A blocked or clogged drain is one of those things that nobody likes to talk about but everyone has experienced at some point. Whether it’s your kitchen sink or a bathroom drain that gets backed up, it can be a miserable experience. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to avoid having to call a plumber on a regular basis. Before you start pulling out your hair or spending your hard-earned cash on a plunger or other tools for unclogging pipes, it’s a good idea to check if your drains are actually clogged. Depending on what’s causing your pipes to back up, there are a few signs that indicate you have a clogged or partially clogged drain. If you’ve noticed any of these things happening more frequently than normal, it might be time to call a plumber and get your drains checked out ASAP!

Bad smells coming from your drains

One of the most common signs of a clogged or partially clogged drain is bad smells coming from your drains. When waste builds up in the pipes that lead to your house, bacteria feed on it and produce unpleasant odors. This smell can be especially bad in kitchens and bathrooms, where it’s harder to remove smells from the air. This smell is a clear indication that you have a clogged or partially clogged drain, and it’s best to call a plumber right away if you notice this happening. If you ignore the smell or try to unclog your drains on your own, you could make the problem worse by introducing harmful chemicals into your plumbing system.

Water backing up in your tub or shower

In many homes, water backs up in the tub or shower at least once a year. This could be due to tree roots growing through your sewer lines and causing a backup, debris clogging the pipes, or a build-up of hair and other materials in the trap. If your tub or shower is constantly overflowing, it’s likely that your drains are clogged. It’s recommended that you try to unclog your drains once a month to prevent this from happening, but if you don’t notice a backup until after a month has passed, it might be time to call a plumber.

You regularly see black, gooey stuff in your sinks or tubs

If you’ve ever had to clean out your kitchen or bathroom sinks, you know that sinks often have a build-up of black, gooey stuff in the bottom. This is especially true in areas where there is a lot of fat and grease being used, such as in restaurants or households with a lot of guests. This black, gooey stuff is called “scum” and can be a sign that your pipes are clogged. Water builds up in the pipes and flows back out the sink, but instead of flowing into the sewer, it flows over the scum and back into your house. This can cause your drains to get backed up and may require you to call a plumber. Depending on the type of scum that is clogging your pipes, it may be best to call a plumber as soon as possible to avoid having to unclog your drains manually.

You have to run the water for a long time before it gets hot or cold

Another common sign that your drains might be clogged is if you have to run the water for a long time before it gets warm or cold. This could be a sign of a clogged or partially clogged pipe, especially if you live in a new home or one that was built recently. If your water doesn’t reach your faucets as quickly as it used to, it could be a sign that there is a blockage in your pipes. If you have a partially clogged pipe, it can be a difficult and time-consuming process to unclog your drains. This is why it’s best to call a plumber as soon as you notice this happening.

You have to push hard to get your toilet to flush

If you have to push hard to get your toilet to flush, it could be a sign that your drains are clogged. This could be due to a build-up of hair, skin, or other materials in the trap that’s causing the toilet to get backed up. This can be a difficult and time-consuming problem to fix, especially if you have a toilet that uses a septic tank. Septic system drains require you to have a special tool to unclog the pipes. It’s best to call a plumber to avoid making a mess out of your toilet and wasting your time.

How to unclog a clogged or partially clogged drain

If you have determined that your drains are clogged or partially clogged, the first thing you should do is shut off the water to the entire house. This will reduce the amount of pressure in the system and make it easier to unclog the drains. Next, use a snake, brush, or other tool to loosen up the clogs in your drains. If this doesn’t work, you may need to call a plumber to unclog your drains. If you have a clogged toilet, you can try using a toilet auger to remove the blockage. If you have a clogged kitchen sink or another type of clogged pipe, a plunger or a metal rod will help you to remove the blockage.

Bottom line

A clogged or partially clogged drain can be a miserable experience and may require you to call a plumber to unclog your drains. Fortunately, you can avoid this by regularly cleaning out your drains, making sure that your toilet doesn’t fall in, and making sure that you don’t have any hair or other materials in your traps. If you have noticed any of these signs recurring, it’s best to call a plumber and get your drains checked out ASAP!