What are the effects of blocked drains?
- Slow drainage
- Leaks and flooding
- Property damage
- Health risks
- Unpleasant smell
- Pests
There are numerous reasons why your drains can get clogged. It could be because of an accumulation of hair, soap, food waste, and grease in your pipes. In some cases, the material of the pipe might also be corroded! In case this happens, there are things that you should look out for. Keep on reading if you want to learn more about the effects of a blocked drain.
Slow Drainage
The most obvious problem when you have a blocked drain is the slow-moving drainage. With solids clogging your pipe, the water won’t flow down like it used to. This might seem negligible, but it could affect your productivity and lead to wasted time.
Depending on the pipe affected, you might not be able to take a shower, wash the dishes, or continue business operations. Something so simple can disrupt normal life. In some cases, a blocked drain affects the whole household or establishment. Unless the clog is fixed, you can’t resume your daily activities.
Leaks and Flooding
In some cases, a blocked drain only causes slow drainage. But if the problem persists for a long time, it could lead to leaks and flooding. When the contents of the pipe can’t get to their destination, it will overflow. This means that you would see a lot of water flowing back up the drain. You could also notice traces of waste on the bathroom floor tiles and toilet.
In some cases, the pressure of the water could also build up in the pipe which causes the material to burst and leak. This leads to a host of other problems when neglected.
Property Damage
When the leaks and flooding continue, the water could end up pooling in the foundation of your building. It could also cause oversaturation of soils. Both of these can compromise the integrity and stability of the structure. Floods could damage floors, walls, and ceilings which makes them weak and fragile. The water stains and discoloration on the surfaces will affect how your space looks. This could lead to costly repairs and a significant decrease in property value.
But even if you don’t experience flooding, leaks can still endanger your home. Water could travel down to electrical wirings and outlets and cause a short. In the worst-case scenario, it could also start a fire. When you notice water pooling near these areas, call a professional to have the problem fixed. Avoid standing in the water because this could lead to electrocution.
Health Risks
If a blocked drain is not fixed immediately, there are chances that the water could become a breeding area for bacteria. This can cause a health risk for the people in your building. For example, as you continue to use the sink, you expose yourself to viruses and contamination.
Wet conditions can also speed up the development of mold and mildew. This can trigger the symptoms of people with asthma and allergies. These include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, stuffy nose, and skin irritation. Other than that, molds can also damage buildings and furnishings—which adds to the property damage problem.
Unpleasant Smell
From water, food, hair, waste, and grease—there are plenty of things that go down the drain. This means that if the pipe is blocked, a bunch of things can go back up too. Aside from these, the bacteria that form in the pipes cause a smelly odor.
These odors can also be a health risk because they can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. This could disrupt work and lead to a loss of productivity. Lastly, it exacerbates the stress associated with the blocked drain and can lead to irritability. Unfortunately, it can’t be fixed by perfumes and scented candles. If you have a blocked drain, wear a mask until the problem is fixed.
Pests
If you have a blocked drain, the flooding can attract a horde of pests into your building. One example is mosquitos which lay their eggs in stagnant water. Some of these might carry viruses such as Dengue, so make sure to get rid of the problem immediately and protect yourself from bites.
Other than mosquitos, other pests are attracted to blocked drains because it gives them a continuous supply of food and water. Insects that make drains their breeding ground include drain flies, fruit flies, and phorid flies. To get rid of these pests, address the root cause—which is done by unclogging the drain pipe.
Key Takeaway
A blocked drain has numerous effects on your health, safety, finances, and quality of life. It could cause diseases, lead to property damage, attract pests, and more. All of these will occur unless you fix the problem.
If you’re experiencing the effects of a blocked drain, you might have a compromised drain pipe. External objects such as tree roots, surrounding soil, and the like might have entered the pipe and caused the clog. Have it checked by a professional plumber and replaced with a tougher and more durable pipe to ensure longevity!