A blocked drain is one of the most common reasons for calling a plumber. Blocked sinks are the source of a variety of small issues, ranging from foul odors to water that simply will not drain. However, if these problems are allowed to worsen, these small things can turn into much bigger and much more difficult issues.

The good news is that if you suspect a blocked drain, it is fairly easy to sort out without too much hassle. A licensed plumber can help unblock your drains. Here, we look at some of the things you need to look out for to make sure your plumbing system is running smoothly.

What are the signs to look out for?

Some of the first signs of a blocked drain include:

1. A foul smell

If things are getting a bit smelly, it might be a sign that a drain is blocked somewhere. Over time, anything stuck behind the blockage starts to break down and decompose, and the water begins to stagnate. In turn, this causes a foul smell around sinks, drains, toilets and bathtubs. Imagine a sewage like smell - this is a pretty good indicator of a blockage.

2. Overflowing

Normally, when our drains are working as they should, everything just flows away before our eyes. However, if it isn’t doing this; if water is coming back up, then you have a problem that needs sorting as soon as possible.

3. Gurgling sounds

If there are some odd gurgling-type noises when water is draining away, you possibly have a blockage somewhere in the drain. It means that water is struggling to drain away freely and is pooling around in the pipe.

4. Slow draining

You may notice that the water in your sink, bathtub, or shower drains slowly. Water can collect on top of an open drain or floor waste, then slowly drain away rather than immediately, as it would if the drain were healthy and in excellent operating order. Any materials that enter the pipe, such as bits of food and hair, will be unable to pass through the clog, causing the blockage to develop over time.

What should you do if you experience any of these signs of a blocked drain?

If you begin to experience one or more of these signs, you need to get in touch with a plumber as soon as possible for them to come and take a look at it and remove any blockage. No one wants the result of a blocked drain - unsanitary water coming out of your bathtub, sink, and toilet, and perhaps even raw sewage on your property. Getting it sorted sooner rather than later will stop a relatively minor issue from becoming a big issue very quickly.

Many people try to solve the problem on their own by using home remedies such as vinegar, baking soda, and other household products. Don’t. This won’t solve the issue and could make it even worse by causing even more of a blockage and potentially releasing toxic fumes. The best thing to do is to call a plumber and have them take a look at it - they know exactly what they're doing to get your drains moving freely again.