A sink, tub, or shower that drains slowly can be frustrating and messy. If you try using drain cleaner but still experience frequent clogs, your plumbing problems could be further down the line and out of reach. Are you experiencing any of these common signs you need drain cleaning? If so, it’s time to call a plumber for professional drain cleaning.
1. Slimy Surfaces
Slow-draining water will lead to a slippery, hazardous shower floor surface. If you notice your feet slipping around when you stand in the bathtub or move in and out of the shower, it could be because the water is slow to drain, and soapy buildup clings to the surface.
2. Discoloration Around the Drain
Standing water in your tub or sink will eventually result in water damage — discoloration on the surface of your basins. It takes more than elbow grease to clean these hard water stains. Even if you scrub them every week, you are still only addressing the symptom of a drainage problem instead of fixing the root cause.
3. Frequent Clogs
Gunky buildup inside your drains causes frequent, persistent clogs. Pouring large amounts of drain cleaner into your plumbing system could damage your pipes. If you’ve tried pouring one bottle of cleaner down the drain and the clog remains, it’s time to call a professional plumber to fix the problem.
4. Foul Odors
A foul odor from a drain issue won’t go away, no matter how much you clean your sink or shower. This is because the problem is beneath the surface. Food particles can build up deep in the pipes and start to grow mold and smell. They may even attract pests like fruit flies over time.
5. Gurgling Noises
If your water runs smoothly down the drain, but you hear a gurgle or gulping sound near the end, there is likely a partial clog in your drain. Drains have a venting system to help drain water by creating a vacuum effect. Problems with the venting system that prevent air from moving in and out result in the gurgling sounds you may hear when you flush your toilet or drain water out of your sink.
6. Overflowing Toilets
Toilets in your home that overflow onto your bathroom floor are one of the most unpleasant symptoms of drain clogs. If one or more of your toilets is not flushing correctly and frequently overflow, you could have a clog in your sewer line. It is necessary to call a professional plumber to clear clogs in this part of your plumbing system.
If you experience any of these signs you need drain cleaning, and your best efforts haven’t fixed the issue, it’s time to bring in professional help. For drain cleaning services in Tampa, call Tampa Bay Plumbers at 813-758-6237.
