5 Common Drain Issues Homeowners Face

Your home’s drains work hard every day to keep water flowing smoothly. But when problems like clogs or slow drains arise, that can mean disruption and repair costs.

But most drain issues are preventable with the right habits and a little know-how.

Clogged Drains

A clogged drain is one of the most common and frustrating plumbing issues. It happens when materials like hair, grease, soap scum, or food particles build up inside the pipes, blocking the flow of water. Kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, and shower drains are particularly prone to clogs due to daily use.

If left untreated, clogs can lead to slow drainage, unpleasant odours or an overflowing sink or toilet. In severe cases, they might need professional intervention to clear the blockage.

How to prevent a clogged drain:

• Place a cover or strainer over drains to catch hair, food scraps, and other debris before they go down the pipe.
• Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool in a container and throw it in the bin.
• Pour hot water down the drain weekly to dissolve grease and wash away small blockages.
• Never flush non-biodegradable items like wipes, paper towels, or dental floss.

Slow Drains

A slow drain is a warning sign that something is up. It’s often caused by a buildup of soap scum, grease, food particles, or even small foreign objects lodged in the pipe. Over time, this partial blockage can worsen, leading to a full clog that might even need drain jetting.

Typically, you’ll find slow drains in bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks, and showers. While it might seem like a minor thing, ignoring it can result in more serious plumbing problems. Small problems can be fixed with a shop-bought unblocking solution.

How to prevent slow drains:

• Use a plunger or a drain snake to remove debris as soon as you notice water draining slowly.
• Run hot water down the drain after heavy use to dissolve soap and grease residue.
• Brush your hair before showering to reduce the amount that ends up in the drain.
• Dispose of food scraps in the trash.

Bad Smells

Bad smells can occur when food particles, grease, or other debris get stuck in the pipes and begin to decompose. Mould and mildew buildup in damp pipes can also create unpleasant smells and decaying organic matter can attract flies that feed on it.

Another common cause is a dried-out drain trap, especially in sinks or floor drains that aren’t used often. When the trap dries out, sewer gases can escape into your home.

How to prevent bad smells:

• Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain monthly. This natural cleaner helps break down debris and neutralizes odours.
• Regularly rinse the drain with hot water to remove any remaining residues.
• For unused drains, pour a small amount of water down them occasionally to keep the trap full and block sewer gases.
• Avoid letting greasy or smelly food scraps go down the kitchen sink. Throw them in the bin instead.

Leaking Pipes

Leaking pipes can cause more than just a mess. They waste water, increase your utility bills, and may lead to serious water damage or mould growth in your home. Leaks often occur when pipes corrode, seals wear out, or connections loosen over time.

These leaks can happen anywhere in your plumbing system, but they’re particularly common under sinks, around joints, and in older homes with aging pipes. It’s one of those drain repairs that’s not to be left unaddressed.

How to prevent leaking pipes:

• Check under sinks and exposed pipes for moisture, discoloration, or signs of wear.
• Tighten any fittings that feel loose and apply pipe tape to seal small gaps.
• If your home has older plumbing, consider replacing corroded or worn-out pipes before they fail.
• High water pressure can stress pipes and cause leaks. Install a pressure regulator if necessary.

Overflowing Drains

An overflowing drain is not only messy but can also cause water damage and indicate a deeper plumbing issue. It typically occurs when a drain becomes completely blocked or when there’s a backup in the main sewer line.

Overflowing drains can bring waste into your home, making the situation not just inconvenient but also a potential health hazard.

How to prevent overflowing drains:

• Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products, even if they’re labelled as “flushable.”
• Prevent food scraps, grease, and coffee grounds from clogging the pipes by using a sink strainer.
• Professional inspections can catch potential blockages or damage before they lead to overflows.
• If your home is prone to sewer backups, a backflow preventer can stop waste from re-entering your drains.

Final Thoughts

Drain problems can start small but quickly become a problem. But with a few simple steps you can keep your plumbing system in top shape.

A little maintenance, such as using drain covers, flushing with hot water, and scheduling regular inspections, goes a long way. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to call a professional to tackle more serious problems.

It will save you time, money and frustration later.