How Do You Know If Your Drain is Clogged, and What to Do About It

You can tell your drain is clogged when water starts to drain slowly, makes gurgling sounds, or gives off an unpleasant odor. These are all warning signs that something is restricting the flow of water through your pipes, and if left untreated, that minor clog could turn into a major plumbing issue.

A clogged drain might seem like a small inconvenience, but it’s actually your plumbing system’s way of calling for help. Over time, grease, hair, soap scum, or even tree roots can build up inside your pipes, reducing flow and increasing pressure until the system backs up completely. When that happens, you’re no longer dealing with a simple clog; you’re facing potential leaks, pipe damage, or even water contamination.

At Acadiana Rooter, we’ve seen it all, from kitchen sinks that drain more slowly every day to entire bathrooms that flood when one toilet is flushed. The good news is that most drain issues give you clear warning signs before disaster strikes, and taking quick action can save you thousands in repairs.

1. What Are The Signs My Drain Is Clogged?

2. What Causes Drain Clogs in the First Place?

3. What Should I Do if My Drain is Clogged?

4. When Should You Call a Professional Plumber?

5. Can You Prevent Clogged Drains?

6. Why Choose Acadiana Rooter?

7. FAQs

What Are the Signs My Drain Is Clogged?

You’ll know your drain is clogged when water starts draining slowly, makes strange noises, or begins to smell bad. These symptoms usually mean debris, grease, or other materials have built up inside your pipes and are restricting water flow.

Here’s a closer look at the most common warning signs:

• Slow-draining water: If your sink, tub, or shower takes longer than usual to empty, that’s often the first sign of a blockage forming. Grease, hair, and soap buildup can reduce the diameter of your pipe over time, leaving just enough room for a slow trickle.

• Gurgling or bubbling noises: When air gets trapped behind a clog, it releases as bubbles when water passes, creating a gurgling sound in your drains or toilet. This is often a sign that the blockage is getting worse.

• Bad odors from the drain: A foul or musty smell coming from your drain usually means trapped food, grease, or organic material is decomposing in your pipes. In kitchens, this could point to grease buildup, while in bathrooms it might indicate hair or soap residue.

• Water backup in other fixtures: If running the sink causes water to bubble up in your tub, your main line may be partially blocked. This is a red flag for a more serious clog deeper in your plumbing system.

• Frequent or recurring clogs: If you find yourself constantly plunging the same drain, it’s likely the clog isn’t fully cleared or there’s a more significant obstruction further down.

Quick Tip: Even if the water eventually drains, don’t ignore the early signs. Small blockages rarely fix themselves. They usually worsen until a full backup occurs.

What Causes Drain Clogs in the First Place?

Most drain clogs are caused by everyday habits like pouring grease down the sink, flushing wipes, or letting hair go down the shower drain. Over time, these materials accumulate and restrict the flow of water.

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

• Hair and soap scum: In showers and bathroom sinks, hair tangles with soap residue and forms sticky clumps that cling to pipe walls.

• Grease and oil: In kitchens, liquid grease hardens as it cools, coating pipes and trapping food particles along the way.

• Food scraps and coffee grounds: Even small particles can accumulate and cause clogs, especially in homes without garbage disposals.

• Foreign objects: Items like “flushable” wipes, cotton balls, feminine products, or paper towels don’t break down easily and can create serious blockages in sewer lines.

• Tree root intrusion: In older Lafayette and Broussard neighborhoods, mature trees can send roots through small cracks in underground pipes, causing slow drains and even full blockages.

Aging plumbing systems in Acadiana are particularly vulnerable. Hard water deposits and corrosion can narrow older pipes, making them more prone to buildup, especially in homes that haven’t had regular maintenance or drain cleaning.

What Should I Do If My Drain Is Clogged?

If your drain is clogged, the first thing you should do is stop using water in that area and avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners down the pipe. These products can corrode your plumbing and often make the problem worse.

Here’s a safe step-by-step plan to follow instead:

1. Stop the flow of water. Avoid running additional water into the clogged drain to prevent overflow or added pressure.

2. Try a plunger. A simple plunger can often remove shallow clogs, especially in bathroom sinks and tubs. Use steady, gentle plunges to dislodge the obstruction.

3. Skip the chemicals. Many “quick fix” drain cleaners contain harsh acids that can damage PVC pipes, ruin older plumbing, or create health hazards.

4. Use a drain snake if you have one. A small handheld auger can help remove minor debris clogs close to the surface.

5. Call a professional plumber. If none of these steps solves the problem, it’s time to contact Acadiana Rooter for professional drain cleaning.

Our team uses video camera inspections to locate clogs precisely and hydro jetting to remove buildup without damaging your pipes. For more severe or recurring issues, we offer NuFlow pipe lining, a trenchless solution that restores your pipes to like-new condition without digging up your yard.

When Should You Call a Professional Plumber?

You should call a professional plumber when your drains clog repeatedly, when multiple fixtures are affected, or when you smell sewage or see water backing up. These are all signs that the problem lies deeper in your plumbing system than DIY tools can reach.

Call a professional immediately if:

• You have standing water that won’t drain.

• Multiple drains in your home are clogged at once.

• You notice sulfur or sewage odors coming from your drains.

• Water backs up in one fixture when using another.

• You’ve tried plunging or snaking, and the issue keeps returning.

Professional plumbers like Acadiana Rooter can diagnose issues that aren’t visible from the surface. Using camera inspection tools, they can identify root intrusions, pipe collapses, or heavy buildup that requires professional-grade cleaning or repair.

Delaying service can lead to pipe bursts, foundation damage, or even sewage backups, all of which are far more costly and disruptive than a quick cleaning visit.

Can You Prevent Clogged Drains?

Yes, you can prevent most drain clogs with simple habits and routine maintenance. Prevention is always more affordable (and far less stressful) than dealing with an emergency.

Here are a few professional tips:

• Use drain strainers: These inexpensive devices catch hair, food scraps, and debris before they enter your pipes.

• Dispose of grease properly: Pour cooled grease into a container and throw it away. NEVER down the sink.

• Flush with hot water weekly: Pouring a kettle of hot water down your sink once a week helps melt away grease buildup.

• Use baking soda and vinegar as maintenance: This natural combination can help clean minor residue and deodorize drains.

• Schedule annual professional cleaning: Even with great habits, buildup still happens over time. Regular maintenance keeps your system flowing freely and extends your plumbing’s lifespan.

Acadiana Rooter recommends annual or bi-annual drain cleaning, especially for older homes or properties surrounded by trees. Preventive care keeps small issues from becoming costly plumbing emergencies.

Why Choose Acadiana Rooter?

Acadiana Rooter is a veteran-owned plumbing company proudly serving Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, and the surrounding Acadiana area. Our licensed plumbers are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and proven techniques to handle everything from small drain clogs to full sewer line repairs.

We don’t just clear your drains. We find the root cause and help you prevent future problems. Whether it’s a slow kitchen sink, a backed-up shower, or a complete mainline blockage, we respond quickly with reliable, long-lasting solutions.

👉 Call us to schedule your drain cleaning today and keep your home safe, sanitary, and clog-free.
Call Acadiana Rooter or book online for professional service you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Acadiana Rooter, we take pride in providing reliable, honest, and professional plumbing services across Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, and the surrounding Acadiana area. From drain cleaning and pipe repair to water heater installation and backflow testing, our licensed plumbers handle every job with precision and care. As a veteran-owned company, we’re committed to serving our community with integrity and craftsmanship you can trust.