If you have a drain or sewer problem, there's a good chance you'll notice a symptom before you identify a cause.
And while those symptoms sometimes appear outdoors, you'll probably notice something going on indoors first.
Many drain problems, large and small, first show up through the behavior of your indoor plumbing fixtures. Think showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets. When one or more of them doesn't drain properly, there's always a reason.
Some of those reasons are annoying, but not catastrophic.
Others are hair-on-fire plumbing emergencies.
Let's take a look at six of the most common drain problems that first show up indoors.
1. Single clogged drain
Sometimes, you've just got one drain that's clogged. Maybe it's a shower. Maybe it's a sink.
In any case, you're 100% sure it's just one drain. All the others are working fine.
Also, you're not noticing bubbles in the toilet when you run water down the problem drain. That's a sign of a sewer line problem.
In most cases, a single clogged drain is due to something like:
- Buildup of hair near a drain opening
- Biofilm and soap crud causing a clog or slow draining
- Too much toilet paper in the toilet, preventing a proper flush
- Clumps of food in the p-trap below the kitchen sink
In some cases, you can perform a DIY fix for these plumbing problems. When a clog is too hard to move or you're not comfortable operating a plumber's snake, it's best to call a plumber.
This is one of the most common indoor signs of a plumbing issue, and it's usually because something (or somethings) near the drain is/are blocking the flow of water. Remove the thing(s), and the problem goes away.
2. Multiple clogged drains
This is a trickier problem to solve. If you've got multiple clogged drains at the same time, there's a good chance you have a sewer line blockage.
When you've got something blocking your sewer line, no wastewater can properly flow. As a result, it backs up through the sewer pipes.
It will seem as if there's something lodged beneath every single sink or toilet at the same time, but that's not likely. Instead, you probably have one large clog deeper in the sewer pipe that's preventing all of your wastewater from flowing.
The best solution? Call a plumber to diagnose the drain clog.
After performing a sewer camera inspection, your plumber will tell you whether there's a clog, tree root intrusion, or a collapsed sewer pipe.
3. Recurring clogs
Sometimes, you'll have clogs that you can manage. They come and go, but they never seem to stop recurring.
Over time, the clogs might become more frequent.
Or they might become harder to move with a plunger or a snake.
Before you know it, you're dealing with clogs all the time. And they're getting harder and harder to deal with. What's going on?
In all likelihood, you've got a sewer line problem. As with multiple clogged drains (see #2 above), you will need to have your sewer line inspected for a blockage.
4. Slow drains
Even if you don't have multiple clogged drains, you might notice your drains are slower than usual.
And if this is happening with more than one drain at the same time, it's probably a sewer line issue.
Slow-draining sinks or showers are classic signs of a sewer line blockage. If it's just one shower drain, the clog might be local (e.g. hair in the drain). But if you've got multiple slow drains, it's time for a sewer camera inspection.
Note: Please don't ignore slow draining sinks. We know they may not seem all that bothersome, but a sewer line blockage won't get better with time. It will only get worse.
Failing to deal with slow drains can soon result in…
5. Bad smells
Do you smell something bad coming from your drain?
It could be sewage that isn't draining properly.
Bad smells from drains are another common indoor sign of a sewer issue. You might notice the bad smells in conjunction with slow drains. Other times, a stench will be your only clue that there's a drain problem.
If the smell is bad, but not necessarily sewage-like, you might just have a local clog in one of your sinks. You're smelling the old dishwater and such that isn't draining properly.
That stuff smells, too. Not quite as bad as sewage, but still.
In any case, a drain that suddenly becomes stinky is a bad sign. It's a good idea to have a plumber investigate.
6. Sewage backup in an unused drain
This is probably the most dire sign that you've got a serious sewer line blockage.
Most of the time, you'll notice one or more of the above signs before this happens. But it can sneak up on you!
Sewage backup usually occurs in lower-level drains. You might see sewage in a basement floor drain or first-floor bathtub, for example.
That's because the backed up sewage is rising through your sewer pipes. It's going to get to the lowest drain first.
And you'll probably smell it before you see it.
Unless it happens in your basement and you don't go down there very much.
In any case, it probably goes without saying that indoor sewage backup is a plumbing emergency. You'll need a sewer and drain expert to examine your sewer line ASAP!
Conclusion: Drain problems stink. Sometimes literally.
Most of the time, your first sign of a drain problem will appear indoors, not outdoors.
A sink or shower won't be draining properly. Or maybe all of your sinks are suddenly slow to drain.
Whatever the case, it's important to identify what's causing the problem and apply the best solution.
At PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we provide comprehensive sewer and drain services throughout the Metro Atlanta area. If you're having drain problems, we can help!
Give us a call today at (404) 798-9672 or schedule service online!
