A maintenance issue homeowners are frequently dealt is blocked drains. It can be far too easy for small daily habits to result in matter buildup that causes blockages.

If you are experiencing any small issues with water flow in your kitchen, laundry or bathroom it’s probably an early warning sign you need to take seriously. Knowing how to spot drain blockage issues early gives you a chance to get water flowing smoothly again with very little time and expense.

If your drain problems keep occurring you might need a new approach to release the particular buildup in your pipes. In this case, calling a plumber can help fix your blocked drains.

4 Signs of a Blocked Drain

Blocked drains can lead to property damage and can create health problems due to mould and bacteria build-up. Four early signs of a blocked drain are:

1. Foul Smell

If you walk into your kitchen or bathroom and notice an unpleasant odour it’s a good indication that you have waste material building and decomposing in your pipes. Food is a common culprit for this in the kitchen, as well as fat that can gradually coat the inside of your pipe. In bathroom sinks and showers, it is usually a case of tangled hair getting caught around plugs and catchers congesting with soaps and conditioners and allowing bacteria to grow.

2. Overflowing

If you are seeing an overflow issue then you’re facing a serious plumbing issue and you need immediate help. In some cases, the blockage might not be in your pipes but caused by pressure from another tenant’s drain. This is frequent in units, apartments or suites that are joined on the same sewage line. You probably won’t get any warning in these cases, just a mess. This can be an especially worrying issue when it involves toilets and sewage waste as the pollution and health concerns can be serious.

3. Gurgling Sounds

If you hear a gurgling sound after you turn off the taps or flush the toilet it’s a sign that air is becoming trapped in your pipes. Trapped air may look for another exit, like a sink or shower drain, so you may hear gurgling noises coming from locations that are different to the blockage point. Look for slow draining signs to help identify the source or contact a plumber for assistance.

4. Slow Draining

If water is draining from your sink but more slowly than usual it’s a sign there is something inside the pipe preventing water from exiting smoothly. Once a blockage forms, it doesn’t take long for other small particles to become lodged and block your pipe entirely. Slow draining is a sign that things are escalating quickly. It won’t take long for a small amount of water to become a stagnant basin that doesn't drain at all.

Blockages in drains can stem from a number of different issues. Pinpointing the exact cause can help prevent future problems as well as help you apply the right solution. Look at where the drain is located and what kind of use it gets. As well as home call out, a professional plumber can offer advice on blocked drain remedies over the phone.