Many homeowners don’t pay much attention to their toilet or sink and bathtub drains until they stop draining correctly, or worse, start to backflow.
According to the experts at Best Flo Sewer & Drain, a leading provider of drain cleaning and cesspool services in Suffolk County, annual cleaning and inspection is the best way to prevent clogs, corrosion, and mineral build-up. Those with septic systems should also have them pumped every three to five years.
However, some homes may require more frequent drain cleaning and septic pumping or one-off services to clear unexpected clogs. Understanding the symptoms of a partial drain blockage can help prevent water damage and unnecessary repair expenses.
3 Signs It’s Time to Schedule Drain Cleaning Services
1: Water Drains Slowly
Slow draining is one of the earliest signs of an impending drain clog. Typically, slow-moving drains are the result of debris, tree roots, or mineral build-up partially blocking the line. As this blockage continues to accumulate, the water flow will become slower and slower before stopping completely.
After that, pressure will build in the pipe, eventually resulting in damage or wastewater backflow. A full septic tank can also lead to slow draining. That’s why it’s essential to schedule drain cleaning services at the first sign of a problem.
2: Smelly Drains
While slow drains are often followed by odors, even if a drain seems to be flowing at an appropriate rate, unusual smells or small flies are cause for concern as they also suggest a partial clog or septic tank issue.
As food particles, hair, soap scum, and other debris remain in the line and begin to decay and grow bacteria, they start to smell and, depending on where in the line the clog is, may create a perfect environment for drain flies to breed.
3: Visible Build-up
Often referred to as a "stagnant drain," once a clog fully or mostly blocks the flow of water, debris, slime, and other unpleasant things will visibly coagulate in or around the drain. Generally, this sludge is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, but not always.
At this point, there’s no time to waste. The drain needs to be cleaned as soon as possible. Many homeowners try to tackle drain clogs themselves. A bottle of drain cleaner or a plunger may seem like a more cost-effective choice, but these options are a temporary solution at best and can even cause pipe damage.
About Best Flo Sewer & Drain
Best Flo Sewer & Drain has served the Blue Point, NY area for more than a decade and has over 30 years of experience offering drain cleaning services, septic system installation, septic cleaning services, and commercial septic pumping.
Their specialists go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service and reliable results at competitive rates, offering a top-quality experience for home and business owners alike. If you find yourself searching for "drain cleaning and pumping service near me" or "septic pumping near me?," reach out to Best Flo Sewer & drain. Call (516) 505-7400 to reach their Nassau office or (631) 696-1913 for the Suffolk branch for a free estimate.