13 Signs You Need A Drain Cleaner

Imagine a world without drain cleaners. Those pesky clogged drains that always seem to come at the wrong time would be impossible to fix. 

Most people know how inconvenient a clogged drain can be because they seem to come without warning. Luckily, there are a couple of signs that crop up before the clogged drain arrives. 

There are some signs that one can use to see whether or not a drainage system is clogged. You’ll want to get someone to remove the clog before it becomes worse and causes some real damage to the entire waste management system. 

What are Drains and Why do they get clogged?

Drains are an essential part of our waste management systems. They transport most of our liquid waste from households and businesses to your local water treatment plants. 

Most buildings have drainage gutters. This infrastructure is needed to move rainwater into the water waste system. 

However, drains have an unfortunate tendency to get those stubborn blockages, usually caused by an unintentional piece of solid waste or other organic matter.

A drain cleaner is used to fix these common clogs. It can be a chemical like hydrochloric acid or a product as simple as a drain snake. The goal of a drain cleaner is to remove whatever material might be stuck in a drain so that water and other liquids can flow through undisturbed.

Many drain cleaner products come in a bottle or container with clear directions for use. Like any other cleaning product, many can be used on ornate porcelain surfaces.

13 Signs That You Need Drain Cleaners

Plumbers and other drain cleaning teams are experts at telling whether they need to unclog a drain. But there are some common signs you can figure out yourself before calling.

Here’s our top 13 signs that your drain needs cleaning:

1. The Water’s Not Draining
2. Water Back Up
3. The Drain Smells Bad
4. Frequent Clogged Drains
5. More Than One is Drain Clogged
6. Overflowing Toilets
7. Gurgling Sound
8. Natural Disaster
9. The Water’s Draining Slowly
10. Lots of Insects and Other Bugs
11. Increase in Drain Usage
12. Usual Cleaning Solutions Stop Working
13. Neighbours Get Clogged Drains

We explore each point in greater detail below.

1. The Water’s Not Draining

The first sign that you need a drain cleaner is self-explanatory. The system may have clogs if water is not flowing down as intended.

2. Water Defies Gravity and Bubbles Back Up

Clean drains allow water and other liquids to flow through them. If the system pipes are clogged, water can come back up. It usually spills on the surrounding surfaces and is easy to detect.

3. The Drain Smells Bad

Although water drains are made for liquids, other types of waste can enter the system. Many shower drains, for instance, have pieces of hair. This can build up and go rotten. Any waste that is left to stand, including standing water, results in the smell of decay.

4. Frequent Clogged Drains

Unfortunately, if you’re constantly buying drain cleaners, chances are that there is something wrong with your system. The more times you need to unclog a drain, the more common clogging becomes.

5. More Than One is Drain Clogged

If many drains need to be unclogged in a short succession of time, then it is likely that your pipes are seriously clogged. You should consider contacting a plumbing service to give the system a proper evaluation.

6. Overflowing Toilets

Overflowing toilets are another clear sign that your pipes are clogged. This can be caused by toilet paper, grease, hair, or anything incorrectly flushed. It can also be the result of an overflowing septic tank. While pouring water might be a tempting solution, it can cause further clogs in the system.

7. Gurgling Sound

Water that drains incorrectly often makes a gurgling sound as it struggles through grease and other materials. Chemical drain cleaners can help to remove these clogs.

8. Natural Disaster

Natural disasters wreak havoc on draining systems. While the rush of water can unclog drains, it can also bring unwanted materials and other organic matter into pipes that can cause major clogs. If your area recently experienced unusual weather, your drains may be clogged.

9. The Water’s Draining Slowly

Slow water draining – from a toilet that struggles to flush to a shower drain that retains standing water – is a clear sign of a clog. Drain cleaning products are needed to address the unwanted clogs.

10. Lots of Insects and Other Bugs

Like humans, insects and other bugs need water to survive. They are attracted to standing water to drink. If your bathroom tubs are filled with insect nests, your clogged drains may have become the local watering hole.

11. Increase in Drain Usage

Sudden changes to a water system can cause clogs. So, if it’s Christmas and your family is coming to stay, invest in chemical drain cleaners before the clogs occur.

12. Usual Cleaning Solutions Stop Working

Drains often get clogged. Many households have drain cleaning products on hand. If you notice that these usual products have become ineffective, you likely have a serious and previously undetected clog in the system.

13. Neighbours Get Clogged Drains

Unless you have private septic tanks, any water you flush goes through the local water management system. If your neighbour purchases drain cleaners because of stuck pipes, then it might be worthwhile for you to do the same.

Household Drain Cleaning Products

Some household products can be used as drain cleaners. 

Here are our top picks for everyday household drain cleaner products:

• Bleach
• Water filter
• Drain snake
• Liquid Soap
• Grease traps
• Hair Clog Blaster
• Plunger
• Baking Soda

It’s also important to rinse any potentially harmful chemicals with hot water from surfaces that might come into contact with human beings.

Common Chemical Drain Cleaners

Advantage Plumbing names 5 common chemicals used in most drain cleaner products.

The chemicals are:

1. Sodium or Phosphorous Hydroxide Cleaners
2. Sulfuric Acid Products
3. Hydrochloric Acid-Based Products
4. Herbicide-Based Products
5. Natural Enzymes/Bacteria-Based Products

It would help if you avoided contact as much as possible.

It’s important for any homeowner to remain vigilant. Clogged drains can cause serious issues and they can be a symptom of a much bigger one. 

This blog has explored some clear signs that you are in need of a drain cleaner. 

Always remember that a professional plumber or associated waste management service will be able to provide you with more information that is specific to your situation.