Signs Your Main Drain Is Clogged and How to Address the Issue
When was the last time you checked your drains? Without preventative care and maintenance, you can end up with an inconvenient clog on your hands.
Spotting signs of a clogged drain early makes it easier to keep your drain in good working condition. Keep reading as we explore the signs your main drain is clogged and how to resolve them.
How Do I Spot the Signs Of A Clogged Main Drain?
Knowing when your main drain is clogged is the first step toward remedying the issue. Here are the top signs too look out for.
Slow Draining
You’ll know your main drain is clogged if several drains in your house are slowly emptying. This could indicate that your main drain is clogged. The water in your sinks, tubs, and showers might linger after you’ve pulled the plug.
Gurgling Noises
If you flush your toilet or drain your sink, there shouldn’t be any gurgling sounds. If you hear gurgling noises, this is a sign that air is trapped in the pipes because they’re clogged.
Foul Odours
All your flushed food waste and wastewater will build up in the pipes if your main drain is clogged. It can make your house smell like sewage, and this odour will waft back up through the drains and toilets.
Backups in Multiple Fixtures
When you flush the toilet or drain the sink, the water should flow directly to the main drain. It shouldn’t appear in another sink or your shower. If this happens, you have a clogged main drain.
Overflow
If sewage or wastewater starts to back into your ground floor fixtures, this is the most obvious sign of a clogged main drain. Addressing a clog early prevents the nightmare of having raw sewage in your home.
How to Resolve A Clogged Main Drain
If you’re not too handy around the house, your first cause of action for a clogged main drain is to call a plumber. It’s better to call out a professional than procrastinate on this one.
If you think you can tackle the issue head-on, here are the steps you should take:
• Inspect the clogging – you should assess the situation to see how severe the clogging is. Raw sewage in your home is an extreme health hazard, and it’s best to leave the job to a professional.
• Gather tools – you’ll need a plunger, a drain snake, and drain cleaning solutions to clear the drain safely.
• Plunge the drain – using a plunger, create a seal around the drain’s opening and plunge it vigorously. If the clog is only minor, this should do the trick.
• Use a drain snake – insert a drain snake into your pipes for deeper clogs. Twist and crank the snake to break up or remove the clog. The snake will come with manufacturer instructions to ensure you do it right.
• Flush and monitor – run water to see if the drain’s cleared. Then, run hot water to flush away any remaining debris. If you encounter too much resistance during these processes or the drain is still clogged, it’s time to reach out to your local plumber.
Doing plumbing work yourself comes with risks. You could damage your plumbing, and your home could become very dirty. If you’re not sure you’re up for the task, it’s always best to get a plumber on hand – better safe than sorry!
Call Caldwell Plumbing to Clear Main Drain Clogs
A clogged drain can be a nuisance – especially if you don’t spot it early. Now you’ve read this post, you should be able to recognize the signs of a clog as soon as they appear before sewage starts creeping back up.
If you have a clogged main drain, you can always rely on the plumbers at Caldwell Plumbing. Contact us today for a free quote!
