Signs Your Drains Need Professional Attention: Don't Ignore These Warnings
Aquaspeed
Recognising Drain Problems Before They Become Emergencies
Your drainage system works quietly behind the scenes, carrying away wastewater and keeping your home hygienic. When something goes wrong, the signs are often subtle at first—but ignoring them can lead to major problems, expensive repairs, and even health hazards.
This guide will help you identify warning signs that your drains need professional attention, understand what causes these problems, and know when to call for help.
Critical Warning Signs: Act Immediately
1. Sewage Backing Up
What it looks like: Foul-smelling water or waste appearing in your toilet, bath, shower, or floor drains
Why it's serious:
- Indicates a complete or severe blockage in main drain
- Health hazard—raw sewage contains harmful bacteria
- Can cause significant water damage if left unchecked
- Will only get worse with continued water use
Immediate action: Stop using all water in the property and call for emergency assistance.
2. Multiple Drains Blocked Simultaneously
What it looks like: All or most drains in the property draining slowly or backing up at the same time
Why it's serious:
- Points to a blockage in your main drain or sewer connection
- Every fixture in the house is affected
- Cannot be fixed with DIY methods
- May indicate structural damage to main drain
Immediate action: Minimise water use and arrange professional inspection.
3. Water Coming Up When You Flush
What it looks like: Flushing the toilet causes water to rise in the shower, bath, or nearby drains
Why it's serious:
- Shows water has nowhere to go—main drain blocked
- Continued flushing will worsen the problem
- Risk of overflow and sewage contamination
Serious Warning Signs: Arrange Professional Help Soon
4. Persistent Bad Smells
What it looks like: Sewer or rotting smell from drains that doesn't go away
Possible causes:
- Partial blockage allowing waste to accumulate
- Dry P-trap (if drain unused for weeks)
- Crack in pipe allowing sewer gases to escape
- Dead animal or debris decomposing in drain
- Vent pipe blockage or damage
When to worry: If smell persists after running water and using drain cleaner, or if it's throughout the house.
5. Slow Draining Throughout the House
What it looks like: All sinks, baths, and showers drain noticeably slower than normal
What it indicates:
- Build-up in main drain restricting flow
- Partial blockage developing
- Root intrusion starting to affect drainage
- Collapsed or displaced pipe section
Urgency: Will become a complete blockage if not addressed—arrange inspection within a few days.
6. Gurgling Sounds
What it looks like: Bubbling or gurgling noises from drains, especially after flushing or draining water
What causes it:
- Air trapped in pipes due to partial blockage
- Vent pipe blockage affecting air flow
- Negative pressure in drain system
- Water trying to pass around an obstruction
Note: Occasional gurgling can be normal, but persistent or loud gurgling needs investigation.
7. Recurring Blockages
What it looks like: Same drain blocks repeatedly, even after clearing
What it means:
- Underlying problem not being addressed
- Structural issue like a collapsed section or bellied pipe
- Root intrusion that regrows after clearing
- Pipe damage catching debris
- Fat or scale build-up only partially removed
Action needed: CCTV survey to identify the root cause.
Warning Signs in Your Garden
8. Sinkholes or Depressions
What it looks like: Areas of ground sinking, dipping, or soft spots in lawn or paving
Why it's serious:
- May indicate collapsed drain washing away soil
- Ground subsidence can damage property foundations
- Hidden water leak eroding earth
- Can suddenly get much worse
9. Unusually Lush Patches of Grass
What it looks like: Areas of grass growing significantly greener or faster than surrounding lawn
What it indicates:
- Leaking sewage pipe "fertilising" the soil
- Cracked drain allowing nutrients to escape
- Often accompanied by soft ground or smell
10. Standing Water in Garden
What it looks like: Persistent puddles or waterlogged areas, especially near drain runs
Possible causes:
- Blocked surface water drain
- Damaged underground drain leaking
- Blocked or failed soakaway
- Collapsed drain preventing flow
Warning Signs on Your Property
11. Damp Patches on Walls
What it looks like: Moisture, staining, or efflorescence on internal or external walls, especially near ground level
Possible drain-related causes:
- Blocked drain causing water to back up against foundations
- Leaking drain saturating ground near walls
- Surface water not draining away from building
12. Cracks in Walls or Foundations
What it looks like: New cracks appearing, especially diagonal cracks or those near ground level
How drains can cause this:
- Water leaking from drains eroding soil under foundations
- Subsidence caused by drain collapse
- Ground movement from waterlogged soil
Urgency: Can indicate serious structural issues—get surveyed promptly.
13. Pest Activity
What it looks like: Increased sightings of rats, mice, or insects around drains or in the property
Drain connection:
- Rats can enter through damaged drain pipes
- Cracked drains provide access points
- Standing water in drains attracts pests
- Sewage smell attracts flies and insects
Internal Warning Signs
14. Raised Water Level in Toilet
What it looks like: Water in toilet bowl higher than normal, or rising after flushing before slowly dropping
What it indicates:
- Partial blockage in toilet branch or main drain
- Venting problem
- Early warning of developing blockage
15. Slow Toilet Refill
What it looks like: Toilet takes much longer than usual to refill after flushing
While often a cistern issue, can indicate:
- Venting problem affecting drainage
- Main drain issue creating back-pressure
What to Do When You Notice Warning Signs
Immediate Steps
- Stop using affected drains if sewage is backing up
- Note which drains are affected and how
- Check external manholes if accessible (do not enter)
- Document with photos or video
- Contact a drainage professional
What NOT to Do
- Don't ignore warning signs hoping they'll go away
- Don't pour excessive chemicals down drains
- Don't attempt to enter manholes or confined spaces
- Don't continue heavy water use if drains are backing up
The Cost of Ignoring Warning Signs
Early intervention typically costs £100-300 for inspection and minor clearing. Ignoring problems can result in:
- Complete drain collapse: £3,000-10,000+ to repair
- Property flooding: Insurance excess plus uncovered losses
- Subsidence damage: £10,000-50,000+ in structural repairs
- Health hazards: Invaluable—sewage contamination is dangerous
Noticed any of these warning signs? Call Aquaspeed on 0800 019 0073 for professional advice and swift response. Our CCTV surveys identify problems accurately, and our experienced team provides honest recommendations. Don't wait for a small problem to become a big one.
