Do you want to know what damage a clogged drain can cause if left untreated? Then take a look at our guide, in which we talked about the consequences of clogged drains.
Let’s put it this way: You cooked dinner and threw the leftovers in the kitchen sink.
Or you washed your dirty brush in the sink without thinking about the damage it can cause to the plumbing system. Of course, we’ve done this many times, but did you know that such small actions can lead to big losses?
Throwing away groceries, kitty litter, paper towels, hand towels, and other solid objects can clog your drain and cause structural damage to your plumbing system. And when that happens, you’ll have to spend thousands of dollars to repair the system to keep it working properly.
Clogged pipes are just the tip of the iceberg, which poses many dangers that homeowners are unaware of. That’s why we decided to create a guide to the damage that clogged drains can cause.
6 WORST TYPES OF DAMAGE FROM A CLOGGED DRAINAGE
1. OVERFLOWING OF WATER
Throwing food, grease, hair, and other items down the sink puts you at risk of clogging your home’s drains. As a result, flooding or overflowing water may occur because there is no space to cross.
This is likely to happen if your drain has been clogged for a while and you haven’t made any effort to clear it. And honestly, nothing is worse than dealing with an overflowing toilet, sink or bathtub.
In addition, visible floods are easier to repair than hidden floods, where the water flows elsewhere. Invisible floods are difficult to see but can cause serious damage such as burst pipes.
And it’s important to note that repairing a burst pipe will cost more than repairing an overflowing drain, since these are usually inside a wall or below the floor.
2. STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
If you’ve been ignoring the gurgling noise coming from your pipe, brace yourself for the worst because clogged pipes can cause serious structural damage. If the water doesn’t have a place to drain, it will start leaking, causing damage to the plumbing.
Detecting leaks in the system is difficult and can take time. However, if you notice a leak under a sink or water in the kitchen cabinets, don’t ignore it. Instead you should call a professional immediately because it is important to identify the source of the leak in order to be able to repair it.
3. PEST INFESTATIONS
You can certainly keep every corner of your home clean to prevent pests from entering the room. But if your pipes are clogged, these nasty little critters will attack your house and take up residence there.
In fact, things like food, grease, hair, and other particles trapped in your tubes serve as biological food for parasites. And since they like damp places, they settle there and spread diseases.
Of course, there is no better way to prevent a pest infestation than by maintaining your pipes and unclogging them if necessary. Since they are attracted to food debris, you need to keep your drain pipe clean using DIY solutions or commercially available chemicals.
Some pests that can infest your home include centipedes, roaches, silverfish, fruit flies, and ants.
4. BACTERIA AND MICROBES
Clogged pipes are a nuisance to your home and also bad for your health. When water in pipes clogs, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause allergies and other serious health problems.
E-coli, salmonella, typhoid, campylobacter, staphylococci, legionella and legionnaires are diseases that result from a clogged drain. If you leave a clogged drain untreated for a long period of time, bacteria will begin to multiply in the comfortable space, infesting children, the elderly and other members, making them sick.
5. TOXIC GASSES
Your plumbing system contains a toxic mix of human waste, rotting food waste, chemical cleaners, standing water, and other elements. Of course, if your drain is well maintained, it will function properly and protect your family from toxic gasses released by harmful materials flowing down the drain.
Unfortunately, these gasses enter your home when your sewers begin to clog. You might even consider purchasing a drain cleaner from the store to eliminate the musty smell. However, we recommend you avoid this. This is because drain cleaners contain dangerous chemicals like peracetic acid, chloroform, chloramine, and chlorine gas that do more harm than good.
In such cases, you should avoid the DIY route and call in a professional who can identify the cause of the problem and fix it professionally.
6. MOLD
Few people know that clogged drains or pipes can lead to mold growth in the home.
Because mold thrives in damp, humid environments, clogged pipes provide the ideal environment for it to grow. And if you notice mold growing in your home, check for leaks, as there is likely a leak in the wall caused by a clogged pipe.
