Why You Shouldn't Ignore a Clogged Drain
A slow emptying drain is more than an inconvenience. It’s often one of the first signs of a developing clog inside your pipes. If left alone for too long, you could end up needing more than simple drain cleaning. To avoid severe plumbing issues and unexpected costs, use this guide to spot a clog and learn when to take action.
What Are Some Warning Signs of a Clogged Drain?
Pooling Water
When your drains can’t empty properly, water hangs out in sinks for longer. If you notice this in one room, the clog is probably isolated to those connecting pipes, but if it’s a problem throughout the home, the buildup is likely deeper in the lines and require more extensive drain cleaning.
Gurgling Noises
A gurgling sound can arise whether the sink is draining slowly or not. Many times, this noise is an indicator caused by trapped air in the plumbing system. As water flows through the pipes with blockages (either clogs, blocked vents, or improper sink installations), the air can become trapped and build up. When the air pressure tries to normalize, you then hear these gurgles.
Bubbling Water
Another indicator of trapped air in the plumbing system is a bubbling fixture. This often occurs in one fixture while using another. For instance, if there is a buildup of grease or tree roots in your sewer line, air may try to release in your toilet. Along with a gurgling sound, you might also see the water bubbling up.
If the vent pipe leading out of the home is blocked or clogged, it can also cause the air pressure to increase. When you flush the toilet the trapped air attempts to escape through the toilet bowl.
Poor Water Pressure
If a clog arises in the water supply line, it obviously reduces how much water can get through. As a result, you may notice the pressure coming out of your faucets slowly getting worse over time. Many times, when this type of clog arises, it’s due to tree roots growing into the line, but it’s also possible for mineral or sediment buildup from the municipal water supply to narrow the pipes.
What Causes Drains to Clog?
Hair Buildup
When hair goes down the drain, it doesn’t dissolve. Instead, it slowly builds up and traps other sticky residue, such as soap and oils, that works to restrict water flow.
Soap Scum and Limescale
Fats in soap can combine with minerals in water, forming hard, chalky substance that coats and narrows the pipes. Unfortunately, if you live in an area with hard water, lime scale will naturally buildup. Regular drain cleaning is necessary to clear this sediment and prevent narrowing pipes.
Fats, Oil, and Grease
Even if you have a garbage disposal, always scrape food debris and any accumulating fats, oils, and grease into the garbage can instead. These materials are no friend to your pipes and will quickly solidify along the sides of the pipes and create blockages that are difficult to dissolve.
Flushing Foreign Objects
Toilet paper is the only object that should be flushed down the toilet. When items not designed to flush and break down in the sewer system are added, it often creates a clog that results in a backed up toilet. Common examples are paper towels, hygiene products, non-flushable cleaning wipes, cat litter, and toys.
Tree Roots
Tree roots seek out moisture and unfortunately, there is plenty of moisture flowing through your underground pipes. If small cracks and leaks develop, tree roots can invade the pipes and grow inside them. If there are trees around your home, regular drain cleaning and pipe inspections are the best way to prevent this costly damage from occurring.
What Are the Dangers of Ignoring a Clog?
Worsening Damage
A slow drain is an indicator that clog is forming. If the blockage is allowed to harden, the water pressure will increase and cause further damage to the pipes. This can result in leaks, burst pipes, and potentially sewer backups. An ongoing clog can also lead to structural damage to the walls, ceilings, and floors of the home. This will result in costlier water damage repair to clean up mold and mildew, replace rotted wood, and repair deteriorating drywall.
Contaminated Water
When water lingers in pipes, bacteria buildup is inevitable. The pooling water then creates an unhygienic environment in your sink or shower that could lead to health risks. Additionally, the clog consisting of trapped hair, food particles, soap scum, or grease will develop an unpleasant odor, which will make it unpleasant to use your bathroom or kitchen.
Pests
Cockroaches, flies, ants, and event mice are attracted to water sources around the home. If a clog is creating a pool of water or a leaking pipe, there’s a real risk of inviting these pests into your home as well.