Are you trying to ignore and brush off recurring drainage problems? Perhaps you’ve noticed your boiler continuously drops pressure, or water which used to powerfully come out of your shower head has been reduced to a dribble. Whilst it feels easier to bury your head in the sand, a drainage problem left unattended will only worsen, taking longer to fix and becoming more expensive. If you have noticed at least one of the signs below, it’s time to face the music and seek expert attention from a professional plumber.
Slow and Clogged Drains
If your sink or shower is constantly filled with water and takes more than 20 seconds to drain, you have a problem. A working drain quickly expels water from a basin, before you even notice it has been there. If water is consistently slow to drain, chances are you have a clogged pipe. Clogs can form over time as we wash products or soap away in the shower, or as we rinse plates in the sink. Hair, oil and coffee grinds in particular will take up residency in your pipes, clinging to the inside of pipes and encouraging other debris to join the party. As well as preventing bad odours, ensuring only water goes down your drains can be hard but it is vital in preventing blockages.
Bad Smells
A buildup of food particles, grease, and other organic materials in the pipes can decompose and release an unpleasant smell. A blockage in the pipes can trap water and create a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms that can produce unpleasant odours. Another cause could be a problem with your sewer line; from a broken or cracked pipe, a blockage in the line, or a problem with the venting system. If there is a problem with the sewer line, it can cause an unpleasant smell to come from the drains.
Unusual Noises
A drain issue can be seen, smelt and heard. As water tries to move down a pipe and there is a blockage present, you may hear some loud banging or gurgling sounds on a frequent basis. These sounds form as air is around inside the pipe, trying to push through debris as the pressure of the water builds. Whistling and thumping sounds can be caused by a variety of different issues such as a blockage, an obstruction in the line, or a problem with the pipe itself. It could be caused by the build-up of scale and limescale, which can cause the water to flow through the pipe at a higher pressure, creating loud noises. Listen out for these strange sounds and seek expert attention if they become a regular occurrence.
Flooding and Frequent Backups
A more obvious sign of something not being quite right with your drains is flooding and frequent backups. If anywhere in the interior or exterior of your home is marked by water pools, whether this is on the tarmac or under your sink, seek professional advice. If water begins pouring out of your sink or bath or toilet, it may be too late to stop the issue but some damage control will help. The toilet is the most likely appliance to flood. A toilet can begin to flood when it is flushed if a severe blockage prevents the water from travelling down.
Usually this is caused by a buildup of toilet paper and matter. The toilet will proceed to overfill and spill out onto the floor unless it is plunged as a temporary fix. Flooding and appliance backups during cold weather could also indicate you have a burst pipe, as pipes become cold and suddenly hot when in use, causing them to rapidly expand and then burst. External pipes are always key candidates for flooding, as they will get colder quicker than pipes hidden in the earth.
There are preventive measures you can take before you see warning signs of a problem, like being careful with what you put down your drains, ensuring your home stays consistently warm and using an at-home drain unblocker. However, whilst DIY drain clearance may work in the short term, it may just be a matter of time before it happens again. If your property routinely suffers from blocked drains, then you’ll need to call a professional. London property maintenance experts Aspect perform local drain cleaning, repairs and maintenance work, and are experienced in clearing internal and external pipes. They also provide fixed quotes for CCTV surveys and drain mapping services.
If you experience any of these issues, it’s important to contact a professional plumber to diagnose and repair the problem. Attempting to fix drainage issues yourself with a lack of knowledge and experience can lead to further damage and costly repairs, injury, contamination and potential code violations when working on drainage systems. It’s important to hire a professional with the proper expertise, safety equipment and training.
