Most homeowners take an out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach to drainage within their homes. Whilst drainage systems aren’t the most exciting part of a home, they direct water in and out of our homes every second of every day. A damaged system can disrupt water flow and drainage, cause water overflow, underperforming appliances, and in more serious scenarios, permanently damage the structure of your home. A drain problem left ignored is no laughing matter, the issue will only continue to become more dangerous and expensive to remedy. If you fear you have a blocked or damaged drain, there are a few warning signs which can help identify the issue. If you notice one or two of the following issues, it may be time to call in the experts for help.
Gurgling sounds
An early sign of a drainage issue is a gurgling or strange noise coming from within pipes. This can happen when running a tap or flushing a toilet. These strange sounds are produced by air which has become trapped around the debris causing the issue. If you repeatedly notice a gurgling sound, get your drains checked before the issue gets worse.
Unpleasant smells
Stagnant water tends to get quite smelly the longer it sits. If you have a blocked drain, you will quickly notice a pungent smell coming from your drains, as food and organic matter begins to decompose. As well as being horrible to smell, a blocked drain will continue to get worse and harder to unblock the longer it is left. This makes the unblocking process messier and more time-consuming.
Water drains away slowly
A very clear sign of a drainage issue is if water is draining away slowly. If after heavy rainfall you notice pooling around your home, in exterior corners, or in the driveway, it is very likely your drains are blocked or obstructed. If you notice in your shower or sink water collects when there is no plug, you definitely have a blockage issue. If water does not drain at all, the blockage could be quite severe and will require professional help quickly. A damaged drainage system will fail to direct water away from your home, meaning water will likely make its way into your home, into basements, through ground-level doors, and so on.
How do you unblock a drain?
An external drainage issue could be fixed with a power washer or a powerful hose. This can help clear debris like leaves, sticks, and dirt which may be blocking water flow. You can purchase a drain rod that you place into the drain, but these can break off inside the drain worsening the issue. Any inspection inside of the drain should be left to an experienced professional. A minor blockage inside the home could be cleared with an off-the-shelf chemical solution. This works best on shower drains, baths, sinks, and so on. These solutions help break down material within the drain, allowing it to flush away. If you have tried these methods and still have a drainage issue, at this stage a professional should take over.
What methods will an engineer use?
Aspect’s engineers are experts in detecting blocked drains and drainage clearance. Using their tried and trusted techniques, the team will assess the blockage and then work to remove it using specialist equipment where necessary. An engineer will have access to quality drain descaling acid which will be much more potent than shop-bought solutions. A professional will also have access to industrial plungers and degreasers which are not available to consumers. If your drain blockage is particularly stubborn, an Aspect expert will be able to use CCTV drain surveying equipment and snaking cameras to get a thorough look at the issue.