0% Interest and $0 Down For 12 Months

Learn more

Five Signs That You Need Your Drains Cleaned

A person using a plunger to clear a toilet clog.

Spring is just around the corner! While you’re cleaning out your closets and getting rid of clutter for spring cleaning, it’s important that you don’t forget about your drains. Our drains deal with a lot, so it’s important to show them some TLC every once in a while. Even though you may be careful about what you put down them, accidents still happen. Over time, foreign objects or substances can accumulate, causing a range of problems from slow drains to foul odors. In order to keep your drains working properly, it’s important that you know the warning signs of a problem. At the first sign of an issue, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

Signs You Need Drain Cleaning

  1. Stinky drains. A foul odor can indicate a bad clog forming in the drain system. Since the clog captures more and more organic waste, that waste will simply sit and rot in the drain. If this problem escalates, it can lead to a very smelly situation. Your drains should never smell at all, so be sure to have them cleaned if they start.
  2. Slow drains. If your bathroom and kitchen drain keeps getting slower and slower, then there’s a problem somewhere in the system. It could simply be a clog, but it could also be tree roots that often penetrate the sewer line looking for nutrients in the wastewater. It could also be a damaged drain that has caved in due to shifting ground or some other cause, like a burrowing animal.
  3. Your toilet won’t drain. If your toilet won’t drain at all and simply using the plunger doesn’t solve the problem, then you’re dealing with a serious issue. You probably have a clog further in the sewer line.
  4. Strange sounds. When clogs build up and water is slow to drain, it can create gurgling and bubbling noises in the drain.
  5. Standing water in the bath or shower. If you have a serious clog, then the water from the drain system will eventually back up. You’ll first notice it in the shower and bath since those drains are closest to the floor. If the problem gets worse, you’ll notice it in the sinks and your toilet, as well. Any standing water can possibly cause water damage, or mold and mildew growth.

If you notice one or more of these signs, then you need to call a plumber right away. A professional will be able to determine the best course of action to take in cleaning and clearing your drains – most likely a camera inspection and high-pressure water jetting.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

At the first sign of an issue, you should always call a professional. You can also minimize the chances of needing drain clearing by maintaining your drains properly. Twice a month, clean your kitchen and bathroom drains using a commercial drain cleaner. You can also use a homemade mixture: pour a pot boiling water into the drain, followed by half a cup of baking soda. After a few minutes, pour a cup of vinegar and a cup of hot water into the drain. Cover the drain and let the mixture work in for about five minutes, then flush the drain with very hot water.
For drain cleaning and clearing services, call Gold Star today!

Skip to content