Clean and smooth-flowing drains are an integral part of a well-functioning plumbing system. However, as one of the most-used components of a residential plumbing system, drains are susceptible to clogs, blockages, and other problems over time. While blocked drains are a common plumbing issue, ignoring them or leaving them unattended can compromise the health and safety of the residents and lead to costly water damage.

The drains of your home need regular attention to prevent severe clogs from building up. A simple way to avoid serious drain issues is to invest in routine plumbing maintenance and hire a drain cleaning specialist to clean the drains periodically. Here are a few signs to look out for if you are not sure about when to call a professional drain cleaning service:

Frequently clogging drains

A tell-tale sign that a drain needs to be cleaned is when it experiences frequent clogs. Recurring drain clogs point to a serious issue. So, if you reach out for a plumber or drain snake quite often, get in touch with a plumber. If several drains in the home, like a toilet, bathtub, or kitchen sink are clogged, it requires immediate professional assistance. Multiple clogged drains may mean an issue with the main sewer line, which has the potential to cause major damage. 

Slow drainage

If the sink or bathtub takes a while to drain, it indicates something is blocking or sticking around the drain that needs cleaning. Several things go down the kitchen and bathroom drains that builds-up inside the pipe over time. Not taking the issue seriously can damage the pipes and lead to water backup.

Sewage odors

Another sign that it is time for drain cleaning is unpleasant, foul odors coming from the drains. Sewage odors from the drains indicate excessive grease, food, and debris buildup. Foul odors circulating in the home are unpleasant. The clogs can also affect the plumbing system performance. If ignored, the smells will only worsen with time. A drain cleaning service removes any material stuck in the pipes to clear the drains and eliminate the odor. 

Gurgling sounds

Drains making strange bubbling or gurgling noises need attention. When a clog begins to form, air bubbles are released as the water drains out. These air bubbles are responsible for the gurgling sounds. Once the drain is cleaned and the clog removed, it stops producing these noises.

Water backup

Dirty, foul-smelling water backing up from the drains is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. It is unsanitary, creates a mess, and leads to extensive damage to the walls and flooring. Completely clogged drains cause the water to flow back into the house. Call a drain cleaning service for clog removal and allow the drains to function smoothly.

DIY methods fail to clear the drain

There are various DIY drain cleaning methods, including plunging, chemical drain cleaners, boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda, that homeowners turn to for drain cleaning. It is time to call a reliable plumber when all these methods fail to unclog a drain. Professionals are equipped with specialized tools and use advanced techniques to clean drains without causing any harm to the plumbing. 

Fruit flies in the kitchen, puddling in the yard, high water bills, and pest infestations are other signs of a drain demanding cleaning.

It is critical to address clogged drains as soon as possible. Do not wait for the drains to block completely before calling a drain cleaning service. If you notice any of the above signs, address the issue immediately to avoid serious trouble down the line.