Signs you may need emergency drain unblocking

Some pipe problems can be fixed with a bit of DIY. But at times, it’s best to call a professional. This way, you avoid damaging your property and save money on fixing poor work later.  

Signs of a blocked drain

Water drains slowly 

If water is draining slowly from your sinks, bathtubs, or showers, a blockage might be forming in the pipes. If the water isn’t draining at all it’s time to call a professional.  

In most cases it’s probably a build up of hair, soap, toothpaste or grease and debris. But it could be a sign of bigger drainage issues, like a pipe blockage or sewer line problems. This is especially true if all the drains in your house work at the same efficiency.

Unpleasant smells

An early sign of drain blockages are unpleasant smells coming from or around your sinks, toilets or drains. Trapped grime, rotting food or scum build up causes foul odours in your home. 

Instead of trying to disguise the odour, deal with the root of the problem head on. Tackling a drain's warning signs helps prevent further blockages or drainage issues, as well as any bad smells around your home.  

Loud noises

Trapped air in the pipes causes loud gurgling noises to sound from your drains, sinks, showers or baths. 

As water tries to pass through the limited area, it moves the trapped air, resulting in that gurgling sound. Loud noises coming from the sink are a sign that a blockage could be developing in your house’s pipes. 

 Raised water levels 

Keep an eye out for raised water levels in your home. If you flush the toilet or drain the sink and water comes back up, or refills higher than it was in the first place, you’ve got a blocked drain. 

There is likely an object or waste build up in the sewage pipes not allowing the water to drain fully. If this isn’t dealt with this can result in overflows, flooding and water damage to your home, which is costly to repair. 

The dos and don’ts of DIY 

If the issue seems manageable or you’ve just noticed a strange smell or sound coming from your drain and you’re doing some investigatory DIY, there’s methods that are more harmful than good. So if you don’t think it’s time to call in a professional yet keep these tips in mind.

Do:

• Use rubber gloves and a bucket to remove debris from a blocked drain or toilet

• Drain or clean a trap under a blocked sink

• Take care if opting for a drain snake to test for blockages, these may cause pipe breakages or snap while you’re using them 

Do not:

• Use caustic chemicals as they could damage your pipes

• Pour boiling water down the drains, could push fat, soap and other debris to settle further down the pipe

The risks of attempting DIY

The right tools in an untrained hand is a recipe for disaster. If you’re unsure on how to solve a possible blockage in your pipes, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. 

Trying to clear pipes is risky business and if a pipe breaks or part of a tool snaps off, you’re in a worse position than when you began. 

You could end up corroding, breaking or worsening the blockage in your pipes. Too much damage also results in the pipes being impossible to repair, resulting in more cost, mess and disruption. 

A quick search for ‘drain unblocking near me’ saves you time and money. It also helps prevent further damage to your property. 

How to prevent blocked drains 

Whether you’ve just called in a professional or are simply trying to keep your drains well maintained here are some ways to prevent blocked drains in your home:

• Dispose of Your Waste Properly - Pouring grease, fat, or excess food down the drain solidifies, leading to a hard-to-remove blockage.

• Use Drain Screens Covering drains with screens catches small objects and waste. This stops them from going down the drain and disrupting your water system. 

• Avoid Flushing Inappropriate Items - Only flush toilet paper. Sanitary products and wipes should be disposed of in a waste bin. 

• Run Hot Water - Consistent use of your taps helps to prevent build-ups. In winter, this prevents the water freezing in the taps, but it also makes sure everything’s running as it should. 

Final thoughts 

Recognising the signs of a blocked drain and knowing when to call a professional resolves blockages early. This prevents them from turning into bigger problems. 

Good maintenance of your drains and taking care in what you send down the pipes means you reduce the cost and disruption of your home having blocked drains.