The last thing you want is to have a blocked drain in your home. This is going to cause a lot of disruption and meant that you have to call in the experts in order to fix the problem. Often, people do not recognise the early signs that something is wrong with the drains. This means that they end up needing emergency services when they cannot use sinks, showers or toilets in their home. Here are some signs you need to look out for so that you can call in the professionals.
How Do I Know If I Have a Blocked Drain?
A lot of people miss the signs that they have a blocked drain. This means that it gets to the point where nothing drains away and you have a serious problem. If you can recognise the signs of a blocked drain straight away, this is going to allow you time to bring in the experts and deal with it before it is too late. Here are some signs you should look out for that may indicate you have a problem.
An Unpleasant Odour
Do you smell something unpleasant when you are near the drain or when water is draining away? This is an early sign that something might be wrong. In particular, this can happen when there are spoiled foods or something is rotten. It is going to cause a bigger blockage if it is dealt with now. Not to mention, the smell is going to stay until it is cleared. So, the quicker you call in the experts, the better.
Gurgling Sounds
When water drains away, there should be no noticeable noises. If there is, this can be a sign that there is a problem in the pipes. In particular, gurgling sounds are an early warning that something is building up and capable of causing a blockage. While it is easy to ignore this sound as the water could still be draining away, it is a warning that you should have an expert take a look at what is going on in the drainage system. Again, if you call the professionals now, you are likely to avoid a completed blocked drain later on.
Slow Drainage
While you cannot see into the pipes, there are visible signs that you have a problem. Namely, you are going to notice that the water is going to be draining away slower than normal. Often, this can be accompanied by other signs we have talked about. Of course, this is happening because there is something that is affecting the free flow of water. A lot of people recognise that there is slow drainage but do not do anything about it. If this happens, a total blockage will occur sooner or later.
How Can I Prevent a Blocked Drain in the Future?
Once the professionals have remedied your blocked drain, you are going to want to know how you can prevent this from happening again. Here are some tips on how you can stop a blockage in the future.
Do Not Let Food Go Down the Drain
One of the main reasons why a kitchen drain becomes blocked is because homeowners let food go down the sink. This is something that becomes very hazardous and when it builds up, it can block a pipe. For example, there are a lot of foods that expand with water. This includes rice and pasta. So, when this goes down the drain, it can expand and stick to the inside of the pipes.
One way to avoid food going down the drain is by purchasing a sink strainer. This is going to catch all of the food and make sure that it is not swept down the drain. They are cheap to purchase and all you have to do is empty the food caught in the strainer into the bin.
Avoid Pouring Oil or Grease into the Sink
Another culprit of blocked drains is oil and grease. Both of them create a sticky mess in pipes and are going to catch food and other debris. Over time, this will build up and create a blockage. Again, the best thing you can do is avoid pouring any oil down the drain. In addition, any grease should be left until it has solidified. This can then be put into the bin and you can know it will not block the drain later on and cause any more problems for you.
