Signs Your Drain Needs to be Cleaned

Did You Run Into a Clogged Drain in Your Home?

Believe it or not, one of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners run into are clogged drains. Whether there happens to be a blockage in your kitchen sink or your bathtub, an obstruction isn’t something to look forward to. However, there are a few signs that can help indicate, ahead of time, that your drain needs some TLC from a professional plumber.

Before we dive in, here are some best practices that will help keep your drains clog-free in the first place.

How Can I Prevent a Clogged Drain?

Dispose of Garbage in a Trash Receptacle

It may seem harmless to dispose of any small, loose debris (i.e., produce stickers) into a nearby sink drain and run the water afterward. However, this isn’t a good habit to grow accustomed to — in fact, it can cause your drain to clog over time. For instance, if you were to dispose of a produce sticker and flick it down the drain, there’s a chance it can get stuck to the wall of the pipe. And when that happens, over time, other pieces of garbage and food particles can get attached to it, narrowing the drain pipe and leaving water with nowhere to go.

To prevent this from happening, you’ll want to make sure that you’re only disposing of garbage in a nearby trash receptacle. Now, if you have a garbage disposal installed in your home, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re mindful of what you put inside it. Some items that can cause a clog (and break your device) include but are not limited to:

• Coffee grounds

• Dense animal bones

• Fruit pits

• Starchy, stringy foods

By being more mindful of what you dispose of, there’s a greater you’ll be able to eliminate the risk of your sink drain from forming a clog.

Consider Using a Drain Guard

Another way to help keep the drains in your home problem-free is to consider using a drain guard. Typically inexpensive and straightforward to install, these little mesh coverings are the perfect way to help block anything from migrating past the drain’s opening.

For instance, there’s a chance that hair may buildup at the base of your bathtub or shower which, over time, can cause a blockage. However, a drain guard will collect loose hair follicles and prevent them from forming a potential obstruction in your drain.

If you feel as if you have a potential drain clog on your hands, here are some common signs to look for.

What are the Common Signs of a Clogged Drain?

Slow-Draining Water

Picture this: you’re washing your hands in the kitchen sink, and the minute you turn the water off, it just seems to sit in the basin of the sink — slowly draining as the minutes pass. Many times, this indicates that there is a potential clog on your hands.

And as mentioned before, it’s possible that misuse of your plumbing drain could have caused buildup and a narrowing of the drainpipe, leaving water with nowhere to escape.

A Foul Smell Coming from the Drain

Another common sign is that there is a rather unpleasant odor lingering within the drain. Typically, this indicates that there may be something lodged in there (i.e., old food particles) that are blocking the pipe and making it difficult for water to drain.

Hearing Gurgling Sounds

If you hear an array of gurgling noises coming from your drains, that can indicate air trapped in a pipe. And when that’s the case, the root of the problem can stem from a clog or an issue with your main sewer line.

Professional Plumbing Services in Renton, WA

If you run into a stubborn drain or plumbing problem in your home, for the best plumbing services in Renton and the surrounding areas, turn to The Plumbing Joint Inc.! We will get right to work on fixing any problems that have arisen with your home’s plumbing!

Call us today at (425) 228-3204 to schedule your service!