Signs of a Blocked Pipe

Blocked DrainHave you got a sinking feeling that your pipes might be blocked? When it comes to the plumbing pipes that run through your home, it’s handy to think of them like the veins and arteries in your body. When the veins are clean, the fluid runs freely and efficiently throughout the body, but when there’s a blockage along the way, look out! If water doesn’t drain properly, it can cause problems not just limited to your pipes, such as mould, water damage to your walls and carpets/flooring and even shifting of the foundations of your home. Fortunately, blocked drains and pipes show obvious warning signs before the small problem becomes a huge nightmare.

  • Smell
  • Overflow
  • Strange Noises
  • Too Long to Drain

Drainage by Mainline Plumbing and Cheap Hot Water and Gas BunburySmell

One of the more obvious signs that your drain is accumulating waste is the smell it lets off. Bad smells around your kitchen sink, shower, bathtub and toilet indicates the accumulation of debris, food, hair and other nasties in your pipes causing a blockage and backup. Over time, these start to decompose and the smell travels back up the pipe. The bigger the blockage, the fouler the smell!

Overflow

The top indicator that your pipes are blocked is when the kids squeal out “the toilet is overflowing!!” when they flush it. When water can’t pass through the pipes, it backflows and causes the water to rise up where it can. The toilet usually has enough water pressure to correct the issue, but if not, a professional will need to be brought in.

Strange Noises

Do your drains sometimes sound like there’s a monster living down there in the darkness? Strange gurgling noises sounding when the water is draining from the sink or shower is a sign to have your pipes checked. These obscure sounds come from water flow disruptions, much like waves crashing against rocks, as noise is created when the rushing water hits whatever is stuck in the pipeline.

Toilet ProblemsToo Long To Drain

Another sign your pipes are probably a little backed up is the slow draining of water from sinks, toilets, bathtubs and showers. Bath and toilet water should create a whirlpool motion above the drain to indicate it is flowing efficiently, whereas showers should only take a second or two to empty once you’ve turned off the water. Sink water should drain steadily and quickly, with no bubbles or back wash. If any of these take longer than usually to drain, it’s a sign that debris is blocking the way.

Need Help With Blocked Drains?

Blocked drains and pipes are just too unpredictable to ignore. Don’t wait for small warning signs to become big problems. If your pipes are showing symptoms of being a little clogged up, call the team at Mainline Plumbing & Cheap Hot Water & Gas to discuss steps to get them flowing freely again.