When a Clogged Drain Is More Than Just a Clogged Drain
Every homeowner deals with a slow drain eventually.
Hair, soap, food debris and other materials can accumulate inside household drains and restrict water flow.
Sometimes the solution really is straightforward.
But when the same drain keeps clogging—or several fixtures begin acting strangely at the same time—you may be dealing with something larger than a simple blockage.
Here is how to tell the difference.
One Slow Drain
If only one sink or tub is draining slowly, the problem may be relatively close to that particular fixture.
For example, buildup in a bathroom sink or shower drain can gradually restrict water flow.
The important question is whether the problem disappears after being properly cleaned or continues returning.
Several Slow Drains
Multiple slow drains deserve more attention.
If the kitchen sink, basement drain and bathroom fixtures all begin draining poorly, the problem may be located further downstream in the plumbing system.
The same is true if using one fixture causes unusual behaviour somewhere else.
Listen for Gurgling
A toilet or drain that suddenly begins making gurgling sounds can be telling you something.
Pay attention to situations such as:
- Toilet gurgles when a sink drains
- Floor drain makes noises when the washing machine empties
- Water level in a toilet changes unexpectedly
- Air bubbles appear through another fixture
These symptoms should not automatically be ignored simply because everything eventually drains.
Watch Your Basement Floor Drain
For Calgary homeowners with basements, floor drains are particularly important.
If water begins appearing around the floor drain when using other plumbing fixtures, stop and investigate.
A drainage backup can quickly turn from an inconvenience into property damage.
Recurring Clogs Are a Clue
If you clear the same drain every few weeks or months, the clog itself may only be a symptom.
Repeated problems can indicate that the full restriction was never removed or that another issue is causing recurring drainage problems.
Rather than continually treating the symptom, identify the cause.
This Is Where a Sewer Camera Can Help
One of the advantages of modern plumbing diagnostics is the ability to inspect the inside of certain drainage and sewer piping with video equipment.
A sewer camera inspection can help a plumber see what is happening rather than making assumptions based solely on symptoms.
Depending on the situation, it can help identify the location and nature of a drainage problem and guide the next step.
Be Careful With Chemical Drain Cleaners
When a drain slows down, grabbing a bottle of chemical drain cleaner can seem like the fastest solution.
However, repeatedly pouring chemicals into a drain without knowing what is causing the blockage is not a diagnosis.
If the drain repeatedly clogs, the better question is:
Why does this keep happening?
That is when professional drain cleaning or inspection becomes worthwhile.
Have a Drain Problem in Your Calgary Home?
Hansen Plumbing provides residential drain cleaning, sewer video inspection and plumbing repair services throughout Calgary.
Whether you have one stubborn drain or signs of a larger drainage issue, the goal is to determine what is actually causing the problem and fix it properly.
Call Hansen Plumbing at 403-248-2996.
And if you have an urgent plumbing backup, Hansen’s emergency dispatch is available 24/7.
Honest. Fair. Reliable.
