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Signs Your Drain Needs Repair: What to Look Out For

September 13, 2024

We’ve all been there—one minute, you’re washing dishes or enjoying a hot shower, and the next, you’re staring at water that won’t go down.

The culprit? Faulty drains!

While ignoring slow drains or funny noises might be tempting, these are often the first signs that your drains are desperate for help. Ignoring these warnings can cause bigger problems down the road, but don’t worry—Otter Squad Plumbing & Drain Cleaning is here to save the day.

Let’s look into some of the most common signs that your drain needs repair and how regular maintenance can keep them in check.

Slow Draining Water

Have you ever noticed how your sink turns into a mini pool of germs after you’ve brushed your teeth? Slow-draining water is the first obvious sign that your drain might be screaming for help.

Usually borne out of a buildup of grease, soap, hair, or other waste debris, pipe blockage can herald the incoming assault of rancid smells and putrid leaks throughout your home-not-so-sweet-anymore-home.

We know your first instinct would be reaching out for a chemical drain cleaner. But this DIY offense can sometimes do more harm than good, especially if you’re dealing with a basement drain or other hard-to-reach areas. Chemical cleaners, infamous for causing corrosion over time, can give birth to even bigger issues.

The best option here would be calling Otter Squad Plumbing & Drain Cleaning to give you a hand in clearing out even the most stubborn clogs with advanced tools and techniques. Regular preventative cleanings are key in keeping your drains free from blockages.

Unpleasant Odors

If you get a weird, unpleasant smell wafting from your drains, it can indicate that something is clogging your drain, and it just ain’t yesterday’s takeout. These putrid aromas are usually the consequence of bacteria buildup, decaying organic matter, or even trapped sewer gases.

Foul odors aren’t just bad news for your nose; they are an alarming headline for your health. Standing water and bacteria in your drains can lead to mold growth, and when combined with a poorly functioning ejector pump, it can become hazardous. A clogged drain can be the quintessential breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can then domino into affecting the air quality in your home, especially in areas like the kitchen or basement drains. Addressing these issues in the nick of time is key to avoiding bigger health concerns.

Plugging your nose every time you walk into the kitchen or near your basement is not what we call an ideal solution. For your family’s sake, call Otter Squad Plumbing & Drain Cleaning and let us give you a quick diagnosis and an efficient long-term treatment to all your drain damage.

Frequent Clogs

Where one clog every once in a while is a mild nuisance, recurrent issues can drive anyone up the wall. If you’re continuously reaching for the plunger or trying DIY solutions that only offer temporary relief, it’s a sign that your drains are in serious need of repair. Everyday clogs are a clear sign that you have much bigger fish to fry, such as major blockages or tree roots invading your pipes.

Instead of going through the same rinse and repeat, it’s time you let the experts handle it. Otter Squad Plumbing & Drain Cleaning offers dependable sewer service that goes beyond surface-level fixes. Providing sustainable solutions that’ll last for years, we diagnose the root cause of the clogs and provide a dependable solution, whether that involves clearing out deep blockages or performing flex pipe repairs.

Water Backing Up

Nothing says “drain problem” like water backing up into your sink, shower, or tub. This is a sign of seriously clogged drains, which can be caused by anything from hair and soap scum to a more severe issue like a collapsed pipe or issues with your general sewer service.

Backups aren’t just inconvenient—they can cause water damage and even pose health risks due to bacteria and mold growth. In extreme cases, water backing up may indicate a problem with your cartridge water filtration system or the need for more specialized filtration services. Don’t let a minor inconvenience turn into a major headache. At Otter Squad Plumbing & Drain Cleaning, we offer 24/7 emergency water filtration and plumbing services to quickly address any backups and prevent further damage.

Gurgling Sounds

Do you hear a weird sound from your drains, as if they’re trying to talk to you? That’s as obvious a cry for help as there ever was! Gurgling or bubbling sounds from your drains clearly indicate that air is trapped in your pipes due to a clog or blockage. As water tries to force its way past the blockage, it starts emitting these weird noises.

While these sounds might seem harmless, they can actually be a precursor to an unexpected can of worms, like a complete blockage or a severe backup. In some cases, gurgling could be a sign of a filtration issue, such as with a well water filtration system for iron or an alkaline water filtration system. Before things escalate out of hand, give Otter Squad Plumbing & Drain Cleaning a call. We’ll investigate the cause of the guggling and make sure your pipes are in good shape.

Drain TLC: A Must for Your Plumbing’s Health

Routine examination is the paramount key to preventing many of these issues. Taking a proactive approach—such as scheduling routine inspections or opting for emergency water filtration services—can save you time, money, and the ever-proliferating headache of sudden repairs. Regular checkups also help identify issues early, allowing for minor fixes before they escalate into major problems.

In addition to routine plumbing inspections, using water filtration systems such as clear water filtration or sediment water filtration can prevent buildup and keep your system running smoothly. A properly maintained rain water filtration system or emergency water filtration system can keep your home’s water supply clean and reduce stress on your drains.

Prevent Costly Repairs

Unexpected expenses are never pleasant, but regular maintenance of your main line plumbing can help prevent them. Scheduling routine inspections and maintenance with Otter Squad Plumbing & Drain Cleaning allows us to detect potential issues before they become major problems, such as the need for water line repair clamp or even water filtration tank replacements.

Contact Otter Squad Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Today

As we have droned on for 5 minutes now, you can either decide to invest a bit in preventive maintenance now or burn a hole in your pocket in reactive response later. Your drains are a super important part of your plumbing system, and keeping them in good working order is key to maintaining your home’s health and safety. Whether it’s a pesky clog, a mysterious odor, or a fully backed-up line, we’ve got the skills and expertise to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

Not to mention, with our 24/7 emergency services, you never have to wait long for the help you need. ContactOtter Squad Plumbing & Drain Cleaning today for a free estimate, and let us take care of your drain repair needs.

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