A blocked drain rarely happens overnight. In most cases, there are warning signs that build up over weeks or even months before a complete blockage occurs. Recognising these signs early can help you avoid costly emergency callouts and potential water damage to your property.
1. Slow Draining Water
The most common early sign of a developing blockage is water that drains more slowly than usual. You might notice your sink takes longer to empty, or water pools around your feet in the shower. This typically indicates a partial blockage that will worsen over time.
2. Gurgling Sounds
If you hear gurgling noises coming from your drains, plughole, or toilet after flushing or emptying a sink, this suggests air is trapped in the pipes. This is often caused by a blockage restricting normal water flow and allowing air bubbles to form.
3. Unpleasant Odours
Bad smells coming from your drains are a clear indication that something is decomposing in your pipes. This could be food waste, grease buildup, or other organic matter that has become stuck and is now rotting.
4. Rising Water Levels in Toilets
If the water level in your toilet rises higher than normal when you flush, or if it takes a long time to return to the normal level, you likely have a blockage somewhere in the system. This is particularly concerning if it affects multiple toilets in your property.
5. Water Coming Back Up
When water starts coming back up through drains or toilets, you have a serious blockage that needs immediate attention. This can quickly lead to flooding and potential sewage backup into your home.
6. Multiple Blocked Fixtures
If more than one drain in your home is affected, the blockage is likely in the main sewer line rather than individual pipes. This requires professional equipment to diagnose and clear.
7. Damp Patches or Water Marks
Unexplained damp patches on walls or floors near drainage pipes could indicate a leak caused by pressure from a blockage. Left untreated, this can cause structural damage and mould growth.
What to Do Next
If you notice any of these warning signs, it's best to act quickly. While minor slow drainage might be resolved with a plunger, persistent issues usually require professional attention. Our team at Blocked Drains Manchester can quickly diagnose the problem using CCTV drain surveys and clear blockages using high-pressure jetting.
Call us on 0333 880 2296 for a no-obligation quote, or contact us online to book an appointment.