The drains in your home play a key role in your daily routine. However, without routine maintenance, they can malfunction. Know the warning signs that can mean your home’s drains have hidden problems and need immediate attention.

Slow Draining

Slow draining is among the most common signs that your home’s drains need cleaning or repairs. The sinks, tubs and shower stalls can take longer for water to empty from them. This problem typically indicates a partial blockage inside one of the pipes in your plumbing system.

Frequent Clogs

If it seems like you have to plunge your toilet, sink or other plumbing fixture frequently, it means there is something down the drain that you must remove. Hair, grease, food and other debris can get down inside the drain and form large clogs over time. These clogs can erode the pipe, prevent water from draining and lead to rusted or corroded plumbing fixtures.

Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds

Gurgling or bubbling noises signal a problem like trapped air inside the plumbing. Blockages in the drain and pipes trap air. The trapped air then makes noise as it tries to move through the plumbing system.

Backed-Up Sewage

Backed-up sewage occurs because of a large clog in your home’s sewer system. It can also mean that tree roots have grown into the main sewer line. Tree root intrusion requires professional drain repairs.

Wet Spots

Backed-up water and sewage will create wet spots in numerous places throughout your home and property. For example, you may notice water backing up into the utility room or basement where your washing machine is. It can also pool in your yard, creating marshy areas and puddles that attract pests like mosquitoes, gnats and flies.

Mold and Mildew Growth

The wet areas in your basement or crawl space can also create an environment that allows mildew and algae to grow. This growth lowers the air quality in your home. It also takes time and effort to remove it and can ruin upholstery, flooring and other materials that it spreads to.

Water Stains

Hidden plumbing problems often manifest through water stains on a home’s ceiling and floors. If you have patches of yellow or brown stains in these places or notice water streaks on them, chances are there is a leaky pipe somewhere in the plumbing system.

Foul Odors

Clogs and leaky pipes often create foul odors. You might notice a mildew odor or rotten smell when you walk into your house or go down to the basement.

Discolored Water

Yellow or brown water is a sign of corrosion or sediment buildup in the pipes. This problem requires professional plumbing repairs to remove the buildup or replace corroded or rusted pipes.

These warning signs can mean the drains in your home in Laurel, MD have issues that require professional plumbing service. Contact All Clear Plumbing & Drain for drain cleaning today.