5 Signs You Have a Clogged Drain – and What to Do About It

Is your sink draining slower than usual? Are you noticing strange gurgling sounds or bad odors coming from your drains? If so, you may be dealing with a clogged drain. 

A clogged drain is a common plumbing problem that can be frustrating and inconvenient for homeowners. In this blog post, we’ll share five common signs of a clogged drain, so you can identify the problem and take steps to fix it. We’ll also provide you with practical tips to help you prevent clogged drains in the future, so you can avoid the hassle and expense of plumbing problems. 

Sign #1: Slow Draining

Have you noticed that your sink, shower, or bathtub is taking longer to drain than usual? If so, it could be a sign of a clogged drain. Slow draining is one of the most common signs of a clogged drain and can be caused by a variety of factors, including a buildup of debris, such as hair, soap scum, and food particles, or a more serious blockage deeper in your plumbing system.

Here are some practical tips to help you fix a slow-draining drain:

• Remove visible debris: Start by removing any visible debris from the surface of the drain. You can use a pair of gloves and your fingers to remove any hair, soap scum, or other debris that may be causing the clog.
• Use a plunger: If removing visible debris doesn’t solve the problem, try using a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain, making sure it creates a seal, and pump the handle up and down to create suction. This can help loosen and remove the clog.
• Try a drain snake: If the plunger doesn’t work, try using a drain snake. A drain snake is a flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to break up and remove the clog. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and use gloves to protect your hands.
• Call a professional plumber: If you’ve tried these methods and your drain is still slow, it may be time to call a professional plumber. They have specialized equipment and expertise to locate and remove even the most stubborn clogs.

In addition to these tips, it’s important to take steps to prevent clogged drains in the future. Avoid pouring grease, oil, or food scraps down your drains, use drain covers to catch hair and other debris, and consider scheduling regular drain cleaning and maintenance

Sign #2: Bad Odor Coming from the Drain 

Have you ever noticed a bad smell coming from your sink or shower drain? Another common sign of a clogged drain is bad odors coming from your drains. This can be caused by a buildup of organic material, such as food, hair, or soap scum, in your drain or sewer line. Over time, this organic material can decompose and produce unpleasant smells.

Here are some practical tips to help you get rid of bad odors and clean your drains and sewer line:

• Clean the drain: Start by cleaning the drain using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then flush the drain with hot water. This can help break up and remove any organic material causing the odor.
• Use a drain cleaner: If the baking soda and vinegar methods don’t work, try using a drain cleaner. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as some drain cleaners can be harsh and may damage your pipes.
• Check the trap: The trap is a U-shaped pipe located beneath your sink or shower. It’s designed to trap debris and prevent odors from escaping. If the trap is dry or damaged, it may be allowing odors to escape. Check the trap and make sure it’s full of water and in good condition.
• Call a professional plumber: If the bad odor persists or is accompanied by other signs of a clogged drain, it may be time to call a professional plumber. They can use specialized equipment to locate and remove the clog, preventing further damage to your plumbing system.

Sign #3: Gurgling Sounds

Do you hear strange gurgling sounds coming from your drains? This could be another sign of a clogged drain. Gurgling sounds occur when air is trapped in your plumbing system and can’t escape due to a blockage. This can cause water to drain slowly and can even lead to water backups and flooding if left untreated.

Here are some practical tips to help you fix gurgling sounds in your drains:

• Check your vent pipes: Vent pipes are designed to allow air to escape from your plumbing system. If your vent pipes are blocked or damaged, it can cause air to become trapped and lead to gurgling sounds. Check your vent pipes and make sure they’re clear of debris and in good condition.
• Clean your drains: A buildup of debris in your drains can cause gurgling sounds by trapping air in your plumbing system. Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean your drains and remove any buildup.
• Call a professional plumber: If the gurgling sounds persist or are accompanied by other signs of a clogged drain, it may be time to call a professional plumber. They can use specialized equipment to locate and remove the blockage, preventing further damage to your plumbing system.

Water Backup

One of the most serious signs of a clogged drain is water backup. This occurs when water from your sinks, showers, or toilets doesn’t drain properly and instead backs up into your home. Water backup can cause extensive damage to your property and pose health hazards due to the presence of bacteria and other harmful contaminants.

Here are some practical tips to help you fix water backup in your drains:

• Shut off the water supply: If water is backing up into your home, it’s important to shut off the water supply to prevent further damage. Locate the main water shutoff valve and turn it off until the problem is resolved.
• Try plunging: Plunging can be an effective way to remove a clog and restore water flow. Use a plunger designed for sinks or toilets and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Use a drain snake: A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be used to break up and remove clogs in your plumbing system. Insert the snake into your drain and turn it clockwise to remove any blockages.
• Call a professional plumber: If water backup persists or is accompanied by other signs of a clogged drain, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They can use specialized equipment, such as a hydro jet, to remove even the most stubborn clogs and restore water flow to your plumbing system.

Remember, water backup is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. If you experience water backup in your home, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber for help. They can quickly and safely locate and remove the clog, preventing further damage to your property and ensuring your family’s safety. 

Multiple Clogs

If you’re experiencing clogs in multiple drains throughout your home, it could be a sign of a more serious plumbing problem. This could be caused by a blockage in your main sewer line, which can lead to backups and other issues. Other potential causes of multiple clogs in your plumbing system can include tree root intrusion, damaged sewer lines, or problems with your septic system.  

Here are some practical tips to help you fix multiple clogs in your plumbing system:

• Check for a main sewer line blockage: A blockage in your main sewer line can cause multiple drains to clog at once. If you suspect this may be the problem, call a professional plumber to perform a camera inspection of your sewer line and locate the blockage.
• Use a drain snake: A drain snake can be an effective tool for removing clogs in your plumbing system. Use a drain snake to clear out each drain individually and see if this improves water flow throughout your home.
• Call a professional plumber: If multiple clogs persist or are accompanied by other signs of a serious plumbing problem, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They can use specialized equipment to locate and remove the blockage safely and efficiently.
• Check your pipes: If you suspect that your plumbing system may be experiencing multiple clogs, it’s important to check your pipes for damage. Cracks or other damage to your pipes can lead to clogs and backups. Call a professional plumber to inspect your pipes and make any necessary repairs.

Sick of dealing with slow-draining sinks or foul odors? Stop living with the frustration of a clogged drain – call King Rooter & Plumbing today!  

If you’re experiencing any of the signs of a clogged drain in your home, it’s important to take action before the problem becomes more serious. Whether it’s slow draining, bad odors, gurgling sounds, water backup, or multiple clogs, these signs can indicate a clogged drain that requires professional attention.

Don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber Denver like King Rooter & Plumbing for help. They can quickly and safely locate and remove any blockages, restoring water flow and preventing further damage to your plumbing system. By taking proactive steps to prevent clogs in your plumbing system and addressing any issues promptly, you can avoid the frustration and inconvenience of a clogged drain and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.