How To Spot Drain Problems

Drain problems can be a right pain! They are stressful to deal with, they can create bad smalls and they often incur unwanted costs. 

To try to minimise the inconvenience of drain problems, it can be helpful to spot them early on. This can help prevent further damage to pipework and other areas of the drain, potentially saving you money!

Our drain specialists have put together a few warning signs, to help you spot drain issues as early as possible!

Look:

One of the most obvious signs of drain problems is water running away slowly. If your sink/shower/toilet/bath is draining slowly, this is an early indicator that you may have an issue somewhere in there. In some cases, the water might not drain at all. 

If just one of these fittings is showing a problem, the issue is likely related to that fitting alone. But, if it is affecting all of your plumbing, you probably have a problem with your sewer drain.

It can be helpful to play around with your toilet, so you can get a better idea of the issue at hand. If running taps make the water level in your toilet rise, then you almost certainly have a blocked drain.

Listen:

You might not pay much attention to the noises your pipes make. But usually, when the pipes start sounding different, people notice the change. Gurgling sounds from the plugholes, drains or pipes are an early warning sign that you have a drain problem on your hands. Also, if you notice your toilet starts to make an unusual sound when flushing, this is another indicator.

The strange sounds are often caused by air that is trapped in the pipe by the blockage. The sound is the air being pushed through the system or displaced.

Smell:

This is the biggest indicator that you have a drain problem! If something is clogging the drain it will start to rot whilst it is stuck in the pipe. When this happens you will most certainly know about it!

Foul smells are one of the earliest indicators of drain problems, the smell will often arise before any visual indicators. So, if you can whiff something funky that you can’t quite put your finger on, call a drain specialist as soon as possible!

A drainage issue isn’t something you can necessarily handle yourself. To avoid future problems, a contractor must address the underlying condition. This isn’t always easy, but the right drain experts will work with you to fix any issues as effectively and efficiently as possible. When choosing a drainage firm in London, here’s what to look for:

• A good contractor will have good references. You want a company with expertise that knows what it’s doing. Positive references are a good indication that your contractor will resolve the problem in the most suitable way, is courteous and easy to deal with, and follows through on their promises.
• Your contractor should offer a significant guarantee. This is a sign that they’re confident in the quality of their work, so watch out for any contractor who won’t.
• For drainage contractors, price isn’t always the best indicator of quality. Rely more on references, guarantees, and their expertise in the field. The cheapest quote could lead to an ineffective solution.
• As a customer, you should be completely at ease with your contractor. Your contractor should explain the problem with your drains clearly and suggest practical solutions. If you’re uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to change firms altogether.
• A scale drawing should be available. A good sewerage company in London must have general knowledge of construction and the relevant building regulations. The contractor should give you a clear, scale drawing of the project and sit down with you and explain everything in detail. It’s a good opportunity to air any worries you may have.

While there are some home remedies you can try to resolve problems with blockages, you will often end up searching Google for a ‘drainage company near me’ for professional help. Listed below are a few of the most common causes of clogged drains and the prescribed fixes for each of them:

• Hair: Plunging the drain is sometimes successful. You may be tempted to try a commercially available drain cleaner, but this can damage pipes if used frequently. Try and use a baking soda and vinegar solution on a regular basis to keep pipes clear, but if obstructions build-up, you may need a drainage contractor.
• Soap: The ideal method to remove soap accumulated in pipes is pressure cleaning by experts.
• Dirt: Using drain rods may work, but if you’re inexperienced, you could damage your pipework. Call in the professionals.
• Oil, Grease, and Fat: Try mixing some detergent with hot water in the sink bowl, and flush it away with hot water. This usually dissolves any hardened fat. Plunge the sink, but if the problem doesn’t resolve, contact an expert.
• Food Waste: Avoid flushing food waste down your drain. Clear dishes into the bin before washing them. Food waste may still accumulate over time, so if water runs sluggishly away when you remove the sink plug, you may need expert help to flush through your system with high-powered water.