Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds
If you hear gurgling or bubbling noises coming from your sinks, bath, or toilet, this could be a sign that your drain is blocked. These sounds happen when water has trouble flowing through the pipes. Instead of moving smoothly, it pushes against trapped air in the system, creating strange noises. You might notice these sounds after flushing the toilet or when water is draining away from the sink.
It’s a good idea to act early if you hear this, as it usually means a blockage is forming. Leaving it too long can make the problem worse and may lead to more serious damage or costly repairs.
Slow Draining Water
One of the most common signs of a blocked drain is slow draining water. This usually starts off as a small problem. You might see that your sink, bath, or shower is taking longer than usual to empty. At first, it might not seem like a big deal. But over time, it can get worse if not sorted.
The water is slow to drain because something is stopping it from flowing freely through the pipes. This could be a build-up of soap, hair, food waste, or even fat and grease. In outdoor drains, leaves and mud can be the cause.
If only one drain is slow, the problem may be close to that fixture. But if more than one drain is affected, there may be a bigger blockage deeper in the system. Using a plunger or a drain cleaner might help in small cases. But for larger problems, you may need a professional to check and clear the pipes properly.
Bad Smells Coming from the Drain
A strong or unpleasant smell coming from your sink, bath, or shower can mean your drain is blocked. These smells often happen when food, hair, or other waste gets stuck in the pipes and starts to rot. If the smell gets worse over time, it’s likely that the blockage is growing. This can make your home feel less clean and can be especially noticeable in kitchens or bathrooms.
Regular cleaning and rinsing with hot water can help prevent this. But if bad smells keep coming back, you may need to have the drains properly cleaned.
Water Backing Up into Sinks or Toilets
When water comes back up instead of going down, it’s a sign of a serious blockage. You might see water rising in your sink after flushing the toilet, or dirty water appearing in your bath when you use the washing machine. This can be both unpleasant and unhygienic.
The problem happens because water has nowhere else to go. The pipes are blocked, so the water flows back the wrong way. This can cause flooding and even water damage if left too long.
To stop this from happening, avoid putting items down the drain that shouldn’t be there, like wipes, grease, or too much toilet paper. If water is backing up into more than one place in your home, the blockage could be deep in the main drain line. In that case, it’s best to call a drainage expert straight away to stop it from getting worse.
Overflowing Drains Outside
If you see water spilling out of your outdoor drain or drain cover, this usually means there is a blockage below. Overflowing drains outside are often caused by leaves, mud, or waste building up in the pipes. Sometimes, items that were flushed indoors can get stuck further along and cause outdoor problems too.
This can lead to a mess in your garden and can be a health risk if sewage is involved. It’s important not to ignore it. Regular checks and keeping drains clear of leaves and rubbish can help stop blockages. If your outside drain is overflowing, it’s best to get it cleaned and cleared quickly.
If you need help with blocked drains in Redcar, Darlington, Hartlepool, East Cleveland get in touch today.
Call 01325 609028 for emergency drain unblocking near you.
