Clogged pipes are among the most common types of plumbing problems. While clogged pipes can cause quite a bit of headache and further plumbing problems down the line, the good news is there are a number of signs that your pipes are beginning to get clogged up, which indicate it’s time for you to take action and fix the issue.
How can you tell your pipes are clogged? Here are just a few signs to watch out for:
- Backed-up toilets: If your toilet is backing up rather than flushing and draining, that’s likely an issue with the drain being clogged up. It could be that there’s too much toilet paper trying to go down the drain at once, or it could be that you (or someone in your house) attempted to flush something that wasn’t intended to go down the drain, such as feminine hygiene products or other items. Your first step with a toilet backup should always be to try the plunger, but if that doesn’t work, you’re likely going to need a professional to come in, snake the drain and examine your plumbing system to see if there are other pieces of debris or items that should not be in the pipes.
- Water puddling on your lawn: If you notice pooling water in your backyard even when there hasn’t been any precipitation and you haven’t been irrigating your plants, this is a sign that a clog in your sewer line or septic system could be resulting in water bubbling to the surface. A common issue is plants that have roots growing too close to the sewer line, but it could also be a clog somewhere in the system that’s forced a leak. Whatever the case, it’s important that you call in a professional to take a look and identify the problem as soon as possible so you can resolve the issue quickly.
- Bad smells: Have you noticed bad smells coming from your drains? It might be something as simple as rotten food coming from your sink or garbage disposal, but it could also be indicative of something having gotten stuck in your plumbing that’s now rotting there. If you’re unable to get the smell out of your plumbing, you may need to have a professional come in, examine your plumbing and remove any clog in the system.
- Slow draining: Perhaps the most common sign of a clogged pipe is a very slowly draining sink, toilet or bathtub. Usually this means there’s some kind of blockage in the pipe that’s preventing a free flow of water through the system. If the drain is also gurgling while draining slowly, this means there is air trapped somewhere in the plumbing, and could potentially be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a vent pipe blockage or damage to a sewer line.
For more information about how to tell if your pipes are clogged, we encourage you to contact a professional plumber in Modesto, CA at Alvarado Pumping Septic Service with your questions.