Harmful Effects From A Clogged Drain

Clogged drains are usually seen as an occasional nuisance. Clogged drains are more dangerous than people think. Clogged drains are just one example of the many dangers lurking below the surface. Here are the worst types of damage a clogged drain can cause.

Flooding

Flooding is the most obvious type of damage caused by a blocked pipe. It is very simple. The water in your pipes has to move somewhere. The water can back up if it becomes a major blockage. It will only take a few days before the backed-up water is a problem.

Flooding will happen if the drain is blocked. You know how awful flooding can be if your sink, toilet, or bathtub overflows. The good news about visible flooding is that it’s easier to identify and control than invisible flooding.

Another type of flooding is caused by a clogged drain that can be difficult to detect. If you have a serious blockage and allow the water to back up for long enough, your pipe could burst. You’ll need your money if this happens. Water damage to walls and floors can cause significant damage and disrupt your life for months.

Bacteria and microbes

Your health is at risk from blocked pipes. Pipes that are blocked eventually cause wastewater to flow backward. This backflow can cause dangerous bacteria to grow in your pipes.

If your pipes become clogged, cross-contamination is only a matter of time. You don’t want your drain clogging to cause illness in your family.

Clogged Drains Can Cause Bacteria And Other Infectious Diseases

E. coli

Salmonella

Staph

Campylobacter

Typhoid

Legionella and Legionnaires’ Disease

Pest Infestations

Your pipes can get clogged with microbes and bacteria, which can lead to infection. It is common for pipes and drains to be clogged with grease, hair, bits of food, and even waste. If you add that to the beautiful, dark atmosphere and plentiful water, it’s easy to imagine your own Pest Buffet.

These drain pests are not only a nuisance but can also cause serious health problems due to the bacteria and diseases they transmit. It is often said that prevention is better than treatment for pest problems. You can prevent a clog-related insect infestation by making sure your pipes are maintained and your drains clear. Keep the junk out of your pipes to avoid any infestations by nasty creepy crawlies.

There are many types of pests that love to clog pipes and drains

• Cockroaches
• Fruit Flies
• Drain Flies
• Silverfish
• Centipedes
• Ants

Mold

Mold can also be caused by a clogged pipe or drain. This is the worst nightmare for homeowners as it spreads quickly. Mold needs very specific requirements to grow and spread. Mold can thrive in a blocked drain.

Mold can only grow in moist, dark environments with lots of oxygen. Mold can develop and spread if pipes are blocked. Mold can develop if your pipe becomes clogged so that it leaks or has been subject to flooding. Mold can form in places homeowners don’t frequent, so they won’t be aware.

Even when mold is not detected, it can cause health problems. Mold infestation can lead to serious health issues, especially if it is severe and there are lots of it.

Mold infestations have health effects and symptoms

A clogged drain can cause severe damage, including mold infestation. P & S Plumbing will help you keep your drains clear to prevent flooding and mold damage.

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Eyes, nose, and throat irritation
• Skin Rash
• Itching and wheezing
• Headaches
• Lung Irritation

Structural Damage

A serious clog in your drain can lead to costly repairs. Things can get very serious when clogs are severe enough to lead to leaking pipes or even flooding. Clogged drains can lead to structural damage in your home, which is usually the most costly and damaging.

Flooding or leaks due to clogged drainage are not always detected immediately. The damage can be done right under your nose when this happens. A small leak under a sink could lead to serious structural damage. This could result in cosmetic damage to cabinets or water damage to the foundation. It all depends on how quickly you spot it.

Toxic gases

A noxious mixture of stagnant and decomposing food products, chemical cleaners, etc. can be found at the ends of your plumbing system. If your pipes and drains work well, you can protect yourself and your family against the unpleasant stench and other effects of this rancid mixture. If your system becomes clogged, toxic gases can enter your home.

Before you go out to buy Drano, be sure to stop. Chemical drain cleaners are full of hazardous chemicals that can create more problems than they solve. If you use a chemical cleaner to clear clogged drains, it can cause a buildup of gasses that can lead to flooding your house.

You should never use more than one chemical drain product at once. Mixing these chemicals can create extremely toxic gasses like peracetic acid, chloramine, chloroform, and chlorine gas. These gases are all dangerous. Some mixtures can even explode, or heat up! Mixing drain cleaning products is a bad idea. You can avoid these dangers by not using drain cleaners. Contact the experts!

Protect Yourself with Annual Drain Maintenance

Installing a well-maintained plumbing system will help you avoid potential hazards and damage to your house. P & S Plumbing provides essential services like drains, toilets, and tubs. Our skilled plumbers have the expertise and experience to keep your drains clear, and your home safe from harm.

Regular drain cleaning is a good way to protect yourself from potential dangers and damage. Contact us at 808-325-3892 today or request an appointment here. For the most up-to-date news and specials, check out our blog for more plumbing tips.