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10 Signs You Need Drain Cleaning 

When it comes to your plumbing, it’s easy to assume that everything is always working properly and that there are no issues with your drains. But, when you experience problems with your plumbing systems, like frequent clogs, slow draining sinks or tubs, and water backing up into different parts of your home, it’s time to pay a visit to a drain cleaning service to ensure the pipes in your home are free of hair and other buildup.

These 10 signs may indicate that you need drain cleaning right away!

1) Drain Smells like rotten eggs

If you’re smelling rotten eggs around your drains, it’s a pretty sure sign that you need to call in a professional to get your pipes and drains cleaned. Sewer gas is nasty stuff, and if you’re smelling it coming from your drains, then there’s definitely something wrong. In fact, sewer gas is dangerous for humans and can cause nausea and headaches for days after exposure. 

2) Kitchen Sink doesn't drain completely

A clogged kitchen sink can really put a damper on your cooking, especially if you don’t have a garbage disposal. If your kitchen sink is taking longer than usual to drain, run some hot water and add some baking soda to clear out any nasty build-up that could be slowing things down. If your drain still doesn’t seem to be draining as it should, it might be time for a professional to take a look at it. 

3) Slow bathroom drains

A clogged drain is one of 10 common signs that you need a professional drain cleaning service. Over time, soap scum and hard water buildup can clog your drains. If you have slow-running or sluggish drains, call a drain cleaner for help with getting them flowing freely again. 

4) Frequent clogs in your drains

Most homeowners don’t realize that sewer clogs are often a sign of household drains that have been neglected. Without regular maintenance and cleaning, hair, food scraps, soap scum and debris can build up in your drains and restrict water flow. If you find yourself dealing with frequent drain clogs, it’s a good idea to call an experienced drain-cleaning service. 

5) Water leaking from your basement

Water slowly seeping out of your basement might be indicative of a clogged drain. Over time, buildup can occur, leading to a slow leak in your sewer line. When you notice water on your basement floor or walls, it’s important to call for professional help as soon as possible. It’s likely you’ll need drain cleaning services to rectify any issues. 

6) Puddles under the sink

While you may be tempted to ignore that puddle under your sink and hope it goes away, it’s important to call for professional drain cleaning services if you’re seeing standing water. This is a sign that not all of your drains are draining properly and have been clogged by food or other debris. As time passes, you may find that new puddles begin to appear in other places around your home—particularly if these drains lead to crawl spaces, basements, or garages. 

7) A gurgling sound coming from the drains 

Whether you hear it while you’re brushing your teeth or filling a glass with water, there’s probably a clog in your drain. If that sounds like something you’re experiencing, don’t let it linger; have your drains cleaned before it becomes a bigger problem. A strong scent coming from your drain: Many people dismiss unpleasant odors as natural plumbing smells. But if things smell fishy—or worse—have them checked out right away! 

8) Drains smell like sewage, even when they have been cleaned

Toilets, sinks and shower drains emit a foul odor that is indicative of an overflow. There are things you can try before calling a plumber to clean your drains but they might not work. If all else fails, you need to call in a plumber. A good warning sign is when you start smelling sewage odors even though there has been no indication of clogged drains or backup. 

9) Your water bill is higher than normal 

Water bills are often higher than we expect them to be, but if you notice that your bill has gone up by more than 10 percent since last month, it could be a sign that there’s something clogging your pipes. Here’s an easy way to check: Wait until everyone has gone to bed and turn off all of your lights. Then take a flashlight and go down into your basement (or wherever you have some of your pipes). Look for suds on top of standing water or running water. 

10) There is standing water in your sinks, bathtubs, or toilets

If you have standing water in your sink, bathtub, or toilet (for multiple days), it’s likely that you have a clog. That said, there are a number of other causes for standing water that should be considered before calling in a plumber. Is your tub taking longer than usual to drain? Are any of your sinks slow to drain? Do you hear gurgling or loud noises coming from your pipes? These can all be signs of plumbing problems and if left unattended can quickly become more expensive issues to fix.  

10 Drain Cleaning Signs - Summary


There are a number of reasons you might need your drains cleaning. While some are more obvious than others, there’s no denying that clogged pipes is never fun. Read above to learn how to recognize and avoid these telltale signs that you have an issue that needs a plumber’s attention!

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More on Drain Cleaning


If you are looking for more info (HydroJetting and Cable/Snake Cleaning), see our Drain Cleaning Q & A or more Drain Cleaning Blogs below! 

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