Most homeowners know the feeling of watching a sink slowly fill up with water, even though the drain is wide open. Drain clogs are a universal woe that always seem to strike at the most inconvenient times.
A slow drain is just one of the many signs you have a drain blockage, and while chemicals and plungers can offer some relief from these problems, they may actually be detrimental in the long run. Below, we’ll delve into what causes drain blockages, how to identify them, and how you can effectively prevent them from happening in the first place.
If you struggle with frequent clogs, or if you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn clog, the Carrollton drain service experts at Lex Air are here to help. We provide professional drain cleaning services to the residents of Carrollton, TX as well as the surrounding communities.
Call us at 972-217-8955 today and experience the difference a professional drain cleaning could make in your home.
What Causes Drains to Clog?
Your home’s drainage system can become clogged for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
- Hair and soap scum;
- Food particles;
- Grease and fat;
- Toilet paper buildup;
- Mineral buildup; and
- Damaged drainage pipes.
Signs You Need To Call a Plumber for Drain Cleaning
While you may not be able to see directly into your drainage pipes, there are plenty of things that can indicate you’re dealing with a clogged drain. Below are some of the signs you need drain cleaning services. If you notice one or more of these signs in your home, a local Carrollton plumbing company like Lex Air can provide you with the professional drain cleaning service you need.
Frequent, Recurring Clogs
If you deal with frequent clogs in your home, you may have a significant blockage in your drainage system. If you’re constantly battling with recurring clogs, it may be time for you to call a local drain cleaning service to protect your home from additional drainage issues.
Multiple Clogged Drains
While it’s not uncommon for only one sink drain to face occasional blockages, if you have multiple simultaneous clogged drains, you may have a more serious blockage in your home’s main drainage line. A professional plumber will have the expertise and tools to diagnose and address problems directly, ensuring that your home’s plumbing system can functions optimally.
Slow Drainage
A slow drain might only be a minor annoyance at first, but it can actually indicate that your drain is gradually accumulating debris and becoming blocked. If you notice you have slow-draining sinks, tubs, showers, or toilets in your home, you should call a professional drain cleaning company. They’ll be able to investigate the slow-moving drain or drains and determine the root cause of the problem.
Foul Odors
If you start noticing persistent, unpleasant odors coming from your drains, a blockage may be causing the problem. Decaying food remnants, trapped hair, and other materials can become lodged in your pipes and can cause foul odors.
Strange Noises
Hearing unusual bubbling or gurgling sounds from your drains is not something to be taken lightly. These strange noises can be indicative of air trapped in the pipes due to blockages or partial obstructions. When water rushes past a clog or blockages, it can create air bubbles, which could signal that there’s an underlying issue within the drain pipes.
Backed-Up Water or Sewage
One of the most alarming signs of a serious drainage issue is the presence of backed-up water or, worse, sewage returning to your sinks, tubs, showers, or basement floor drain (if your home has one). This not only poses a significant inconvenience, but also presents health risks due to potential exposure to harmful bacteria and pathogens.
If you experience a water backup anywhere in your home, it’s important that you call a plumber. Their professional expertise will ensure that the blockages are cleared, the system is cleaned, and your home remains sanitary and safe.
Overflowing Toilets
An overflowing toilet is more than just a messy problem—it’s an indication that your plumbing system may be completely clogged. A toilet overflow can lead to water damage and could potentially put your health at risk, which can be physically, financially, and emotionally stressful.
A thorough drain cleaning can help identify the root cause of the overflow, clear any obstructions in the drain line, and offer solutions to prevent future occurrences.
Old Plumbing Fixtures/System
Over time, wear and tear, corrosion, and natural sediment buildup can reduce the efficiency of older plumbing systems, leading to slow drains or frequent clogs. If your home boasts vintage fixtures or hasn’t seen an update to its plumbing in decades, you may experience more frequent drainage problems.
Drain cleaning can provide you with a solution for immediate blockages as well as a preventive measure against future issues. If a thorough drain cleaning doesn’t do the trick or your system is particularly old, you may need professional repiping services.
Tree Root Intrusion
When dealing with a clogged pipe, the culprit doesn’t always have to be something that was washed down the drain from inside the house. Rogue tree roots can actually grow directly into a drain pipe, slowly obstructing water flow more and more as the root grows bigger and bigger.
Ineffective DIY Efforts
At the first sign of a drain clog, many homeowners will try DIY plumbing solutions such as a liquid drain cleaner to help clear the blockages. While this may help temporarily, the harsh chemicals in store-bought drain cleaners can actually cause your pipes to deteriorate over time.
If you think you need your drains cleaned, your best option is to hire professional home drain cleaners. Professional drain cleaning services can ensure that your drain lines are cleaned and protected from corrosion.
Additional Problems Drain Clogs Can Cause
A clogged drain can be a nuisance and a mild inconvenience at first, but if it’s left untreated, it can cause serious damage to your home, your health, and your well-being. For instance, standing water from a slow shower drain can foster mold and mildew growth, which can be a serious risk to you and your family’s health.
Over time, accumulated debris in the pipes can also emit foul odors, making living spaces unpleasant. Things like stagnant water and sewage smells can also attract pests like small rodents and fruit flies, which can further health concerns.
Additionally, the added pressure from blockages can strain pipes, leading to leaks or even bursts, which can result in a water backup. This could flood areas of your home like your laundry room or bathroom, which can cause water damage to your property.
If a drainage pipe or main sewer line leaks or bursts, you need to take immediate action to protect yourself, your family, and your property. Luckily for the residents of Carrollton, Lex Air Conditioning and Heating provides emergency plumbing services to those in need of quick, effective interventions for their plumbing problems.
How Can You Avoid Drain Clogs?
There are several ways that homeowners can help take care of their drains and prevent clogs before they happen. You can help avoid drainage clogs by:
- Scraping food debris into the trash before rinsing dishes in the sink
- Periodically clearing your garbage disposal of buildup
- Using drain strainers
- Limiting toilet paper use
- Not flushing cleaning wipes
- Periodically clearing your drains with hot water
You can also help avoid serious drainage problems by detecting and addressing drain problems early. If you notice air bubbles in your toilet, slow drains around your home, or an unexplained foul odor coming from somewhere in your home, hire drain cleaning services as soon as you can. A skilled plumber can identify and address the problem quickly so that you can once again enjoy the benefits of a well-functioning plumbing system.
Clogged Drain? The Carrollton Plumbing Professionals at Lex Air Can Help
While you may not think about it often, your drainage system plays a critical role in your home’s comfort and functionality. While preventive measures can help, there are times when professional intervention is the only solution.
Don’t wait for minor issues to escalate into costly repairs. If you’re experiencing any signs of drain problems or simply want a routine check, trust Lex Air Conditioning and Heating to provide professional drain cleaning services at a competitive price.
With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to quality, we ensure your plumbing runs smoothly, protecting your home’s integrity. Let Lex Air be your trusted plumbing partner–call us at 972-217-8955 or contact us online today to get started.
