Wondering how to tell if you have a blocked drain? Discover common signs like slow drains, bad smells, and gurgling sounds to protect your home and plumbing.
Water Drains Slowly
One of the first and most common signs you have a blocked drain is when you notice that the water has started to drain more slowly than usual. This can happen in kitchen sinks, bathroom basins, showers or baths. You might see water pooling around the plughole and taking a long time to go down. In most cases, this means there is a buildup forming inside the pipe. Common causes include grease and food waste in kitchen drains, or hair, soap and shampoo in bathroom drains.
While the drain may still be working, the slow drainage is a clear warning that something is starting to block the pipe. If ignored for too long, the problem can get worse over time and lead to a full blockage, unpleasant smells or even water backing up. Acting early when you notice slow-draining water can help prevent bigger problems and save you time and money later on.
Bad Smells Coming from the Drain
Unpleasant smells coming from a drain are often a sign that something is wrong. Such smells can be caused by a buildup of waste, such as food, grease, hair or soap, which begins to rot inside the pipe. As the blockage grows, it traps more dirt and bacteria, leading to strong, foul odours. You might notice the smell more after running water or when the room is warm, such as in a kitchen or bathroom.
If cleaning the drain cover or flushing it with hot water does not help, the smell is likely coming from much deeper inside the pipe. This is a clear warning that a blockage may be forming and needs attention.
Ignoring the smell can lead to a full clog or even do lots of damage to your pipes. Dealing with bad smells early can help keep your drains clear and your home fresh.
Gurgling Sounds in Pipes or after using water
Gurgling sounds coming from your pipes, plugholes or toilet after using your water can be another sign that you may have a blocked or partially blocked drain. These noises often happen when air gets trapped in the pipes and pushes through water as it tries to escape. This usually means that something inside the pipe is stopping the water from flowing smoothly, such as a build-up of grease, hair or other debris.
You might hear the gurgling after flushing the toilet, emptying a sink or using a washing machine. It’s a warning that the water is struggling to drain properly and that a blockage could be forming deeper in the system. If the sounds happen often or in more than one drain, it’s a good idea to take action before the problem gets worse. Early signs like this should not be ignored.
Overflow or Wet Patches Outside
Overflow or wet patches around outdoor drains, manhole covers, or areas of your garden are clear signs that there may be a blocked drain underground. When water can no longer pass through the pipes as it should, it builds up and is forced to escape somehow, and this is usually through the nearest opening.
This scenario can result in puddles of standing water, soggy soil, or water seeping up through cracks in paving. In some cases, you may also notice bits of waste or a strong smell near the affected area.
This kind of overflow is more than just a mess; it can be dangerous. The water coming up from blocked drains may carry bacteria, germs and waste that can be harmful to both people and animals. It can damage lawns, plants, and nearby surfaces like walls or driveways.
During winter, wet patches can freeze and become slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. If you've begun to see signs of overflow or damp areas that don't dry up after rain, it's important to act quickly. The problem is likely to get worse without proper attention and may require a professional to fully investigate and fix.
Rising Water Levels in Toilets
If the water level in your toilet rises much higher than normal after flushing, this is a cause for concern, as it could be a sign of a blocked drain. This happens when something in the pipe stops water from flowing away properly, causing it to back up into the bowl. Sometimes, you may find that the water starts to drain very slowly, or it might not go down at all. You may also hear gurgling sounds or notice bubbles as the water tries to pass through the blockage.
This issue can be a result of flushing multiple items that should not go down the toilet, such as wet wipes, nappies, cotton pads or too much toilet paper. Rising water levels should not be ignored, as the problem can quickly get worse and lead to an overflow. An overflowing toilet is not only unpleasant but also a health risk, as it may spread bacteria and waste into your home. If the problem continues after a few attempts to clear it, it’s best to contact a professional.
Struggling with a drain blockage in your home? Let us help with blocked drains in Blackpool and Lancashire. We are a drainage contractor that has been resolving drainage issues for local homes, businesses, and property developers for more than 25 years.
