4 Signs of a Clogged Pipe

After a long and stressful day, there’s nothing quite like a hot shower to wash away the day’s worries and soothe your mind and body. But what happens when the water pressure suddenly drops, turning a relaxing stream into a frustrating trickle? This could be a clear indicator that there is something wrong with the drainage system resulting in clogged pipes in your home. By paying close attention to the warning signs, you can catch and address clogged pipes early before they turn into a bigger, more expensive issue.

1. Changes in Water Pressure and Water Flow

When the water pressure and, thus, water flow start to change quickly, it is a sure sign that something is wrong in your home’s drainage system. Usually, these issues arise from a clog that inhibits the water flow through the blockage. But, cracking or breakage in the water line where the water can easily escape out is also a cause possibility. When you notice any changes in the actual amount of water coming from your faucet or showerhead, or even see a change in the speed or force in which the water comes out, there is a very high chance that your pipes are clogged somewhere down the line. Your first priority is to find where the actual spot of the clog has occurred and found a plumbing specialist who can help fix the clog before the problems worsen beyond repair.

2. Water Backs Up in Odd Places

When you flush your toilet, does the water in the nearby shower or tub drain start to gurgle? If so, there is a clog that has blocked the water flow in your home. Usually, the water then backs up to the lowest point and this is most of the time a shower drain.

But, what if the shower drain or toilet starts to overflow when you start to run the washing machine? This is also the cause of a clog somewhere in your home’s sewage line. The water is trying to leave, however, a clog is blocking it and so the water is forced to go to another place.

The same issue can arise if the water in your toilet begins to rise or bubble up. A clog is the main explanation here as well.

3. A Weird Smell Occurs

When a pipe is clogged, anything that is stuck in the pipelines can catch debris. This can range from food and hair to basically anything solid. The debris can accumulate over time and begin to smell when decomposing. The foul odor is spread in the openings of the pipes. That is why if you start to have a weird smell come from your kitchen sink, shower, bathtub or toilet, it is time to get your pipes checked out.

4. It Takes Too Long to Drain

Water should go down the sink and shower drains quickly and should not take more than one to two seconds. For the bathtub and toilet, a continuous whirlpool motion should occur. This indicates the water flowing correctly. However, if the water takes longer than expected to go down the drain, this is a sign a blockage is starting to accumulate somewhere in your home’s pipes.

When you notice any of these warning signs, it is best to contact a pipe maintenance professional at Atherton Plumbing. We’ll detect any system failure and repair those stubborn clogs before they become a serious matter. Atherton is a leading provider of essential services in Dayton and the Greater Miami Valley area. We offer fast service for all your unclogging needs.