4 Simple Signs Your Sewer Drain Is Clogged

The sewer system can often be a forgotten part of your plumbing system, yet every property must have a properly working sewage system. Regardless of whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you need to ensure the sewer lines and system are all in good shape, or otherwise, you’ll experience the inconvenience of inefficient water pipes and systems, notably in the kitchen and bathroom.

All your home’s plumbing connects to one main sewer drain leaving your property. However, a clog in the main drain will leave your waste and water with nowhere to go!

However, it does not have to be all doom and gloom: The good thing is that it’s easy to spot the signs your sewer drain is clogged, and it is also a common plumbing issue.

Below are the four signs that you can hear, see and smell to check the health of your drain and avoid a nasty situation, and potentially an even nastier repair bill!

Sign 1 – Slow Draining

If you find yourself thinking, “Does the water always take this long to drain out of the sink?” the answer is probably no. Always trust your instincts if you see something is wrong.

Slow draining water could mean you have a blockage in the pipe underneath, such as the U-bend. This type of blockage can be easily fixed, so if you feel like getting your hands dirty, check out our articles 6 ways to unblock a drain and How to clear a blocked drain.

But, before you roll your sleeves up, check if you have the following three signs of a sewer drain blockage.

Sign 2 – Gurgling

Gurgling is not something you want to hear unless someone is using mouthwash. When a sewer drain is clogged, you may hear gurgling in the pipes at unexpected times and in unexpected places such as:

●· In the kitchen, when someone flushes the toilet
●· In the laundry sink when someone has a shower
●· At a time where no water is being used

It means the water can’t go down the main sewer drain and is moving through the pipes, looking for a different escape route.

Sign 3 – What’s that odour?

Smells emanating from your bathroom? This can be considered normal if someone has just used the loo! However, it’s not at all normal when the odours are emanating from sinks and plugholes. Stagnant water and debris such as food scraps, hair, and soap can get stuck behind the sewer blockage, causing odours to come back up through the pipes. Your nose knows this clogged sign!

Sign 4 – Backfilling

Just like overfilling your drink bottle and having it slosh back out, if the water and waste in your home can’t go down the pipe, it has to go somewhere else. The bath and shower are common exit points as the plugholes are usually the lowest to the ground.

So, when a tap is running or the dishwasher is emptying, you may find the water coming up from the plughole into your bath! We think there are two options:

1. Add your favourite bath bomb and get in (at your peril!)
2. Turn off the water source and contact a plumber*.

* Not Just Any Plumber…

When experiencing one or two, or more likely ALL FOUR signs – you hear gurgling, smell an odour, see slow draining, or backfilling water – you know your sewer drain is clogged.

Conclusion

What next?

No need to panic. You just need a plumber: A local plumber with the expertise and tools.

Look for a local plumber:

● That specialises in fixing clogged sewers
●Who has the right equipment – such as a pipeline video inspection system
● Who can provide a no-obligation quote

We know finding the right plumber isn’t always easy.

Call us on (08) 8876 5007 or 0488 097 677. We have the knowledge, skill, and equipment to and fix any sewer problem. If you need a professional’s advice, don’t hesitate to call us. At Flowtec Plumbing and Gas, we’re here to help.