Blocked drains are a common issue that homeowners face, and while it may seem like a minor inconvenience, ignoring them can have dangerous consequences. Blocked drains can result in water damage, foul odours, and even health hazards. In this blog, we will discuss the dangers of ignoring blocked drains in your home and why it’s crucial to address them immediately.
Causes of Blocked Drain
1. Hair and Soap Scum
One of the most common causes of blocked drains is the hair and soap scum buildup in bathroom drains. Over time, hair can accumulate in the drain trapping other debris like soap scum, which can cause blockages. It happens mostly in showers and sinks, where hair washes down the drain.
According to 24/7 emergency plumbers, you can prevent hair and soap scum buildup in your drains by using a drain cover or mesh screen to catch hair and debris before it enters the drain. Regularly cleaning the drain with hot water and vinegar can also help break down buildup.
2. Food Waste
Another common cause of blocked drains is food waste in kitchen sinks. Food waste like cooking oil, grease, and scraps can accumulate in pipes, causing blockages over time. It is common in homes with garbage disposals, where food waste can get trapped in the disposal unit and clog the pipes.
To prevent food waste from causing blocked drains, avoid putting cooking oil and grease down the drain and dispose of it in the garbage. You can also use a drain strainer or mesh screen to catch food scraps and prevent them from entering the pipes.
3. Foreign Objects
Foreign objects like toys, sanitary products, and wet wipes can also cause blocked drains. These objects can get stuck in pipes, preventing water from flowing through and causing blockages. It is common in homes with children who may accidentally flush things down the toilet or put them in the sink.
To prevent foreign objects from causing blocked drains, blocked drains plumbers in Hoppers Crossing recommend avoiding disposing of sanitary products, wet wipes, and other things in the garbage rather than flushing them down the toilet. Keep small items out of the reach of children, and consider installing child-proof locks on toilet lids.
4. Tree Roots
Tree roots can also cause blocked drains, particularly in older homes with clay pipes. Tree roots can grow into pipes and cause blockages, leading to sewer backups and other issues. It is more common in homes with large trees in the yard, but even small trees can cause problems if planted too close to the house.
To prevent tree roots from causing blocked drains, ensure planting trees at a distance from the house and regularly trim back any overhanging branches. If you suspect tree roots are causing blockages, contact a professional plumber in Hoppers Crossing who can use a camera to inspect the pipes and remove any blockages.
Results of Ignoring Blocked Drain
1. Water Damage
One of the most significant dangers of ignoring blocked drains is water damage. Water damage can be extremely costly and cause other issues like mould growth, structural damage, and electrical hazards. When a drain is blocked, water doesn’t flow freely, which can cause it to overflow and spill onto the floor or seep into walls and floors.
It can lead to various issues, including rotting wood, peeling paint, and even electrical hazards if the water comes into contact with wiring. Water damage can also create the perfect environment for mould growth, which can cause health problems like allergies, respiratory issues, and even infections.
2. Foul Odours
Another danger of ignoring blocked drains is the foul odour that can emanate from them. When water cannot flow through a drain, it can become stagnant, resulting in unpleasant smells. These odours can occur due to several factors, including food waste, grease buildup, and even faecal matter.
These odours are unpleasant and make it challenging to spend time in your home, but they can also be a health hazard. Breathing in foul odours can cause headaches, nausea, and even respiratory issues, particularly in people with pre-existing health conditions like asthma.
3. Health Hazards
Blocked drains can also pose a significant health hazard if they are in areas like bathrooms and kitchens where there is a higher risk of bacterial growth. Bacteria can thrive in stagnant water and cause various health problems, including skin infections, gastroenteritis, and even Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling tiny droplets of contaminated water. It can be fatal in up to 10% of cases and is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses.
4. Pests
Blocked drains can attract pests like cockroaches, rodents, and other insects. These pests are attracted to stagnant water and can use blocked drains as breeding grounds. Not only are insects unpleasant to have in your home, but they can also carry diseases and cause property damage.
How to Prevent Blocked Drains
Preventing blocked drains is the best way to avoid the dangers associated with them. Here are some tips to help prevent blocked drains in your home:
- Dispose of food waste properly: Avoid putting food waste down the drain and instead dispose of it in the garbage.
- Don’t pour grease down the drain: Grease can solidify in pipes and cause blockages. Instead, allow it to cool and dispose of it in the garbage.
- Use drain covers: Drain covers can prevent hair, food, and other debris from entering the drain and causing blockages.
- Flush drains regularly: Flushing with hot water and vinegar can help break down grease and other buildup.
- Hire a professional plumber: Regular drain cleaning and maintenance can help prevent blockages from occurring and catch any issues before they become a bigger problem.
Your Local Plumbing: Your Best Blocked Drain Plumbers
Blocked drains may seem minor, but they can pose significant dangers if left unaddressed. Water damage, foul odours, health hazards, and pest infestations are some issues that can arise from blocked drains. Preventing blocked drains is the best way to avoid these dangers, and simple steps like proper waste disposal, regular flushing, and hiring professional plumbers in Hoppers Crossing from Your Local Plumbing can make a big difference. So, don’t wait anymore and get in touch with us soon!
