Blocked drains aren’t just inconvenient; they may also cause a slew of additional issues that must be treated right away, so it’s critical to have an emergency plumber handle the situation to avoid needless expenditure or damage. The sooner an issue is treated, the better; therefore, seeing the indicators of a prospective problem before it’s too late is advantageous. Here are some key warning signals to look out for, as well as ways to avoid issues from becoming worse. Make sure that plumber has proper insurance for plumbers to ensure work is properly covered.
1. Slow draining or stagnant water
When it comes to drain obstructions, the most typical symptom to look for is slow water flow. Because of the blockage, the diameter of the accessible area inside the pipe through which liquid may flow is reduced. Slow water flow results, which can eventually lead to stagnant water.
If stagnant water becomes a problem, it might lead to more serious problems. Stagnant water, for example, can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, fungus, and insects. These can be harmful to health; therefore, it’s critical slow draining or stagnant water is addressed immediately.
2. Backups of water
Water backups are also an indicator of clogged drains and other plumbing issues. The worst cases might result in significant quantities of water being regurgitated down drains. This might also be a hygiene concern, so make sure you take care of it right away.
3. Unpleasant smells
Drains that emit foul odours may be indicative of clogged pipes. Even if there is no visible buildup of water, odours might develop.
Furthermore, these odours might go beyond the drain’s local vicinity. In severe circumstances, the entire house or business might be affected. As soon as scents appear, call an emergency plumber.
4. Water Leaks
When drains clog, the pressure inside the pipes rises. Water may be driven out even via the tiniest of gaps, resulting in leaks. Even if there are no leaks initially, long-term obstructions that go unaddressed can lead to major plumbing issues, especially in pipe joints and weaker places.
5. Odd noises coming from the walls and near drains
Blockages can also be indicated by gurgling and clattering noises near drains and within walls. These noises are caused by either stretched pipes or water struggling to move through the pipe. These plumbing issues might be inconvenient to deal with, but they do need addressing.
6. Pipes that have frozen
Most parts of New South Wales, and Australia in general, do not experience bitterly cold winters. Frozen pipes, on the other hand, are symptomatic of drain clogs in the few places of the country that do. Still, water within pipes might freeze significantly faster than flowing water in colder climates. This causes any stagnant water in the pipe system to solidify into a solid block of ice, obstructing water flow and generating even more plumbing issues. But don’t worry; your local licenced plumber can take care of it.
7. Residue
Powdery or scaly residue might appear near drains from time to time. These residues may indicate that the water contains a high mineral concentration, which might block drains. If there’s a reason to be concerned, have the pipes examined for clogs. Also, keep an eye out for other indicators of clogged drains since the accumulation of residues can exacerbate other issues.
8. Plants
Is there a particularly dense growth of plants near the outside sewer line? If there is, this might indicate that there is a leak in that place, and leaks can indicate a clog inside the pipes. Sewer line blockages are especially troublesome since they can impact entire homes or businesses.
Blocked Drains: What Causes Them?
Blockages come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. As such, the approaches that should be used to address them are diverse. The following are some of the most typical reasons for drain blockages:
- Hair that accumulates
- The build-up of mould, mildew, and algae
- Food or toys
- Minerals in the water cause pipe scaling.
- Oil and grease
- Roots of trees and plants
- Gas accumulation — gas pockets might obstruct normal pipe flow.
Blocked Drains: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about plumbing emergencies:
Is it really necessary to hire a plumber?
Yes! Many plumbing issues, particularly those involving drain obstructions, need a great deal of skill to solve. This isn’t something that just anybody can do. Inexperienced hands might exacerbate the situation. If you have an issue with your drains, get in touch with an expert as quickly as possible before the issues become too difficult to resolve.
Is there a quick cure for minor clogs?
There are a few. Pouring hot water down the drain, for example, is effective in removing grease-based obstructions. Other wastes, on the other hand, can be helped down with water, white vinegar, and baking soda solutions. Of course, the best method is to avoid obstructions in the first place. Simply follow the steps outlined above to reduce the likelihood of blockages.
What if the sewage is clogged from the inside?
The sewage pipe itself can become an issue in rare circumstances. If this is the case, you should contact an emergency plumber. This isn’t something that can be readily fixed, so you need someone with experience to look at it.
