Clogged drains are one of the most common, and most frustrating, plumbing issues out there.
When you take a shower, is the tub slow to drain? Or when you brush your teeth, does the water sit in the sink for what feels like forever? It’s easy to blame these issues on something close to the surface, like too much hair washed down the tub drain during showers or a chunk of an old soap bar lodged in the U-bend. However, the issue may actually go much deeper. If you’re not keeping your pipes clean and functioning well, it could result in huge problems. Here are 3 warning signs that you could have a major drain clog.
Drains That Don’t Work
If there is only a single drain in your house that doesn’t empty as fast as it should or as fast as it used to, the problem is likely close to that sink. However, if multiple sinks and tubs are slow to drain, the problem is probably further down in the system. Systematically work your way through the home testing each sink to try to narrow down where in the line the clog could be. You could try natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda to see if you can break up the clog. The chemical drain cleaners that they sell in stores are very harsh and longterm use can actually damage your pipes. If they don’t work the first time, it is time to call in the professionals.
Insects
Bugs can totally live inside your drains, feeding on any of the organic matter that washes down, from food scraps to hair. Many breed and lay their eggs in the gunk that builds up in clogged and slow moving drains. One example is the drain fly, but there are others. If you find yourself with a new infestation of insects, a clogged drain may be the culprit.
Smells
If you come home to strange smells in your house they could be coming from your pipes. One possibility for the odd smells is a sewage back up into your system. This can be a big problem and it is best to have a professional help you with it. However, stagnant water sitting in your pipes behind a clog could also cause a bad odor, especially if your routinely putting food debris down your sink. Whatever the cause, a foul odor coming up out of your pipes is a sure sign that you should call in the professionals.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!