Nobody wants a plumbing emergency. But most of the time, homeowners fail to see the problems in front of them. Most of the time, when water goes too slowly down the drain, it is often ignored, but when everything explodes in your face, that’s when you’ll regret not being able to see the signs.

Here’s a quick list of warning signs to look out for and prevent your pipes from clogging.

1. Foul Odors

The first sign you’ll easily notice is unusual, foul smells that seem to come from within your sink. The specific smell will vary because it largely depends on what item got stuck in your drain. For example, if you have a clogged kitchen sink, you might notice that the smell of spoiled food emanating from the pipes. So, take uncommon smells as a warning—especially if it sticks after numerous attempts of cleaning out the drain.

In some cases, you may also experience a rodent infestation in your home, and one of those creatures might have gotten stuck in the pipes. This situation can be difficult to handle, so the best move would be to call in professionals.

2. Strange Sounds

Though you are not a professionally trained plumber, you will still be able to notice an unfamiliar sound as water goes down the drain. If something is clogging your pipes, the water flow will be different, and air pressure might also build up. Because of these things, there might be strange noises like squeaks, trickles, and gurgles. When you hear these sounds, it’s time to check it out right away.

3. Toilet Flush Problems

Another common sign of clogged pipes is if the toilet doesn’t work and the water won’t back up. Usually, this can be due to toilet paper clogged in the pipes, or other items getting flushed down, such as kid’s toys, bars of soap, pads, cigarettes, or medication.

You can try to fix the clogs on your own by using a plunger. If the problem persists, it’s best to call in experienced plumbers to take a close look at what may be causing your toilet troubles.

4. Unexplained Water Puddles

If water puddles begin showing up in the kitchen, bath, or yard, it is another sign of messed-up pipes. For instance, water pooling in your garden may mean that deep tree roots have damaged underground pipes.

5. Slower Water Flow

Though this can be fairly difficult to notice, water flowing slower than usual down your drains can also be a point of concern. You’ll see that though the water flows smoothly, everything still works more slowly, often taking minutes for things that should be finished in seconds.

In the bath, this problem usually occurs due to hair and soap scum buildup. On your own, you can deal with this by using some drain cleaners. But, make sure you don’t buy those that are harmful to the environment and try natural alternatives instead.

Final Thoughts: Hire Professional Plumbers to Help

Routinary maintenance is required if you want things to work well in your home. Unfortunately, problems in pipes often cannot be fixed using do-it-yourself techniques. But don’t worry, you can always hire experts to help you!
​
If you are in need of emergency plumbing solutions for your home, work with 24 Hour Plumbing & Heating. We can connect you with a 24-hour plumber in Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal, Beaumont, and other locations in Canada. Book an appointment with our experts today!

Water leaks are generally straightforward plumbing problems to identify, treat, and repair. Since they are typically caused by pipe damage or complications with your main valves, it’s easy to trace one issue down to its source. However, slab leaks are a different matter altogether.

Identifying Slab Leaks

Slab leaks are difficult to identify because slabs are located in an inaccessible area under your home. Since it’s out of sight, it’s generally harder to see noticeable signs of damage. However, certain symptoms can help warn you about potential slab-related complications that have developed right under your nose.

In this article, we’ll share five warning signs for slab leaks you should look out for.

1) Damp Floors

Moisture doesn’t just come from dripping pipes or cracks; it can also come from below. If your floors appear wet without any signs of pipe leaks from above, it may be due to dampness coming from within. This is noticeable through the presence of moisture without any pooling of water puddles. Your flooring can warp or feel moist, depending on its material. Since the damage starts internally, it’s better to replace your floors altogether to get to the root of a slab leak.

2) Hot Spots

Besides noticeably damp flooring, hot spots are also a common sign of slab leaks. If the water released into your flooring comes from the hot water line, the flooring above will become noticeably warmer. This primarily applies to materials like tiles and hardwood. With materials that aren’t receptive to absorbing heat like carpeting, hot spots will be easier to miss. At worst, your flooring can warp due to the buildup of water released through your slab. Keep this in mind when identifying the root cause of your slab leaks.

