4 Signs Your Drain Cleaning Is Overdue

How often do you think about your home's plumbing system? Many homeowners only consider their plumbing systems after a malfunction or a problem. Luckily, you don’t have to wait until the problem escalates to discover it. Here are four warning signs that indicate your drain cleaning is long overdue.



1. Puddles

Does your home have clogged drainpipes? Water going down the drain should find a way out. When the water doesn't drain or back up, intense pressure will build inside the pipes and cause them to burst. The result will be burst or leaking pipes, which will likely cause flooding.

Before this happens, you may notice puddles of water around your yard or on your floor. If you see this sign, set up an appointment for drain cleaning services as soon as possible. Also, look out for signs of water damage, mildew, or mold, which indicate leaks.

Additionally, if you notice the water from your washing machine or sink won't drain, a plug inside your drainage pipes may be preventing water from passing by. Drain cleaning is the only sure way to unplug these pipes and let water drain. 

2. Slow Drains

Does your drainage system take longer to clear? If your sink is filling up with water or your shower drains slowly, the drain likely has a clog. Slow drains are among the earliest signs of a clogged drain.

Sometimes, a simple clean or suction could help resolve the drainage. You can also try to open the drain to check for any blockages and loosen minor clogs. Flush hot water down the drains to dissolve the clogging materials. Alternatively, try adding baking soda and white vinegar to cold water and pouring the mixture down the clogged drain.

However, the problem could sometimes be further down the drain, which may need professional drain cleaning. These services will help eliminate grime that builds up in the pipes and remove any obstructions. 

3. Unfamiliar Sounds

Have you noticed strange sounds coming from your drains like banging, gurgling or rumbling? Optimally functioning drains shouldn't make any sound. Strange sounds can indicate obstruction of the drainage system.

These sounds could also indicate a malfunctioning plumbing system. Large clogs trap in the air, forcing the water passing through to squeeze through narrow gaps in the pipes, which creates the strange sounds. If you have an auger, you can try using it to clean the vent to fix your drain.

4. Bad Odors

Although dirty water goes down your drains, your drains shouldn't emit any foul odor. A stinky drain indicates a major drainage system clog that needs professional services. Bacteria mainly cause a bad smell, which collects inside a clogged pipe. Usually, nasty smells are common in sink drains since the food matter gets trapped in the pipes, decaying over time and causing the smell. 

The bad odor could also come from errors like a poor plumbing connection that left a leaking pipe or a missing plumbing component. It might also be due to sulfates if the odor is similar to a rotten egg.

Get Professional Drain Cleaning Services

When was the last time you had a plumber clean your drains? If your drainage system exhibits any of the above signs, you should seek the advice of a professional plumber. While DIY drain cleaning could seem like a viable option, it comes with the risk of damaging your plumbing pipes. 

Consider getting reliable and professional drain cleaning services. At Keil Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we offer regular training to our plumbers to ensure you get top-notch plumbing services. Get in touch with us today for your drain cleaning needs.