Your drains are constantly being filled with debris. With everything from hair to food, they will eventually become clogged. This can lead to serious plumbing issues, such as damaged pipes and sewage backups. DIY home remedies are often employed, but these rarely get the job done and may even expose you to potential health hazards and injuries. Here’s how to tell that your drains need to be professionally cleaned.

Your Water Takes Forever to Drain

Have you noticed that your water is draining more slowly in any area of your home? Perhaps your kitchen sink becomes backed up easily, and it drains so slowly that you can’t do dishes. Maybe you finish a bath and have to wait longer than normal for all the water to leave the tub. No matter the case, you shouldn’t have to wait long periods of time for water to leave your home. This is a sign that your drains need to be professionally cleaned.

You’ve Noticed Strange Noises or Smells Emitting From Drains

What you can see and smell can tell you a lot about the health of your home. Say, for example, that water starts to gurgle when it’s going down the drain. This is indicative of air trapped in your pipes due to a clog. Leave this untreated long enough, and you could be faced with burst pipes and water damage. Another sign that there’s trouble with your drains is foul odors. This indicates waste buildup, and it could lead to infestations and other issues. Whether it’s strange noises or sounds, reach out to a plumber as soon as possible.

There Are Severe and Frequent Clogs in Your Home

A clog here and there is to be expected and is natural. What’s not natural is widespread clogging and severe clogs that you can’t easily manage with a plunger or by pulling something out of the drain. If your whole system is backed up and won’t respond to any of the basic maintenance tasks homeowners can manage, you’ll need to reach out to a plumber for professional drain cleaning as soon as possible.

There’s a Buildup of Fruit Flies Around Drains

Some signs of drain problems aren’t obvious to homeowners. Take subtle signs like a buildup of fruit flies in the home. It can be easy to attribute this to your produce. However, these types of pests can show up if there’s something particularly attractive to them in your drains. They may show up in droves near your kitchen drain. Look for subtle signs like these so that you know when you need the support of a plumber.

Drains will get clogged over time, and professional cleaning is an essential part of preventive maintenance and proper drain care. Reach out to us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Cedar Rapids, IA, for your professional drain cleaning today!