As a homeowner, clogged pipes are a nuisance that can occur at seemingly random intervals or when you least expect them. Not only can it be hard to pin down the cause of the problem, but they can also be easy to miss until they become more serious and costly to address.
While a plumber can identify and fix a clogged pipe, ideally, you should learn to identify early signs of a pipe that is clogging and address the issue before it leads to more challenging or costly repairs, especially in the winter when pipes are typically more vulnerable. Whether you are a new or veteran homeowner, you may want to learn (or rehash) some signs to look for. With that in mind, here are five signs that point to clogged pipes around your home.
Water Pressure Changes
One of the earliest signs you are likely to notice is a change in the water pressure around your home. Whether the water is not flowing as hard as it normally does when you wash the dishes or as you are taking a shower, it is a difficult sign to miss. Changes in water pressure may indicate cracks or a break in your piping, but also when there is a clog inhibiting the flow of water. If this is something you are beginning to notice around your home, it may be time to call for a professional inspection.
Weird Odors
Another sign that is hard to miss is funky and weird odors around the house, especially in the presence of a drain. This can happen when any waste from your drains begins to build up, clogging the pipe and giving off a putrid odor that can make its way through the rest of the piping and out to where you can smell it. If you notice any bad smells from your shower, bathtub, toilet, or kitchen sink, there is likely a buildup of hair, food, and debris clogging up a pipe somewhere.
Slow Draining
Other signs of clogged drains include slow draining in your sinks, showers, bathtubs, and toilets. If you think your drain is draining slower than it typically does—and on average, it should not take longer than a few seconds—then you may want to spend some time investigating whether something is blocking the drain. You may find some hair or debris immediately around the drain mouth, but in more severe cases, the clog may be further down the pipe and require professionals to remove it.
Higher Water Bills
Another change that is hard to miss—and also much more frustrating to see—is higher water bills at the end of the month. Spikes in water usage may be a result of clogged drains making your pipes less efficient than they normally are. Unattended clogs will only cause more waste to build up and potentially crack or break the pipe itself, so any unexpected rises in your utility bills are well worth investigating. That way, you can avoid more costly repairs in the future that are avoidable with early action.
Changes To Toilet Water Levels
Finally, if you notice changes to the water levels in your toilet, that may be a sign of clogged drains. Clogged drains can cause fluctuating water levels due to changing water pressure resulting from the clog, so if your toilet seems to be acting up lately, you may want to search for a clog somewhere or hire professionals to check it out.
Hire Professionals
If you are experiencing clogged drains or have identified early signs of one somewhere around your home, Flamingo Plumbing & Backflow has your back. We offer many services including general plumbing, water heater maintenance, grease trap repair, and more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to remove the clogs affecting your home.