6 Signs of a Drain Clog & When to Call a Plumber | LaVergne's Plumbing & Heating

Drain Problems

LaVergne's Plumbing & Heating

6 Signs of a Drain Clog & When to Call a Plumber

Plumbing issues are the most common home repair problem — and clogged drains top the list. Learn how to recognize the warning signs early so you can take action before costly water damage occurs.

Don't Wait Until the Damage Is Done

When it comes to home repairs, most individuals state they deal with plumbing issues above all else. These issues often arise from clogged drains or pipes. At times, the clog simply slows the flow of water down the drain. However, the drain or pipe could become completely blocked and lead to water backing up into the sink, tub, or another device.

Sadly, people often don't notice the problem with the drain until it becomes severe. When this happens, water damage may occur and lead to a costly repair. For this reason, homeowners need to pay close attention to the drains in their homes and take action promptly if a clog is suspected. What are some common signs of a drain clog?

Slow Drains

One Drain or Multiple? It Matters.

Individuals, when taking a shower, may notice their feet remain in water throughout the shower. They assume they forgot to open the drain completely and that's why water is backing up. Nevertheless, they need to pay attention and see if the problem continues. If it does, the drain may have a partial clog. Fix it before it becomes completely blocked.

The same holds when the bathtub takes much longer to drain than it did in the past.

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One Drain vs. Multiple: In many cases, the problem lies in one drain. However, when the water flow slows in multiple drains in the home, the problem often lies in the main sewer line. In this situation, call a plumber to have the drain cleared.

A Toilet That Won't Flush

Take Quick Action for Health & Hygiene

When a toilet refuses to flush, take quick action. The smell alone is enough to have homeowners rushing to call a plumber. Leaving the problem unresolved can result in water and raw sewage backing up into the home.

Often, the problem comes about because someone flushed an object down the toilet they shouldn't or they used an excessive amount of toilet paper. For health and hygiene reasons, attempt to clear the toilet with a plunger. If this doesn't work, contact a plumber for help with the repair.

⚠️ Never Pour Drain Cleaner Down a Toilet

People should never pour drain cleaner down a toilet. Doing so could be dangerous. Drain cleaners generate heat due to the chemical reaction that occurs, which could crack the porcelain bowl or soften PVC pipes, leading to bigger plumbing issues. Plunging the toilet when there is drain cleaner in the bowl could harm the individual if the mixture splashes up and reaches the skin or eyes. Drain cleaner could also negatively react with bleach commonly used to clean toilets.

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Why Drain Cleaners Are Dangerous in Toilets

These Are Only a Few of Many Reasons

These are only a few of many reasons it's best to leave this task to a plumber if the plunger doesn't work.

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Heat Generation

Chemical reaction generates heat that can crack porcelain toilet bowls.

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Softens PVC

The chemicals can soften PVC pipes, leading to even bigger plumbing issues.

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Splash Danger

Plunging with drain cleaner present can splash caustic mixture onto skin or eyes.

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Bleach Reaction

Drain cleaner can react dangerously with bleach commonly used to clean toilets.

Gurgling Noises

Momentary = Normal. Persistent = Problem.

Gurgling noises from a drain are often not a cause for concern. A change in air pressure in the pipes brings about this noise in many cases. People also hear these noises when something is stopping the water or air from making its way through the drains.

The homeowner needs to pay attention to how long the noise lasts. If it is momentary and only happens once, air pressure is likely the cause. However, if the problem continues, the homeowner might have a blockage in the main sewer line.

⚠️ Why Call a Plumber

Raw sewage could back up into the home if the main line is blocked — harmful to human health
A plumber understands the intricacies of drain repair and can fix the problem before more damage is done
Specialized cleaning of the home may be required if sewage backs up — prevention is far cheaper
The noise could result from a blocked vent system or p-trap — a plumber can determine the true cause

Overflowing Sewer Cleanout

Main Sewer Line Is Blocked

An overflowing sewer serves as another sign that the main sewer line is blocked. Homeowners need to know where to locate the sewer cleanout, which is often outdoors or in the basement of the residence. Furthermore, they must monitor the cleanout and call for help if it begins overflowing.

Many people use a drain auger to clear the clog, but this is only part of the solution. The homeowner must determine what led to the clog, as it could easily recur if the source of the problem isn't identified.

💡 Camera Inspection Finds the Source

A plumber uses a camera to look inside the sewer line and find the source of the blockage. This ensures the problem is completely resolved — not just temporarily cleared. Without identifying the cause, the same clog is likely to come back.

Drain Odors

Something May Be Sitting in the P-Trap

Unpleasant odors from drains remain common. The odor may come from something that hasn't made its way completely through the drain and is sitting in the p-trap bringing about the odor. However, a nasty smell from a drain could mean the drain is blocked.

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Try This First: Run water through the drain to see if the clog can be cleared. Many people add some soap or lemon juice to the drain as they run water through it. This helps to remove the smell that may have accumulated.

⚠️ When It's More Serious

The clog could be severe — located deep within the drain or sewer line
A rodent may have become trapped in the sewer line or drain, causing the odor
Situations of this type require a plumber to remove the source of the odor

Puddles Inside or Outside

Outdoor Puddles Often Go Undetected

People often notice a puddle in the home and call a plumber to find the source of the water. When the puddle is outside, it may go undetected for an extended period of time.

If you notice any puddles outside the home, call a plumber to see what the problem is and how best to correct it.

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Indoor Puddles

Usually noticed quickly. Call a plumber to find the source of the leak immediately.

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Outdoor Puddles

Can go undetected for a long time, allowing the underlying problem to worsen.

⚠️ Water Damage Happens Fast

Plumbing problems are commonplace. Knowing how to fix them can be more of a challenge. If your home has a plumbing issue, don't hesitate to contact the professionals. Water can do significant damage to a home in minutes. Don't delay, as cleaning up after a plumbing disaster takes time and money many homeowners don't have.

Quick Reference

6 Signs of a Drain Clog — At a Glance

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Slow drains — one slow drain is a local clog. Multiple slow drains may mean the main sewer line.

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Toilet won't flush — try a plunger first. Never use drain cleaner. Call a plumber if it persists.

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Gurgling noises — momentary is normal. Persistent gurgling may indicate a main sewer line blockage.

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Overflowing sewer — monitor your cleanout. A camera inspection finds the true source of the clog.

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Drain odors — try running water with soap or lemon. Persistent smells need a plumber's diagnosis.

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Puddles — indoor or outdoor. Outdoor puddles can go undetected for a long time — don't ignore them.

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Signs of a Drain Clog