The thought of plumbing issues can cause even the most battle-hardened homeowner to shutter. Overworked, and yet frequently overlooked, plumbing systems are critical to home health and generally only receive attention when something goes wrong.
For most homeowners, home maintenance includes other major home systems like their HVAC or electrical system. Plumbing might not always get the attention it deserves, but taking proactive steps when things seem off will save homeowners time and money. Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing issues, but should not be overlooked. Left unaddressed, they can quickly progress causing extensive damage as the problem compounds.
Rather than hit the panic button when looking for a plumber, Desoto, TX, homeowners turn to the Dial1 Johnson team, local and experienced professionals that will get the job done right the first time. If you are struggling with a drain issue, or need any other plumbing maintenance or repair, our team is here to help.
5 Signs Your Drain Is Clogged
When it comes to clogged drains, most of the emergency calls that professional plumbers encounter are completely avoidable. Believe it or not, pulling a [insert random kids toy] out of the toilet, much to the chagrin of overworked parents does happen, but most of the time we just see clumps of hair or grease that was not disposed of properly. But how do you catch the problem before it grows? Here are 5 ways to identify a drain that needs attention and help you decide if you need a professional.
Foul Odors
One of the first things that will indicate that your drain is clogged can be detected by using your sense of smell. Our noses are able to detect the slightest odors and this comes in particularly handy when sniffing out drain problems.
Dad jokes aside, foul odors are more than just unpleasant, they generally signal that your plumbing system needs attention. Odors can be caused by a variety of issues, but most commonly they are related to human waste being caught in the line. Over time, the odors will permeate the home like a stinky assassin.
Pro-Tip — Chemicals can mask the odor, but they will rarely resolve the issue. Pinpoint where the smell originates from, and help your Desoto plumber by pointing them in the right direction.
Water Is Slow to Drain
Ok, we acknowledge that this first sign is not an earth-shattering revelation. But it should go without saying that if/when you encounter a drain that is taking its sweet time, something larger is afoot. The most important thing at this point is to be proactive.
Accepting that you will need to wait a little longer to take a shower after your wife enjoys her soak in the tub will not help your cause. Chances are, at this point, there are a number of DIY options available to help resolve the issue.
Pro Tip — avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes, opt for natural remedies. Also, if you don’t have the equipment to properly snake the drain, call a professional.
Toilet Bubbling(or Gurgling)
Drains are one issue, but what if the problem is with your toilet? When working properly, your toilets should flush with no issue. If there are gurgling noises, it is time to act. Chances are, the line is clogged with toilet paper or waste, but don’t rule out the odd surprise from a toddler.
The gurgling noise means that any waste that you are trying to flush is not getting through the line and outside the home. Eventually, this will progress to the point that it backs up. Sure your plunger might resolve the issue, but what if the issue is not related to your late-night run to the taco stand?
Pro-Tip — Wet wipes, or “Dude Wipes,” are not flushable. They do not break down as quickly as toilet paper and can cause a line to clog seemingly overnight.
Water Backs Up Into Fixture
For most homeowners, water backing up will only be noticed in their toilet, but it can happen within the drains once a clog is rooted firmly in place. Sometimes these can be easily resolved by removing and cleaning the P-Trap.
This is most common in the kitchen sink, where food and grease can build up over time and start to choke the flow of water. Keeping food out of your sink is a great first step, but back that up with a strainer in each drain. This will prevent larger food particles from entering your plumbing system.
Pro-Tip — Even if your home is equipped with a garbage disposal, limit the amount of food that is being processed. Avoid putting pasta, fibrous fruits, and vegetables, and grease-heavy food products into your system.
Water Overflowing from Clean-out Pipe
New homeowners might not be aware that their home’s plumbing system is equipped with cleanout pipes. Water standing in your hard or flower bed might be the first time that you realize that there is an issue, and at the center of the problem, is your clean-out pipe.
Located on the outside of your home, these pipes allow plumbers the ability to clean out(not a very creative name, we know) the line in both directions. Clogs that occur past the cleanout pipe, can cause water to back up into the yard.
Pro-Tip — Leave clean-out pipes to the professionals. Because these pipes are farther down the mainline, they can be filled with harmful waste that can be dangerous to your family.
Hire a Plumber Desoto, TX
Eventually, all homeowners will run into a clogged drain. Keep an eye out for any of the signs that we outlined above, and don’t panic. Taking practical steps to both diagnose and resolve the issue will help your system in the long run.
Should you need a Desoto plumber, skip the Google search and rely on the team that DFW residents have trusted for over 50 years. The Dial1 Johnson team is equipped with equipment and know-how, making the choice easy for Desoto homeowners. Connect with our team at 469-518-2809 or visit our website to schedule an appointment with our team.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.