A plumbing clog is a common, yet annoying, issue in a home. People often think of clogs in the bathroom, in toilets, sinks, or shower drains. Although they may seem like a minor inconvenience, ignoring a plumbing clog can lead to issues in the plumbing system throughout your home.
Paying attention to signs of a clog can help you fix the problem as soon as possible. Be on the lookout for the following warning signs throughout your home.
Slow Drains
Over time, the accumulation of soap scum, hair, or food particles can lead to a clog. One of the most common signs that you have a plumbing clog is when the water drains slowly out of the sink. If the water completely stops going down the drain, that’s a big red flag! Drain cleaners can cause damage to some pipes when used too often.
Using excessive amounts of toilet paper can clog your drain. If you have young children at home, monitor what’s going in the toilet – from too much toilet paper to experiments with toys! While the pressure of a plunger may dislodge a clog, it won’t usually remove it entirely.
Pungent Stench
If you start to smell something stinky, this is another sign that you may have a plumbing clog. If the smell is musty, you may have mold growing. However, if it smells more like rotten eggs, you may have a layer of biofilm beginning to line the drain pipe. Worse, you could be smelling sewer gas creeping through your pipes. If you aren’t sure, call a professional to sniff out the problem.
Trapped Air
Another sign of a plumbing clog is trapped air. This can be difficult for a homeowner to recognize. Have you noticed your toilet gurgling while you’re in the shower? If so, the drain or vent may be blocked. In addition to your shower draining slower, it can also make the toilet flush inefficiently. Although air may seem harmless, in this case, it can shut down your bathroom if ignored for too long.
Material Coming from Fixtures
Another sign to look for is debris, gunk, dirt, or other materials coming from your water fixtures. This includes your showers, sinks, and toilets. If you have debris coming out of your fixtures, this is a serious sign of a plumbing clog.
Dampness Indoors or Outdoors
Dampness or wet spots inside and outside of the house are another warning sign of a potential clog or other plumbing issues. You may begin to notice water spots on your ceiling, walls, floors, or even under your cabinets. You may also see signs of prolonged dampness outside, including:
Visibly blocked sewer grates. Mud, dirt, and leaves can muck up the sewer grates on the outside. Over time, they can also cause plumbing clogs on the inside.
Mushy Grass. Noticing new soft spots in your yard can be a sign that you have a plumbing problem. If the pipes below the ground burst or are leaking, the water will eventually seep into the ground, below your lawn.
Weird Smells. If you smell something pungent, this could be a sign that something is wrong.
Like with electricity, plumbing issues are better left to the professionals. A plumber will have knowledge about plumbing and clogs, as well as access to advanced technology that can pinpoint the origin of the clog or leak. They will also be able to help you figure out what steps to take in order to resolve the problem efficiently.
If you notice signs of a plumbing clog in your home, call Forrest Anderson to schedule an appointment.
Contact Forrest Anderson Today!