Top Signs You Have a Blocked Drain and How to Address Them Quickly
Ever experienced the frustration of a sink that takes ages to drain or a shower that starts resembling a mini swimming pool? Yep, we’ve all been there. Blocked drains are one of those household nuisances that can throw a wrench into your day. But fear not!
By recognizing the signs early and taking swift action, you can nip those drainage problems in the bud before they escalate into full-blown disasters. Let’s go through the top signs of a blocked drain and share some quick-fix solutions to get things flowing smoothly again.
Slow Draining Fixtures
You know the drill – you turn on the tap, and instead of the water obediently swirling down the drain, it decides to take a leisurely stroll. Whether it’s your kitchen sink or bathtub, slow draining fixtures are a classic sign of a blocked drain.
Similarly, if your toilet seems to be taking its sweet time to flush properly or if you notice water rising to the rim before reluctantly making its way down, it’s a clear indicator that all is not well in drain-land. This team can help if you’re in the London area.
Unpleasant Odours
Ah, the unmistakable aroma of sewer stench wafting through the air – not exactly the scented candle vibe you were going for, right? Foul odours emanating from drains are a telltale sign of blockages lurking below. If you notice a musty smell or detect the presence of mould or mildew around your drains, it’s likely due to stagnant water caused by blockages.
Gurgling Sounds
If your drains start serenading you with strange gurgling noises, it’s time to pay attention. Gurgling sounds, especially after using other fixtures like sinks or showers, suggest trapped air in your pipes due to blockages. Keep an ear out for similar noises emanating from your toilet – it could indicate a blockage in the sewer line.
Water Backing Up
Nothing quite sends a shiver down your spine like seeing water backing up into your sink or shower. When water refuses to play nice and starts making surprise appearances in places it shouldn’t, it’s a clear sign of a blocked drain.
Similarly, if you notice water rising in the toilet bowl after using other plumbing fixtures, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and tackle that blockage head-on.
Visible Signs of Blockage
Sometimes, the signs of a blocked drain are staring you right in the face – or overflowing from your gutters. Overflowing gutters or downspouts are often indicators of blockages in outdoor drainage systems.
Keep an eye out for visible signs of tree roots invading underground pipes, as they can also lead to blockages and wreak havoc on your drainage system.
Recurring Clogs
If you find yourself reaching for the plunger more often than you’d like, it might be a sign of a more significant underlying issue.
Frequent clogs in the same drain or multiple fixtures affected by recurring blockages are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored. It could indicate a more extensive blockage in your main sewer line that requires professional attention.
Professional Plumbing Services
When all else fails or if you’re dealing with persistent or severe blockages, it’s time to call in the pros. Professional plumbers have the expertise and specialised tools to identify and address blockages quickly and effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it – your drains will thank you.
Ways You Can Book Drainage Services
Urgency is essential when it comes to blocking a drain. You must contact the experts immediately to minimise damage, speed up the process and enjoy peace of mind. Thankfully, most professional drainage companies will offer you several ways you can contact them to book their services.
This allows you to select an option you’re comfortable with and that suits your lifestyle. So, let’s explore the common ways you can book drainage services and get started.
Over the Phone
Most drainage companies will provide you with a telephone number to call the team. This allows you to speak to them directly and discuss your needs. Indeed, you can see what appointments they have available and be able to ask as many questions as you need to.
This could be about their strategies or how long they’ll take. Indeed, you get the answers you require before committing to the appointment. Make sure you check what the opening times are for making a phone call. Not all drainage services offer emergency services, which means you can’t book outside of ordinary times.
Online Appointment
Are you somebody who doesn’t like making phone calls? Don’t worry; most drainage services now make allowances for this. In particular, they offer online appointments, which allow you to visit their website and book an appointment. It’s quick and simple, often only taking a few minutes to arrange.
Most systems will get back to you relatively quickly so you know what’s happening. Read about the online process before you use it. For instance, some companies might give you a timescale of when they’ll get back to you so you can prepare.
By Email
Some drainage companies will allow you to email about an appointment. You can use this tactic if you don’t believe your drainage issue is urgent. After all, you don’t know how quickly they’ll get back to you about the appointment. Therefore, be cautious about this method of booking if you believe you’ve got a big blockage. The last thing you want is to be waiting for days for a response.
Conclusion
Blocked drains may be a common household headache, but with a keen eye for the signs and some quick-fix solutions up your sleeve, you can keep things flowing smoothly in your home. Remember to address blockages promptly to prevent them from escalating into more significant problems.