3) Foundation Damage

Your home’s foundations are easily susceptible to water damage. Although most homeowners make reinforcements against water and moisture from the outside in, slab leaks start with internal damage before manifesting surface-level signs. Cracks on walls can signify uneven soil erosion due to softer bedrock. Besides leaning the wrong way, your foundation can even lift, which leads to heaving.

4) Odd Noises

Like typical plumbing issues, odd noises reminiscent of running water can be a cause for concern. If you’re not using any faucets or sinks, these odd noises can be a clear sign of water escaping cracks in your system. Try turning off all plumbing features to have a better idea of the potential source of the noise. If the sound is coming from below your home’s foundations, it’s most likely a slab leak.

5) Water Complications

Since damage to your slab will affect pipelines, you should expect certain complications with your water output. For example, slab leaks can reduce your water pressure if the lines are damaged. This is due to leaks preventing consistent water flow. Additionally, your water bills can rise significantly, even if you’re using just around the same amount of water per month. Pay more attention to these signs before they manifest into considerable structural damage.

Conclusion

Although it’s typically easy to repair minor plumbing issues, slab leaks require professional training and equipment to fix. For this reason, it’s ill-advised for homeowners without the proper plumbing experience to look for and attempt to solve these issues. If you suspect that your home has slab issues, it’s time to put your trust in professional plumbers.
While most slab leaks only show signs of damage when the problem is nearly irreversible, you can still spot its early signs in a timely manner. For this reason, you should consult with a high-quality plumbing company to immediately provide relief and repairs. If you’re in dire need of a capable emergency plumber in Calgary, AB, contact us today!

When you discover a drain clog, the first thing you might think of is to use liquid drain cleaners. While these cleaners are affordable and mostly available, they can cause harm to your kitchen or bathroom sink. Even if the label mentioned that they are safe to use, some of them could cause adverse results. 

So, the next time you find a clogged drain in your bathroom or kitchen sink, do not grab a chemical-based brain cleanser. Here’s why:

It Contains High Level of Toxicity

Some homeowners prefer to buy cheaper and non-branded drain cleaners. Aside from being of low quality, they also irritate the nose and eyes. When inhaled, they can affect the digestive system or negatively impact your breathing. The fumes emitted by these chemicals are poisonous and can cause skin burns and irritation.
 
It Can Harm Your Plumbing Pipes

Most liquid drain cleaners have harsh ingredients. They can damage and gnaw your pipe’s interior surfaces. If you read the labels on their packaging, you will find out that most of them contain hydrochloric acid as one of their main chemicals. Some other components like sodium hypochlorite (bleach), sodium hydroxide (lye), sodium chloride, and sodium nitrate are corrosive. These can ignite a chemical reaction with the pipes and generate heat, resulting in the melting of plastic or weakening of the metal. Remember that chemicals can also damage the finish on your bathtub or sink.

It Can Harm the Environment

Chemical cleaners are not only harmful to your pipes; they can also be damaging to the environment. Any chemical left in a bottle that may leak in a landfill can contaminate water sources, the soil, and other bodies of water. When plants and animals are exposed to it, they may get sick or die. This is why proper disposal of these chemicals is also highly advised
.
Not All Liquid Drain Cleaners Are Effective

If you want a permanent fix for a sewer line blockage or pipe damage, do not opt for a liquid drain cleaner. It will only give a temporary solution. The next thing you know, you’re worrying again about how to prevent the damage from getting bigger because the liquid cleaner is not that effective. Usually, the liquid drain cleaner remains on the top of the clog, therefore, only making the pipe more exposed to damage. Better options include clearing the blockage or contacting a plumbing expert to do the job.

There Are Safer Drain Cleaning Alternatives That Are Available

Why settle for a cleaner that can bring more damage instead of solutions? Some alternatives are non-toxic and safer. You can try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Mix these ingredients and pour the mixture on the drain. You’ll be amazed by the results! You can remove the clog without harming the pipes.

Conclusion

Not because you can easily purchase a commercial liquid drain cleaner, it’s already the safest choice that you can have. You may only get disappointed because it can bring more damage instead of benefits. Be smart in choosing the products you will use to get rid of a drain blockage. Or better yet, hire a plumber to make your drains clog-free.
​
If you have a plumbing emergency in Calgary, contact us at 24 Hour Plumbing & Heating! We are dedicated to solving all your heating, plumbing, and air conditioning problems. Book an appointment with us!