

Things to look out for for a blocked drain

The following are some of the earliest indicators of a clogged drain:

A bad smell

If you can smell something unpleasant, especially in bathrooms or around sinks and drains, it could be a sign that a drain is clogged. Anything stuck behind the obstruction begins to break down and degrade over time, causing the water to stagnate. As a result, a putrid smell develops around sinks, drains, toilets, and baths. If it smells like raw sewage, you almost certainly have a blocked drain to get sorted.

Overflowing

Water should just flow straight away when your drains are clear. However, if water is building up and overflowing into your sink, toilet, bathtub, or even your yard, it is a pretty strong indicator that you have a blocked drain that needs looking at.

Strange sounds

If you hear strange gurgling sounds as the water drains away, you may have a clog somewhere in the drain. It indicates that water cannot drain freely and is accumulating in the pipe.

Slow draining of water

You may find that water drains slowly from your sink, bathtub, or shower. Water can pool on top of an open drain or floor waste, then slowly drain away instead of draining away as quickly as it would if the drain were clean and in good working order. Any elements that enter the pipe, such as food particles or hair, will not pass through the clog, causing the obstruction to build up over time.

What are the steps to take if you notice any of these signs?

If you see one or more of these symptoms, you should contact a plumber as soon as possible to have them come out and inspect the situation and clear any blockages. Nobody wants dirty water pouring out of their bathtub, sink, or toilet, and maybe raw sewage on their property due to a blocked drain. Getting it resolved sooner rather than later will prevent a minor problem from swiftly becoming a major one.

Many people attempt to remedy the problem by using household items like vinegar, baking soda, and other household items. However, this will not address the problem and may exacerbate it by producing more blockage and perhaps releasing hazardous gases. The best thing you can do is call a plumber and have them look at it; they will know just what to do to get your drains flowing again.