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Among the most common plumbing problems in homes is a clogged pipe that may arise due to various reasons. A blocked drain can distract the normal functionality of the plumbing system. The clogging mostly results from the buildup of materials such as hair, soap, hygiene products, and food in sinks, showers, and toilets. Clogged drains prevent the smooth drainage of wastewater, and eventually, the pipes may burst or cause a backup.
Some signs of a clogged drain are obvious, while others are subtle. A keen eye and little self-diagnosing knowledge can go a long way in saving your plumbing since you can hire a plumber on time. Read on to identify some common signs of a clogged pipe and save yourself from possible future problems.
Changes in water pressure
The most noticeable and immediate sign of a clogged pipe is a fluctuation in your home’s water pressure, in particular the decrease in water flow. A build-up of materials in the pipes results in blockage, causing water to concentrate in one area of the pipe, rather than flowing to the disposal system. Additionally, cracked or broken pipes (resulting from intense clogging) can cause changes in water pressure.
If you are a homeowner in Jacksonville, FL, and notice changes in the force with which water flows in the drains, there is a high chance some pipes are clogged. Because this build-up can occur in any pipe, it is advisable to seek professional help to avert future pipe bursts. An expert plumber will identify the clogged pipe, diagnose the causes, and fix the whole system.
Debris emanating from fixtures
Another common sign of clogged pipes is frequent debris coming out of your faucets when you turn on the tap. That could be stringy foods, gunk, grease, or paper products. It can occur due to poor drain care and waste disposal habits, leading to contaminated water that can cause health complications such as diarrhea and skin irritation.
Particles such as silt or sand can also damage your home appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. If you notice any unwanted particle coming out from your tap, it is advisable to contact your local plumber to unclog the pipes. Also, homeowners should adopt proper waste disposal habits to prevent future clogs.
Dampness and wet spots
Although dampness mostly accrues from water penetration and condensation, it can also result from a clogged pipe. Some common signs of dumpiness include peeling wallpaper, discolored walls, and mold infestation, especially on floors and walls. When water accumulates in one place, it tends to leak through the walls hence the wet spots.
The situation can cause your property to lose value due to structural damages that can be quite expensive to repair. If you notice wet spots in your home or suspect the pipes are not functioning well, it is vital to call a plumber to check your pipes and fix any underlying issue.
Bad odor
An unattractive smell will not only make your home uncomfortable but also pose health hazards. When food, dust, and other debris accumulate in your pipes, they can generate weird smells when they start to decompose. The smell could also emerge from a dead rodent that was trying to access your home via the plumbing system. The odor might then spread through the pipe openings into your entire house.
If you notice a disgusting smell stemming from your shower, kitchen sink, or tap, it is time to seek drain cleaning services. A professional plumber will have the expertise and tools necessary to drain off the materials, and they can also give maintenance tips to prevent future clogs.
Strange noises
Another noticeable sign of a blocked pipe is a frequent gurgling sound around the plumbing fixtures. After a long day, you would look forward to going home to a peaceful and quiet environment where you can relax and meditate. However, with a clogged pipe, that will not be the case. A noisy plumbing system is not only annoying and can cause larger problems if left unrepaired.
When water does not flow freely in the pipes, and you flush down the waste, the air moves forward and creates a vacuum behind it. The air then struggles to flow right in, hence the gurgling sound. Therefore, seek professional help from plumbing maestros to get to the root cause of the problem and restore your serene home environment.
The unusual green patch in your yard
Some homeowners may experience unexplained puddles of water around their yards. An oddly lush green patch indicates the possibility of a pipe clog, often caused by tree roots finding their way down to your piping system. A clogged pipe can eventually cause the pipes beneath your yard to break and leak. When that happens, the green vegetation in your yard absorbs excess water underground, making it greener than the rest.
Also, flooding and concentration of water in one place in your yard or foul odors originating from your irrigation system could be a sign of a clogged pipe. If you notice any of the mentioned signs, contact your local plumber right away and get expert help.
Slow drains
A well-functioning plumbing system should be able to drain water quickly and efficiently. For instance, when you flush a toilet or a bathtub, a continuous whirlpool motion occurs, causing the water to flow freely and fast. Hair or soap scum build-up can hinder the easy flow of water. If the water takes longer to drain than expected, it indicates a blockage is starting to accumulate. Therefore, you should seek assistance from a professional plumber. Ignoring the sign or trying to fix the problem on your own can lead to more damage or a misdiagnosis of the problem.
To avoid future damages resulting from clogged pipes, homeowners should often hire a plumber to clean the system, detect any problem, and repair the stubborn clogs before they become a serious matter. Additionally, it is wise to dispose of waste materials correctly to avoid clogging eventualities.
Contact the plumbing aficionados!
Bert Norman’s Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company that offers plumbing installations, repair, and maintenance services. With plumbing works, you should trust a local company that will be within reach whenever you face a problem. If you reside in Jacksonville, FL, we are the company to contact. Our plumbers are well-trained in handling multiple plumbing system problems, restoring your home to its optimum functionality. Give us a call or visit our office for a consultation and appointment scheduling.