7 Early Signs of a Blocked Drain

Blocked drains are smelly and annoying, and unfortunately, they are a common occurrence in many households around Australia. They are one of the most common problems plumbers face, so it is important to recognise the early signs of a blocked drain.

Continue reading to learn more about the 7 early signs of a blocked drain.

1. Bad Smell

One of the first signs of a blocked drain is a foul smell coming from the drains in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. This smell is caused by all the debris and food waste that gets stuck in the pipes and builds up over time. Because the drains are blocked, the food waste and debris can’t be washed down properly. The longer your drain remains blocked, the bigger this clump of debris will grow and the worse the smell will become.

Bacteria and fungi love stagnant water and will happily breed in it, making foul odours even worse.

2. Gurgling Sounds

If you hear your pipes and drains making strange gurgling noises, it means that the water is struggling to drain properly, a sure sign of a blocked drain. If you notice your kitchen sink making strange sounds when somebody is having a shower or the bathroom sink gurgling when the kitchen sink is running, it could also mean you have a blocked sewer drain.

3. Slow Draining Water

If you notice that water is slow to drain after having a shower or washing the dishes, it can mean that you have a blocked drain. The debris in a clogged drain takes up the space in a pipe, making the flow of water slow and sluggish.

If you notice the problem in one drain, it can mean the blockage is limited to one pipe. However, if you notice multiple slow-draining drains, the problem can be linked to the sewer drain.

4. Low Water Pressure

Blocked drains can cause low water pressure due to debris buildup. This debris compresses the pipes, limiting the flow of water that runs through them. Drain blockages impact the water pressure throughout your whole plumbing system, not just the clogged drain.

Water pressure in the pipes is increased before the clog, which can add extra stress to the pipes, causing damage to them.

5. Water Levels

A low water level in your toilet may be an indication of a clogged drain. After flushing the toilet, the water level may rise and then drain away slowly. Even though the water level in the toilet can be lower, it can be higher in other places, like the shower, after you have flushed the toilet or used the washing machine.

The water level in your toilet bowl should not be low or abnormally high, as that indicates something is wrong.

6. Recurring Drain Blocks and Clogs

If you notice your drains repeatedly becoming clogged, it’s a warning sign that there is a significant blockage somewhere in your pipes, which will require the help of a professional plumber.

Over time, repeated drain blockages can cause further plumbing complications like burst pipes, flooding and water damage.

7. Overflow

If wastewater starts coming out of your drains, shower and toilet (known as overflow), it is a sign of a serious problem in the sewer line or a significant pipe blockage.

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Common causes of a blocked drain include:

• Food waste/scraps
• Grease, fat and oil
• Soap buildup
• Debris
• Hair Foreign objects (toys)
• Sanitary products
• Tree roots

Ways to Avoid Drain Blockages

Here are some ways to avoid drain blockages:

• Clean your drains regularly. Pouring a mixture of water, vinegar and baking soda down the drain can help clear debris buildup. 
• Proper disposal of food waste and fat, oil, and grease: All food waste should go in the bin, and oil, fat, and grease should be collected in a jar and reused or sealed in a container before being thrown out.
• Avoid putting foreign objects down the drain: Stop your kids from flushing their toys and other foreign objects down the toilet.
• Dispose of sanitary products properly: Dispose of hygienic products in a bin instead of flushing them down the toilet.
• Collect any loose hair: Collect any loose hair and throw it in the bin instead of letting loose hair be rinsed down the drain.

Flow Plumbing Solutions offers premium plumbing services to Newcastle and surrounding areas. We understand the importance of prompt, professional, and friendly service and stand confidently behind the quality of our work. 

If you have blocked drains, do not hesitate to contact us at 0461 408 283 or visit our website to find out more about our services: https://www.flowplumbingsolutions.com.au/