Blocked drains are unpleasant and inconvenient, resulting in foul smells, headaches and expense. It is important to identify blocked drains early, as the longer they are left, they can lead to pipe damage and inconvenience for the whole family.
The earlier a blocked drainage pipe can be identified the better. Here are some warning signs to be aware of so that you can spot a blocked drain early and get the drainage company ASAP for professional drain services.
Warning Signs To Look Out For With A Blocked Sewer Drain
If you know what to look for, you will be able to diagnose a blocked drain as soon as it occurs and will be able to prevent more serious problems from occurring and emergency drain repairs.
Early Signs Of A Blocked Drain Include:
- Slow draining water
- Gurgling noises
- Increased water levels
- A bad smell
- Lack of water pressure
What Are The Characteristics Of A Blocked Drain?
The most obvious indication that you have a blocked drainage pipe is if the water in your toilets, sinks, shower or bath is draining more slowly, compared to normal. If the blockage is serious, the water may not drain away at all.
Flushing the toilet can give you some indication of the severity of the problem. If running the taps causes the water in your toilet to rise, or flushing the toilet causes the water in the sink to rise, then you have a blocked drain.
Blocked Drains Outside – What Should You Do?
There are several types of common drain blockages both inside and outside of your home. You can work out of the blockage originating inside your home or if it is a problem affecting shared drains by carrying out the following steps
- Ask your neighbours if they have any water draining problems. If your neighbours are not having problems then the problem probably involves your drains only.
- If your inside drain is blocked, but your outside drain is fine, again the problem is within your internal drain.
What Are The Types Of Outside Blocked Drains?
If you spot any of the following signs, call the professionals ASAP.
Blocked external drain
External drains can easily become blocked with leaves and debris, or from non-dissolvable items that have been flushed down the toilets or fat and grease that have been poured down the kitchen sink.
Blocked outside kitchen drain
A blocked outside kitchen drain is due to anything that has been poured down the kitchen sink. It is not part of the public sewer and it is your responsibility to clear any blockages.
Smelly drains outside
Bad smells emanating from your outside drains are a definite indication of a blocked drain.
Outside drain overflowing
If any of your outside drains are overflowing is a sure sign again of a blocked drain.
It’s Always Easier To Avoid Blocked Drains Than Repairing Them
It is much easier to avoid problems than to have to deal with blocked drains. Being careful about what goes down the drain is the first step to preventing emergency drain repairs. The worst offenders from inside the home blocking drains are hair, in the bath and shower. Nappies, baby wipes and feminine hygiene products that don’t dissolve down the toilet. In the kitchen, the prime offender is fats and oil that go down the kitchen sink with food leftovers. There are hair catchers that are available to put over the plugholes in your bath and shower. Making sure only toilet tissue is flushed down the toilet and you don’t pour oil down the kitchen sink without boiling water is a surefire way to help prevent blockages from occurring.
Blocked Drains Summary
If you do end up with a blockage either inside or outside of the home, then your best cause of action is to call in a professional drainage company. At Wizz we cover the greater London area, including Watford, Slough and Hounslow. Whatever drainage problem you have we are skilled and experienced at drain unblocking and drain pipe repair and can deal with any other drainage issues. We are also available for drainage cleaning services that will help keep your drains in excellent condition and prevent blockages. Contact us today for information about our drain services or to book an appointment,