Blocked drains in Melbourne can be a major issue for homeowners, causing inconvenience and sometimes leading to more severe problems if left unchecked. While there are plenty of DIY solutions to try for minor blockages, more severe blockages require the expertise of a professional drain cleaner. Some warning signs indicate it’s time to call in a professional drain cleaner.
What are the Warning Signs Indicating the Need to Call a Professional Drain Cleaner?
1. Multiple drains blockages at the same time
If you notice that several drains in your home are blocked simultaneously, it’s a sign of a more severe problem. It’s not uncommon to have a single drain become blocked due to hair or food particles getting caught in the drain. Still, when multiple drain blockages occur simultaneously, it’s an indication that there’s likely a clog in your main drain line. It can be a difficult problem with DIY solutions, as the clog is located in a more complex part of your home’s plumbing system.
When you call in a professional drain cleaner, they’ll use specialised equipment to identify and clear the blockage in your main drain line. It will allow all of the drains in your home to function properly again and can prevent further issues down the line.
2. Slow draining water
Slow-draining water is a common issue many homeowners experience, usually caused by something caught in the drain. While hair and food particles are common culprits, other things like soap scum and mineral buildup can also contribute to slow-draining water.
If you’ve tried DIY solutions like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger, but the problem persists, it’s time to call a professional drain cleaner. They’ll be able to inspect the drain and identify the cause of the problem. Depending on the severity of the blockage, they may use equipment like a drain snake or hydro jetting to clear it.
3. Unpleasant smells
Foul odours from your drains are unpleasant and can also be a sign of a blockage in the drain. When food particles, hair, and other debris get caught in the drain, they can rot, causing an unpleasant odour to waft. It can be a particularly unpleasant problem in the kitchen, where food particles are more likely to get stuck in the drain.
If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your drain, it’s time to call in a professional drain cleaner. Professionals can quickly identify and clear the blockage, eliminating the source of the odour. They can also recommend solutions to prevent the problem from happening again, such as regular drain cleaning or installing a drain strainer to catch food particles.
4. Gurgling noises
If you hear gurgling noises coming from your drains, it’s a sign of a clog. It happens due to air trapping in the drain as water tries to flow through the blockage. Gurgling noises are particularly common in the bathroom, where hair and soap scum can accumulate in the drain.
While it’s possible to try DIY solutions like pouring hot water down the drain or using a plunger, gurgling noises usually indicate a more severe blockage. When you call in a professional drain cleaner, they’ll use specialised equipment to identify the location of the clog and clear it. It will eliminate the gurgling noises and ensure your drains flow smoothly again.
5. Overflowing drains
Water overflowing from your sink or bathtub is a sign of a severe blockage that requires immediate attention. It can be caused by a clog in the main drain line, which is a particularly difficult problem to solve with DIY solutions. When water overflows from a drain, it can cause damage to your home, including water damage to floors and walls.
When water starts to overflow from your drain, it indicates that you need to call a professional drain cleaner immediately. Ignoring this problem can result in serious water damage to your home, including damage to floors, walls, and even furniture. It can also lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which can be harmful to your health.
A professional drain cleaner can locate and remove the blockage using specialised equipment quickly. It will stop the overflow and prevent the problem from happening again. Professionals can also inspect your plumbing system for any potential issues that may cause blockages in the future.
6. Backflow
Backflow occurs when water or sewage starts to flow back into your home’s plumbing system, which can be a serious health hazard. A clog or a damaged pipe often causes this problem allowing sewage to flow back into your home instead of being directed to the municipal sewage system.
If you notice water or sewage coming up from your sink, shower, or toilet, it’s important to call a professional drain cleaner immediately. Professionals can diagnose and fix the problem before it leads to further damage or health issues.
7. Noisy Pipes
Hearing banging or rattling sounds from your pipes signifies a blockage or a damaged pipe. Water pressure building up behind the blockage cause these rattling sounds, which can cause the pipe to vibrate and make noise.
Ignoring noisy pipes can lead to serious plumbing problems, including burst pipes and leaks. When you call in a professional drain cleaner, they’ll be able to identify the source of the noise and fix the problem before it causes any damage.
8. Persistent Blockages
If you constantly deal with clogged drains, it’s a sign of an underlying problem with your plumbing system. A debris buildup in your pipes or sewer line damage could cause persistent blockages.
While DIY solutions can be effective for minor blockages, persistent blockages require the expertise of a professional drain cleaner. They will be able to identify the cause of the problem and implement a long-term solution to prevent further blockages.
Conclusion
Blocked drains can be a major inconvenience and a sign of a more severe problem. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to call a professional drain cleaner from a reputable company like Your Local Plumbing to inspect the drain and determine the cause of the problem. They can quickly identify and clear the blockage, ensuring your drains flow smoothly again.
