Clean drains are the center of well-functioning sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and shower drains. With clogged drains, you are likely to experience problems such as slow draining kitchen and bathroom sinks, standing water in the bathroom as a result of a slow draining shower drain or bathtub drain, and a clogged toilet. 

The clogging problem can become even worse if the sewer line becomes partially or entirely blocked. With such clogging, you are likely to experience problems, such as slow draining toilets, sinks, and bathroom drains, and even overflowing utility holes. 

Clogged or damaged drains need immediate attendance to avoid the inconveniences caused by clogging or leaks in the plumbing system. It is, therefore, important to continually lookout for signs of clogging or damage to the drains. Below are eight signs that indicate that your drains are clogged or damaged. 

 

• Slow draining water

 

One of the most obvious signs that a drain is clogged or damaged is slow-flowing water. The slow-flowing water issue can be experienced in sinks and bathroom drains, and every time that the toilet is flushed. It is common for many people to ignore the problem of slow-flowing water based on the notion that the problem will go away. However, this problem rarely fixes itself since the slow movement of water indicates that there is a blockage somewhere in the drain or that part of the plumbing system is damaged.

If damage such as a broken pipe or a blockage in the drain is left unaddressed, you may experience more severe issues such as flooding or bursting of pipes. Therefore, you should try to clear all clogs or call a plumber as soon as you notice a clogging problem.

 

• Bad odor from drains

 

Another evident sign that your drain is clogged is the presence of a foul smell emanating from the channel. The foul smell is an indication that there is a blockage in the sewer where stagnant water and decaying debris have accumulated. In most cases, bad odors due to clogged drains come from toilets, kitchen sinks, shower drains, and bathtubs. 

The bad smell emanating from the drain may begin to occur even before you notice any signs of clogging. Therefore, if you see any unusual smell from your pipes, you should not ignore it. Early intervention to unclog the drains can help you avoid the inconveniences caused by further clogging, including damages to the plumbing system. 

 

• Gurgling sounds 

 

If you hear gurgling sounds every time you drain a large amount of water through the kitchen or bathroom sink or flush the toilet, this is a pointer that the system is clogged. 

Kitchen sink drains are particularly prone to clogging because of the accumulation of food debris, oil grease, and other materials in the plumbing. The build-up of different debris in the P-trap can block the drain, in turn trapping air around the clogged area. As a result, you will hear gurgling sounds or see signs of air bubbles each time that water passes through the sink drain. 

Gurgling sounds in the toilet also indicate negative air pressure due to the accumulation of materials in the toilet’s drain.

 

• Backflow 

 

If you realize that water backs up from any of your pipes, this means that the channel is clogged. Backflow is an indication that water does not have a clear passage to flow through. The problem can occur even with drains that are not directly related. For example, flushing the toilet may cause water to flow into the shower. It means that the toilet drain is clogged, and hence the negative air pressure in the entire plumbing system causes water to flow backward into others such as the shower. 

You can attempt to stop the backflow by removing any apparent clog in the drain, but it is also essential to get assistance from a professional plumber. 

 

• Signs of dampness

 

Cracked or damaged drains can cause water to leak from the pipes and cause moisture in the surrounding areas. Cracking or collapsing of ducts can be as a result of persistent clogging, which hinders the smooth draining of water through the pipes. Damaged drains are associated with problems such as wet rot and penetrating damp. It is vital to clear any clog in the pipes, even before fixing the leaks that result from clogging. 

 

• Raised toilet water level or empty toilet bowl

 

An increased toilet water level or an empty toilet bowl are both signs of a problem in the toilet drain. A raised water level in the toilet means that something is obstructing the flow of water out of it. Continued use of the lavatory when its water level has risen can cause further clogging and overflow of the toilet. 

An empty toilet bowl, on the other hand, means that something is obstructing the flow of water from the tank into it. 

 

• Cracks, subsidence and structural damage

 

Clogged drains are prone to cracking and subsiding or developing notable structural damages. A damaged sewer can cause the ground around it to sink or wane over time. It happens due to the water that leaks from the drains through any cracks.

 

• Sewage coming out of the drains

 

Sewage coming out of the ducts is a clear indication that the channels are clogged or damaged. Clogging can obstruct the free movement of the sewage contents through the drains, resulting in backflow or other issues such as overflowing of the utility hole. 

Conclusion 

It is essential that you clean drains to effectively use your toilet, bathtub, sinks, and other plumbing systems in your home. Clogging or damage to any pipeline can render some of the plumbing systems ineffective and result in notable inconveniences. To avoid this problem, you should continuously be on the lookout for any signs that suggest that your drains are clogged or damaged. Signs like slow draining water, foul smell from drains, gurgling sounds, backflow, dampness, raised toilet water level or empty toilet bowl, and sewage coming out of the pipes indicate that your drains are blocked or broken.