Blocked drains can cause damage to your home and be expensive to fix. Being able to identify the signs of drain problems early could save you money and avoid emergency callouts to your plumber. Let’s take a look at some common questions we get asked about drain problems, and what they might mean.
Why are my drains slow draining?
Have you been wondering why it’s taking an age for water to drain from your sink, bathtub, or shower? These types of drains can be susceptible to partial blockage from hair or organic matter. If you spot that they’re draining slower than usual, it could be worth investigating whether you have a partial blockage of the drain.
Why do my drains smell bad?
If your drains are clear then they shouldn’t be emitting any odours. If you spot that they’re making a bad smell – either when in use or just generally – then it could be a sign that you have some trapped food, grease, or other debris in your drainage pipes that’s starting to decompose.
Why are my drains making strange sounds?
Are you hearing a weird gurgling sound or lots of noise when you run water down your drains? Strange and unexpected noises such as gurgling or bubbling coming from your drains can signal that air is trapped due to a blockage.
Water is backing up in my sink, shower or bathtub – what should I do?
If your drains get to the point where water isn’t draining away, it’s a sign you have a significant blockage in your pipes. Check out our article Tips to take care of your drains and see if any of the suggestions in there clear the blockage. If not – it’s time to call your plumber.
Why does my drain seem to block up regularly?
Is your drain blocking up regularly and suffering from frequent clogs? Sometimes your drain will experience a blockage and you’ll be pleased to be able to take action and get it clear again. But if that blockage keeps coming back, it could be a sign that something is reducing the flow through your pipes and making them quicker to clog up. If you find that you’re suffering from a repeat blockage then give your plumber a call.
Why can I see water stains around my sink/drains?
It’s important that water and liquid go into your drains but you don’t want that to leak out again. Sometimes when there’s a drainage problem or a leak you can spot damage to the areas surrounding your drains. If that happens – call your plumber straight away. Keeping an eye on these areas and regularly checking that there’s no sign of damage will help you minimise any damage or repair costs if something does go wrong.
Why are there fruit flies around my sinks or drains?
You might start seeing fruit flies around your sinks and drains if you get a buildup of organic matter in your pipes. It’s more likely in the warmer months than in Winter, but if you start spotting them then take a look at our Tips to take care of your drains. Following best practice for using and clearing your drains should keep them clear and running freely.
Why is mould growing around my sink/bathtub/drains?
If an area is persistently damp, you might find that mould will start to grow. This can happen around sinks, bathtubs and on other surfaces that get frequently damp without the chance to properly dry out. If you’re seeing mould growth the first step is to identify where the moisture is coming from. If you think it could be related to drains or plumbing then it’s a good idea to call your plumber.
Help! My toilet’s overflowing, what should I do?
If your toilet is overflowing it’s a sign that you have a blockage. Some blockages require expert help. If your toilet is fully blocked call a plumber. Otherwise, you can check out our maintenance and care tips in our article Tips to take care of your drains.
Look after your drains and choose an expert
East Coast Plumbing and Gas are your local drain and plumbing experts, offering advice and service to customers across Hawke’s Bay.
If you’re suffering from drain problems and you need the help of an expert: give us a call. We use the latest technology to get to the heart of the problem with minimum disruption or damage. Where necessary we use drain cameras and/or infrared technology, so we can quickly identify where you have a problem and put in place the right plan to fix it.
Call us today on 06 211 6462 or book your job online using our handy booking form.