Although it may take some time for a blockage or other issues to become apparent, once they have started to affect your system, you will notice the difference very quickly.
You can quickly identify the symptoms and take corrective action by being aware of them.
If your toilet, bath, or sinks drain slowly, it is an indication that the drain is blocked. Water may not drain if the blockage is severe.
If one fixture is having problems, the blockage may be localized to that particular appliance’s pipe. However, if multiple pipes are backed up the blockage will most likely be in the sewer drain.
If the toilet is clogged, it can help to determine the cause. For example, running the taps or flushing the toilet will cause water to rise in your shower.
This applies even if water-based appliances cause water to appear elsewhere. If this happens, make sure you check your exterior drains and manhole covers for signs of rising water. However, do not enter manholes from the outside.
Foul smells can indicate a blockage and are one of the most visible indicators. If something has blocked your drain and started to rot, then you will know.
It is possible for the bad smell to develop before visual symptoms appear. Therefore, it is important not to ignore unusual odours that aren’t easily identified in your home.
If your fixtures and pipes sound unusual, this could indicate a blockage. The first signs of a blockage are gurgling sounds from pipes, drains, plug holes and toilet flushes. These sounds are caused by air trapped in pipes and forced up through the system.
Each of the above symptoms can be cause for concern, but if you notice more than one, or all three, it is time to address the problem head-on.
First, determine who is responsible for solving the problem. You are only responsible for those parts of the system that are within your home’s borders and are not used by anyone else. If there is a blockage within your property’s sewer system, you are responsible for it. However, if a portion of the system is not within your home’s borders and is shared with neighbouring properties, the local water or sewage company is responsible.
This should help you decide what your next steps are. It doesn’t matter if the blockage is off-site. You can simply report it to the utility company and wait for them to fix the problem. However, if the problem is found within your area, you should immediately take action.