3 signs of a blocked drain that you shouldn’t ignore

Our drainage experts share the warning signs of a blocked drain, as well as how to prevent blockages from happening again in the future.

1) Unpleasant smell

If you’ve noticed that your bathroom or kitchen has started to smell like sewage or rotten eggs, a blocked drain is probably the cause. This could either be down to stagnant water or bacteria build-up, or the material that makes up the blockage starting to rot. A bad smell is likely to be the first sign of a blocked drain, so be sure to pay attention to any new or unusual odours.

2) Water draining slowly

Water quickly building up in your shower or sink and taking longer to drain that usual is a sure sign that there is a blockage slowing the flow of water through your pipes. You may start to notice your sink or shower tray filling up when you run the taps. If the blockage is serious, this water may end up sitting around for a while.

3) Strange sounds coming from your pipes

You may also start to notice gurgling or rattling sounds coming from your pipes, drains, plug holes, and toilet flushes. This noise occurs when air that’s been trapped by the blockage becomes displaced and is forced back up through the pipes.

What can I do to prevent a blocked drain?

The main way to prevent a blocked drain is to simply be mindful of what you pour down your plug holes and flush down your toilet.

Things to avoid:

Food debris. Scrape plates into the bin before rinsing them in the sink. It’s also a good idea to buy a protective cover for your plug hole, to catch any stray pieces of food.
Oil and grease. Fat should never be poured down the sink. We recommend pouring it into a bag and throwing it in the bin.
Hair. Hair can very easily get washed down the shower drain, so it’s a good idea to avoid brushing your hair in the shower. We also suggest fitting a mesh shower drain cover.
As a rule, you should only flush toilet paper (being careful not to flush too much in one go). Sanitary products, dental floss, cat litter, cotton wool, and wet wipes should all be avoided.

The experts at Greenstar are here to help

If you suspect you’ve got a blocked drain, it’s important to get it looked at as soon as possible. If left untreated, the blockage could grow in size and severity. This could cause more serious damage to your pipes and even lead to flooding in your home.

To minimise any inconvenience caused by a blocked drain, we offer 24/7 support. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today on 01202 355 344.