Even though you can use DIY tips to remove mold, you should contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. It is important to identify the leaking pipe and have it repaired immediately; Only then can you eliminate the mold infestation in your home.
Although this affects the beauty of your home, it can also lead to serious health problems such as:
- Lung irritation
- Skin rash
- Coughing and sneezing
- Headaches
- Wheezing
- Eyes, nose and throat irritation
TIPS FOR PREVENTING A BLOCKED DRAIN
When you have a lot to do, the last thing you want to do is call a plumber to clean your drain. We have listed some tips that you can follow to keep your drains clog-free.
- Pour grease or oil into a container and dump it in the garbage
- Throw potato skin, coffee grounds, banana peels and other food scraps in the garbage
- Collect soap scum, hair and other gunk on the drain stoppers and throw them in the bin
- Flushing paper products down the toilet drain is a big no-no!
- Install drain screens on all the drains of your home
- Never dump paint thinner in the kitchen or bathroom sink
FAQs about the worst types of damage from a clogged drainage:
Q: What are the worst types of damage from clogged drainage?
Clogged drainage can cause a lot of damage to your home, including:
- Water damage: If the clog is not cleared, water can back up and overflow, causing water damage to your floors, walls, and furniture.
- Mold growth: Mold can grow in damp areas, such as behind a clogged drain. Mold can cause health problems, such as respiratory problems and allergies.
- Pest infestation: Pests, such as rats and cockroaches, are attracted to damp areas. They can spread disease and damage your property.
- Structural damage: Clogged drains can put stress on your pipes, which can lead to leaks and structural damage.
- Fire hazard: If a clogged drain is not cleared, it can cause a fire. This is because the water can overheat and start a fire.
Q: How can I prevent clogged drainage?
There are a few things you can do to prevent a clogged drainage:
- Avoid putting grease, oil, and fat down the drain. These substances can solidify and clog your pipes.
- Use a strainer in your sink. This will catch food particles and other debris that can clog your pipes.
- Have your drains cleaned regularly. This will help to remove any build-up of grease, oil, and other debris.
- Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. This includes feminine hygiene products, diapers, and wipes.
- Inspect your drains regularly for clogs. If you see a clog, try to clear it yourself or call a plumber.
Q: How can I clear clogged drainage?
If you have a clogged drain, you can try to clear it yourself using a plunger or a drain snake. If you are not successful, you may need to call a plumber.
Q: How much does it cost to clear a clogged drainage?
The cost of clearing a clogged drainage will vary depending on the severity of the clog and the location of the drain. In general, it costs between $100 and $500 to clear a clogged drain.
Q: What are the signs of clogged drainage?
There are a few signs that you may have a clogged drain:
- Slow draining: If your drains are draining slowly, it could be a sign of a clog.
- Sewer gas smell: If you smell sewer gas coming from your drains, it is a sign of a clog.
- Puddles of water: If you see puddles of water around your drains, it is a sign of a clog.
- Backed-up toilets: If your toilets are backing up, it is a sign of a clog.
UNDERSTAND THE HARM OF DRAIN BLOCKAGES
With this in mind, it is finally time to conclude today’s guide on this topic.
Whether it’s a toilet or a kitchen, clogged pipes are a problem for every homeowner and therefore need to be fixed immediately. They can cause damage to your property if left untreated for a long time.
And to fix them, you’ll have to spend thousands of dollars, which you can avoid by avoiding traffic jams in the first place.
We do not recommend trying to repair clogged pipes yourself as this could make the problem worse. This is why we recommend that you hire a professional plumber so you can have peace of mind when it comes to taking care of your plumbing system.
The experienced local plumbers at Wisler Plumbing & Air in Roanoke have the equipment and skills to tackle even the most stubborn clogs. Contact us today!
Before we wrap up, here’s one last tip: Make sure you contact a licensed plumber to solve your plumbing problems and read online reviews before booking a plumber.
