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How to spot the signs of a Blocked Drain
What are the Signs of a Blocked Drain?
There are a number of warning signs to look out for that you have a blocked drain, which if ignored can lead to further problems and increased costs. The top Blocked Drain warning signs include:
Smells
- An unpleasant smell around the drain in the kitchen, could be described as ‘an eggy smell’ which is due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, which is formed when bacteria grows in drains. The bacteria build up from grease, fat and food which have typically made its way down through the kitchen plughole.
- In the bathroom you may smell raw sewerage and this can be caused by a variety of issues from a broken seal around the toilet, a burst pipe or even that the sewer or main drain has collapsed or deteriorated.
Noises
- If your pipes are producing sounds that are different to usual this could be a clear sign of a blocked drain. Gurgling, banging, spluttering sounds which are coming from your plug holes, drains, toilet or pipework are usually early warning signs sometimes before or after you notice a smell.
- Air trapped in the pipes by a blockage can create an unusual sound as the air gets pushed through the system or is displaced. This could lead to no water getting through and a burst pipe.
Visible Signs
- Some visible signs, such as subsidence or cracks, will be obvious and present as damage, but they should always be investigated.
- Localised damp or raised water levels are another sign that something is not right. They should be carefully monitored, and a professional, like Moling Services SE, should be called in.
- And finally, sewage coming up through your drains is never right and requires immediate attention.
If you have noticed any of these issues, it’s highly likely that you have a blocked drain and need the services of a local drain unblocking specialist to come out and investigate the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blocked Drains
What are the Signs of a Blocked Drain?
There are a number of warning signs to look out for that you have a blocked drain, which if ignored can lead to further problems and increased costs. The top Blocked Drain warning signs include:
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An unpleasant smell around the drain
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Gurgling noises
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Visible damage such as subsidence, cracks, localised damp or raised water levels
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Sewage coming up through your drains
If you have noticed any of these issues, it’s highly likely that you have a blocked drain and need a local drain unblocking company to come out and investigate the problem.
What causes Blocked Drains?
You might be wondering what has caused your drains to be blocked; was it human error, a natural occurrence or is there a problem with your home or other buildings pipework that is causing the issue with clogged drains. There are a number of prime reasons when it comes to blocked drains:
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Items flushed down the toilet or poured down the sink; such as wet wipes or cooking oils
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Leaves and other garden debris can gather in outside drains and block them that way
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The incorrect installation of waste pipes and other drainage can mean that whatever happens they will get blocked.
This is why it is important to find out the source of the blockage so that it doesn’t happen again.
How do you diagnose problems with a Blocked Drain?
Finding the reason why they are clogged and then unblocking drains can be difficult to do properly when you can’t physically see the problem, which is where CCTV inspections come in. CCTV inspections of your drains will enable a safe search for the location of the blockage and assess if there is any damage to the drain and/or associated pipework, providing the information that is crucial to providing the correct solution.
What happens if I ignore my Blocked Drain?
If a drain blockage is ignored, the consequences can be serious. Left unchecked and untreated, a clogged drain can lead to a variety of plumbing problems, from reduced water pressure to flooding and sewage backups. A blockage that is not addressed could very likely cause long-term damage to pipes, resulting in a bigger job in the long run.
Who is responsible for Unblocking Drains?
Generally speaking, you’re usually responsible for drains inside the boundaries of your home or other property, while the sewerage company is responsible for lateral drains (which is a length of pipe which carries wastewater away from your property to a sewer ally outside of the property) and sewers.
Are you concerned about your drains? Contact Moling Services South East today.
If you’ve noticed any signs that your drains might be blocked, getting someone in to look at them quickly is crucial to avoid further damage and costly repairs. At Moling Services South East, we specialise in diagnosing and resolving blocked drain issues efficiently and effectively. Don’t let a blocked drain disrupt your daily life or cause extensive damage to your property. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your drains are flowing freely again.
All of our engineers are fully trained and will put your safety first. When working on your property or business premises.
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