Clogged, Leaking, or Loose? Here’s How to Diagnose Sink Issues Fast

Signs of a Clog

One of the most common problems homeowners face is clogged sinks. Of course, if the water doesn’t drain once you open the faucet, that means there’s a clog. However, this is in the last stages. What you can do as a homeowner is notice the formation of a possible clog beforehand. Firstly, before completing not letting the water drain, you will observe slower drainage than usual. Don’t ignore this because this is also one of the most obvious signs. Another common sign homeowners tend to ignore is bad odors coming from the sink. That means the debris that is collecting inside your pipes starts to release a bad smell due to all the dirt and bacteria. The third sign is water backing up. When water cannot find a way to drain, it’s naturally going to follow the route where it came from. Water doesn’t have to back up from the drain where the clog is present; however, it can back up from other drains too. Most of the time, the root cause of the clog depends on the location of the sink. For kitchens, clogs usually happen because homeowners pour grease or oil or starchy food down their garbage disposal. As for bathrooms, hair or soap can build up, or in rarer cases, small objects like toys can be the reason.

Signs of a Leak

The second most common issue regarding sinks is leaks. Even though sometimes they can be easier to spot, if they are left unnoticed, bathroom leaks can do serious harm. Here are a few signs you can spot. The first one is stains on your under-sink cabinets. This can be easier to notice if your cabinetry is a lighter color. When there are stains or discoloration on your cabinetry, that means the water around the area is absorbed by the cabinetry, indicating a leak. The second sign is abnormal deterioration of the surfaces around your sinks, especially in swollen surfaces, which also happens due to absorption of water. The third sign is relatively easier. You only need to check your water bills. If there hasn’t been an increase in your water usage for the past months but your water bill is higher than usual, that is one of the strong signs of a possible leak.