4 Simple Signs Your Sewer Drain Is Clogged

One good thing about a clogged sewer drain? It’s usually pretty easy to spot the signs. All the plumbing in your home connects to one main sewer drain that leads away from your property. If this drain becomes blocked, your water and waste will have nowhere to go. Below are 4 key signs you can hear, see, and smell to help you identify a clogged sewer drain and prevent a major plumbing disaster.

Sign 1 – Slow Draining Water

If you’re thinking, “Why is the water draining so slowly?” you’re probably onto something. Trust your instincts! Slow draining water is a common early sign that something is wrong. It could be a blockage in the U-bend or another part of the pipe, which can sometimes be easily fixed. Check out our guides on 6 Ways to Unblock a Drain and How to Clear a Blocked Drain for DIY tips.

However, before you grab your tools, make sure you don’t have any of the next three signs of a clogged sewer drain.

Sign 2 – Gurgling Noises

Hearing gurgling sounds from your drains? It’s not something you want to hear, unless someone is using mouthwash! When your sewer drain is clogged, you might hear gurgling in strange places and at odd times. Common examples include:

• In the kitchen when someone flushes the toilet,
• In the laundry sink when someone is having a shower, or
• Randomly, when no water is being used.

This noise indicates that water can’t properly flow down the main sewer drain, and is looking for alternative routes through your pipes.

Sign 3 – Bad Odours

Unpleasant smells coming from your sinks or drains? If no one has just used the bathroom, it could be a clogged sewer. When debris like food scraps, hair, and soap gets stuck behind a sewer blockage, stagnant water can cause bad odours to rise up through the pipes. If you smell something foul in your home, it could be time to investigate.

Sign 4 – Backflow

Just like overfilling a cup causes liquid to spill over, when water and waste can’t move down the drain, they’ll start coming back up through other pipes. The bathtub and shower are common places for this to happen, as they’re typically the lowest points in your home’s plumbing system.

If you see water backing up into your tub when the dishwasher drains or a tap runs, you have two choices:

• Drop in your favourite bath bomb and enjoy a soak (not recommended), or
• Turn off the water and call a plumber.

What to Do Next: Call the Right Plumber

If you experience one or more of these signs—gurgling noises, slow draining, bad odours, or water backing up—there’s a good chance your sewer drain is clogged. What’s next? You need to call a professional plumber.

But not just any plumber. You’ll want a local plumber who:

• Specialises in unclogging sewer drains,
• Has the right tools, such as a pipeline video inspection system,
• Can provide a no-obligation quote, and
• Offers non-invasive inspection and repair services to avoid digging up your yard.

Finding the right plumber can be a challenge. For tips on making the best choice, check out our guide on How to Find and Hire a Local Plumber.

For more helpful advice on keeping your drains clear, be sure to explore our blog. And if you need expert assistance with a blocked sewer drain, don’t hesitate to call Flowtec Plumbing and Gas—your trusted Adelaide plumbing professionals!