Buying your own home is a rite of passage for many; it signifies true independence and a “coming of age” of sorts. Having your own property also means that you’re responsible for anything that needs fixing, and you’ll no doubt run into quite a few of these things over the course of the years you spend in your home.
Plumbing issues are the bane of many a homeowner’s existence — they’ve got quite the reputation for being expensive as well as stressful. Collapsed drains are one such plumbing issue that no one wants to deal with, but thankfully there are signs you can watch for to catch the problem before it gets out of control. Here are the 4 main symptoms of a collapsed drain to watch for:
Terrible Smell
If your home sweet home is smelling a little on the funky side lately, you might want to get your drains checked. The smell of sewage is unmistakable, and also something no homeowner ever wants in their house. If there’s a lingering odour of sewage outside or throughout the home that you can’t seem to find the cause of, you may have a collapsed drain.
Rodents, Insects, and Other Unwanted Guests
If your home seems like a magnet for rodents or insects (or possibly both) and you can’t seem to keep them away, a collapsed drain might be the cause. These critters reside in the sewer, so when there’s an opening to a warm place that smells like food, they come through it. This is no fun for you, and you might be unaware of how they keep coming back. If your rodent or insect problem is persistent no matter what you’ve tried, having your drains surveyed is the best next step to take.
Funny Sounds
Old plumbing is notorious for its noises, but it might not just be the age of your pipes that’s to blame. Air bubbling up from a collapsed drain can be the cause of many a strange plumbing sound, so it’s a good idea to get this checked out — especially if it’s a recent problem. Other things that go along with this could be air bubbles in your toilet or the water coming through your taps, so keep an eye out for those, too.
Poor Drain Performance
If your drains aren’t behaving themselves recently, a collapse might be the culprit. Every homeowner has experienced slow drains from time to time, and we usually chalk it up to a simple blockage. While keeping your drains clear is also important, sometimes there’s more to these slow drains than meets the eye. If your drains are slower than they used to be despite your keeping them cleared, you might want to have them assessed by a professional.
Conclusion
While plumbing issues are never fun, they don’t have to be as stressful as you think. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or are otherwise concerned about your home’s plumbing, take action. Calling a qualified plumber is the best way to tell if your drains have collapsed, as well as diagnosing any other plumbing issues that may need attention.