Drain or sewer systems can be found in every modern building. Every time you brush your teeth, take a shower, or flush the toilet, your plumbing is being utilized. Drains and sewers are key components of your plumbing, whether it’s in your home or business. Functioning drain and sewer systems are a luxury that we often take for granted, as it’s essential to our everyday modern life. The importance of our plumbing becomes apparent just a few seconds after malfunctioning, for example, when our sinks backup or our toilets overflow.
Drain and sewer function is essentially the driving force of any given building. The upkeep and maintenance of these fundamental systems are extremely important. This not only averts foul odors and water flooding issues, but it aids in the prevention of costly repairs and issues that could result in health problems. If there’s ever any warning signs of a drain or sewer problem, you should contact a plumber immediately.
Watch for signs
Like most other household features, drain and sewer issues often show warning signs before something goes drastically wrong. These signals are often an easy indication that things may not be quite up to par, so it’s important to recognize them before they escalate into a plumbing emergency. The following is a list of sewer and drain signs that you should never ignore:
1. Flooding
The most obvious sign of a drain or sewer malfunction is flooding. This occurs most often in the basement, as it is the lowest part of the home. Still-standing water can cause damage to your foundation and unhealthy situations such as mold.
2. Noises
There’s really no reason why your drain or sewer system should be making any noise. Strange sounds, like gurgling coming from the pipes, can indicate blockage and should be addressed immediately.
3. Odor
Like gurgling pipes, any sort of foul smell coming from your drainage system is a sign of a serious issue. You should never be able to smell raw sewage while brushing your teeth, showering, or doing the dishes. In the event of such an unfortunate situation, contact a professional to assess the situation immediately.
4. Water Quality
We use water that runs through our pipes on a daily basis. Whether we use it for cooking, cleaning, or drinking, the quality of your water should always be at its best. Problems with your drain and sewer system can ultimately contaminate your entire water supply through failure to filter out toxic or destructive materials. Your water should be clear and odorless at all times, and if it ever changes, have it checked immediately.
5. Age
Because the drain and sewer system is one of the most used parts in a home, it’s important to keep your system up to date. If your house or business came with old setup, it has been subjected to more wear and tear than newer ones. This can make them more subjectable to malfunctions, so their condition should be monitored.
6. Drain or Sewer Clogs, Backups, and Drainage.
Clogs can occur in any system, no matter the age or condition of your pipes. Though this situation is often unavoidable, multiple clogged fixtures at once can lead to more severe problems. Slow drainage can be an indication of a major clog in your system. Backups can also be a sign of a clog, or that your system needs maintenance. Toilets can overflow sporadically, but if it becomes an ongoing issue you should call a professional for drain clearing services immediately. When there’s a clog in the system, water flow is restricted or stopped altogether. When this occurs, there’s nowhere for it to go but up!
7. Increase in Bills
Lastly, an increase in your water bill can be an indication that your system isn’t working properly. Problems associated with your drain and sewer system, such as leaks, clogs, or backups, can cause excess water to be wasted. If you find a sudden increase in your monthly water bill, it should be addressed immediately.
Fix the Problem
If any of the previous warning signs occur, contact a professional to assess the situation. Even if you’re not sure, or if something just doesn’t seem quite right, it doesn’t hurt to check. You want to keep your drains and sewer systems running smoothly to avoid major malfunctions in the future. These signals from your sewer and drain system can be signs of a major problem, which can ultimately lead to hazardous situations for your home or health. Fix the problem before it’s too late and contact a local professional for plumbing service today!
Call the Home Service Doctors today if you need drain or sewer assistance!
