Almost everyone must deal with drain problems at some point. While some of these problems may be minor inconveniences, there are others that you should never ignore for long. Let’s look at some common drain problems and why you should call a plumber as soon as you notice them.
1. Slow Drains
A slow drain may seem like a minor problem, but it doesn’t stay minor for long. A drain slows down because the pipe it connects to is filling up with grease, hair, food particles, and other things that create a nasty clog. If you don’t have the slow drain cleaned, you could end up with a sink that doesn’t drain at all. This is especially troublesome if you have multiple slow drains in your home. This could indicate a problem in your sewer line that needs a plumber to address it as soon as possible.
2. Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds
Drains should be mostly silent, so any gurgling or bubbling sound is cause for alarm. The cause could be partial clogs in a pipe, wastewater backing up into your plumbing, or a blocked vent pipe. None of these is a good scenario, so call a plumber if you hear strange sounds every time you run water in your sink.
3. Recurring Clogs
Clogs are common even when plumbing is in good shape. The occasional clog that you can clear out with a plunger or snake isn’t a cause for alarm. On the other hand, if you have frequent, recurring clogs, the problem with your plumbing may be beyond your skills to resolve. Ask a plumber to check for buildup on your pipes or a blockage in your sewer line.
4. Foul Smells
Foul smells from your drain could be caused by stuck food particles, a blocked sewer line, or fetid standing water, among other things. Smelly drains will only get worse while you deal with other plumbing problems that stem from the underlying cause. You need to find out what is causing the foul odors quickly.
5. Water Backing Up
Arguably the worst-case plumbing scenario, water backing up through your drains means that your pipes are all but completely blocked. The water has nowhere to go, and it’s coming back up through your sinks, shower, or toilet. You need to call a plumber for help right away, especially if you think the water backing up is from your sewer line.
These are just some of the more common drain issues you might find, and they can spell disaster if they’re ignored for long. Always call a licensed plumber for help with any household plumbing problems that you aren’t comfortable addressing yourself. If you live in Phoenix, AZ or a surrounding area and need drain cleaning services, make your first call to Ace Home Services.