Slow Draining Sinks, Baths or Showers
If water takes a long time to drain from your sink, bath or shower, this could be a sign of a blockage. Over time, soap, hair, grease, and debris can build up inside your pipes. This build-up reduces water flow, causing it to drain slowly. If you notice that all your sinks and showers are affected, the problem may be in the main drain line. A single slow drain usually means a local blockage.
Either way, ignoring this sign could lead to further damage or flooding. It’s best to get it checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Unpleasant Smells Coming from Drains
Bad smells from your drains can be a clear warning that something isn’t right. These smells are often caused by trapped waste, food particles, grease, or even sewage. When materials get stuck in your pipes, bacteria start to grow. This creates gases that rise up and escape through your plugholes, giving off a strong and unpleasant odour.
If the smell is coming from several drains, it may mean a deeper problem, such as a blocked or broken sewer pipe. In some cases, tree roots can grow into underground pipes, cracking them and causing leaks. This allows waste to build up, which then causes foul smells around your home or garden.
Ignoring these smells won’t make them go away. In fact, they’re likely to get worse. Over time, the build-up could damage your pipes or lead to water backing up into your home. If you notice strong or persistent smells, it’s time to call in a drainage expert for an inspection.
Gurgling Sounds in Pipes
Hearing strange gurgling sounds when water drains could be a sign of trapped air or blockages in your pipes. This happens when water can’t flow smoothly due to build-up or damage. The sound is caused by air bubbles trying to escape past the blockage. These noises often come from sinks, toilets, or showers.
While it might seem harmless, gurgling can be an early warning of a bigger issue. It may mean a blockage is forming or that part of your drainage system is damaged. If left unchecked, it could lead to leaks or water backing up. A drainage specialist can investigate the problem before it gets worse.
Water Backing Up or Overflowing
One of the most serious signs that you need a drain repair is when water backs up or overflows. This can happen in sinks, toilets, or even floor drains. It means there’s a blockage somewhere in the system stopping the water from flowing properly. Instead of draining away, the water has nowhere to go and starts to rise back up.
This issue is not only inconvenient but also unhygienic. If wastewater overflows, it can cause damage to floors, walls, and furniture. In the worst cases, it may lead to mould growth or structural issues due to damp.
Overflowing water from toilets or kitchen drains can also carry bacteria and germs, posing a health risk to everyone in the home. If water is backing up in more than one place, it could mean there’s a problem with your main sewer line.
It’s important not to try and fix the problem yourself, especially if the water is dirty or smells bad. A professional can use tools like cameras to inspect the pipes and find out what’s causing the blockage. Acting quickly can prevent serious damage and costly repairs.
Unusual Puddles or Soggy Ground Outside
If you notice puddles or damp patches in your garden that don’t go away, this could be a sign of a damaged drain. Cracks or breaks in underground pipes can leak water into the soil, making it soft and wet. This often happens even when there’s been no rain. You might also see patches of grass that are greener or grow faster than the rest. These signs may point to a hidden leak.
If left untreated, it could weaken the ground or even cause structural damage near your home. A drainage inspection will help identify the issue and prevent it from getting worse.
Clenston Ltd is a reliable business you can trust to install, replace, and repair your drainage systems. If you've noticed any of the above mentioned symptoms with your drains or pipework, give us a call, we're always here to help.
