Backed-up drains are but a common household nuisance, the magnitude of which isn’t well appreciated. This may sound like just a slow-draining sink or a minor blockage that may easily be viewed as an insignificant issue, but if not rectified on time, it can become a huge issue that consists of a lot more money, and health hazards would have been avoided. It is therefore very important to understand why the drains should be cleared, and the various dangers of having clogged drains that many people are not aware of, to ensure that you have prevented yourself from a lot of trouble in the future.
Common Causes of Clogged Drains
There is never a sudden build-up of the particles that cause drainage of water and other liquids through the pipes to be slowed down or even stopped. Most are the outcome of a continually increasing pressure that develops or even certain activities that are usually made intentionally and can therefore be prevented.
Household Debris: Frequent obstruction of the drains is usually a result of a buildup of particles that are common within most households. Most often they are hair, soap scum, food particles, and grease that give the shower a dirty look. These materials accumulate within the pipes over time and form a layer that reduces the passage width within the desired pipe and leads to the creation of blockage. For instance, if it is in the kitchen, then the deposit formed by grease and food particles can block the interiors of pipes and this is very hard to clean without involving the services of a plumber.
Tree Roots: The effect of tree roots on drains is another cause that may not be easily noticed, although it causes havoc to the drains. Trees are naturally inclined to moisture and small cracks in the underground pipe can thus attract roots which in turn force themselves into the pipe in a bid to get water. This is because after getting inside the pipe, the roots will start growing and expanding which leads to serious clogs and sometimes pipe bursts.
Improper Disposal: Most homeowners are part of the reason why the drains get blocked as they flush things that should not be flushed in the toilet or pour oil down the drain. Products such as baby wipes, sanitary towels, and some “Biodegradable wipes”- are not as dissolvable as toilet paper and lead to blockage of the system. Likewise, grease might be in the liquid form when it is poured down the drain and as it cools, it becomes solid thus causing a lot of trouble for clogging.
The Hidden Dangers of Clogged Drains
Therefore, even a situation that seems as simple as a clogged drain poses several dangers that are not very evident but which affect your health and the house structure.
Health Risks: Thus, one of the most important risks of clogged drains is related to health problems. Blocked drains accumulate standing water and as a result, this water becomes a good breeding ground for bacteria actinomycetes, mold, and mildew. They can then circulate within your home, and this may result in respiratory illnesses, allergies, and other related complications. Health complications that escalate as a result of not seeking clog treatment include; complications that are exacerbated by having other underlying health conditions.
Structural Damage: With drainage systems being blocked, one can also be assured that severe structural damage can also be caused. If water cannot be drained, it may flood sinks, and tubs and may even get to the foundation of the house. As time passes, it results in some sort of leakage and water damage and can even cause flooding. In extreme instances of water damage, your home’s foundation could be negatively affected rendering your house’s worth considerably low and extremely expensive to fix.
Pest Infestations: The last unseen risk of blockage in drains is the likelihood of pests to invade a resident’s compound. There is water accumulation and decomposition of organic matter in clogged drainage systems which favors the breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, and rats among others. These pests are not only irritating but can as well be carriers of diseases making matters worse for health concerns brought about by blocked drains.
The Financial Impact of Neglecting Drain Maintenance
Neglecting regular drain maintenance can lead to significant financial consequences that go beyond the immediate inconvenience of a clogged sink or tub.
Costly Repairs: The most obvious financial impact of neglected drain maintenance is the cost of repairs. Minor clogs can often be addressed with DIY methods, but severe blockages or damage to pipes often require professional intervention. In cases where tree roots have infiltrated the plumbing, the cost of repair can be substantial, involving excavation and replacement of the affected pipes. These costs can quickly add up, especially if the problem has been allowed to worsen over time. By maintaining your drains and addressing issues promptly, you can avoid these hefty repair bills. If you’re unsure about the state of your plumbing system, it’s advisable to consult a professional. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent small issues from becoming major problems. For reliable service, consider contacting a reputable plumbing company to assess your situation and provide necessary maintenance.
Decreased Property Value: This amount can drain your pocket dry and put the value of the property at your disposal at great loss especially if you are frequently flooded. The seller’s property has a major problem with plumbing so its market value will reduce because buyers will always expect to have solutions to water plumbing problems. Sometimes one can correct these problems before selling, but such corrections are expensive and when they have been done, one has to inform potential buyers thus reducing the market value of the property. A well-maintained drainage system on the other part can be a marketing factor that encourages the buyers to be able to purchase the house due to the proper working conditions.
Insurance Implications: A majority of people believe that conducting drainage repair services will be expensive since their insurance will cover any damage that affects their house from the water when a drain is clogged. But, if the insurance company feels that the accident was a result of negligence, they may well decline the claims. Such situations should be avoided, and following the schedule of the drain maintenance will help you be prepared if there is any problem that will arise. Also, it is a good practice to know one’s insurance policy concerning what is covered when it comes to water damage. If you are confused about the coverage, then it’s important to talk to the insurance company for clarification on your insurance policy.
How to Prevent Clogged Drains
It is thus important to periodically clean your drains as well as observe certain day-to-day activities that may lead to blockages.
Regular Maintenance Tips: One of the most important things that you should do is to clean your drains regularly this is the only time when you should fix the drain because this is one way through which you can ensure that your drains are as effective as they should be at any given time. Install drain guards to trap hair and food substances to prevent them from falling into the drain pipes. Do not flush grease on the sink or the toilet, instead, should be disposed of in the bin. For regular cleaning, it is recommended to use baking soda and vinegar and then hot water to clean the drain.
Professional Inspections: Even with regular maintenance, it’s a good idea to have your drains professionally inspected from time to time. A professional plumber can identify potential problems that you might not notice, such as tree root infiltration or early signs of pipe damage. These inspections can save you money in the long run by catching issues before they become serious. If you’re in Calgary, you can visit website of the Top-tier Drain Cleaning Service in Calgary for expert advice and service.
Emergency Preparedness: It may stink to be on a relentless beam of search, but these clogs can occur even if you’re meticulous about it. There are measures that one needs to take in case of an emergency such as a sink or shower drain being clogged. The first technique which you apply is to use the plunger to clean the blockage. If that doesn’t work do not attempt to use chemical drain cleaners as they cause more harm than good, as they will unduly damage the pipes. Rather, turn to a professional plumber who will be able to correct the problem while observing all the precautionary measures.
Conclusion
Blocked drainages are worse than mere inconveniences they pose health hazards, and structural problems, and are very expensive to remedy if not checked. In this article, you’ve learned that clogged drains pose potential threats to your home and your pocket, yet the useful tips mentioned above will help you avoid what is potentially dangerous to your home. To ensure that your drainage is in order, you should maintain it frequently, hire professionals to check it, and always be ready for any eventuality. Do not allow small blockages to fester and cause massive issues; begin maintenance of your drainage system today and outsmart what is lurking beneath.
