Effects of Blocked Drains on Your Home & Health

Do you often ignore your blocked drains? You shouldn’t.

Clogged drains pose a greater threat than being a simple inconvenience. From affecting your house’s structural integrity to ruining your family’s health, they can create many problems. That is why it’s so critical to treat your drains right. Even if they clog, it’s vital to clear them as soon as possible and prevent them from arising again with the help of a plumber Frankston or Cranbourne.

Here’s a guide that will explain it better for you. From common causes to prevention tips, you will learn everything you need to know in this quick guide.

First things first —

Common Reasons for Blocked Drains

Blocks occur for several reasons, and the common underlying factor is poor maintenance. For example –

• Throwing grease and food particles in kitchen sinks
• Flushing hair and soap scum in shower and bathroom drains
• Failing to replace old pipes in time
• Washing out mud and other debris into outdoor drains
• Using hard water that can cause mineral buildup over time
• Discarding wet wipes or other foreign objects in toilets

Sometimes, there can also be various other factors at play, such as tree root intrusion. So, if maintenance is not the issue, it’s better to consult with a professional and get a thorough check-up of your plumbing system from an expert residential plumber.

Results of Clogs in Drains

Blocks in the plumbing system can give rise to several problems related to your home’s and health’s integrity. Here are some key points to learn about.

On Home:

• Flooding & Water Damage – Water must be able to flow freely through the drainage system, or it will lead to overflow. This causes flooding, damaging walls and floors. Basements are particularly prone to this problem.
• Mould Growth – When water backs up and spills onto surfaces, it can create a damp environment and encourage the growth of mould. This is not only damaging for your home’s surfaces but also for your respiratory health.
• Structural Damage – Water backup can lead to cracks in floors and walls over time. This may seem trivial at first, but these tiny cracks can eventually jeopardise your home’s structural integrity.
• Unpleasant Odours – Blocked drains unleash a noxious stench, permeating every corner of your home. This foul odour, often unbearable, can trigger nausea and splitting headaches in sensitive individuals. Swift action is crucial to banish this invasive, sickening smell.

On Health:

• Pest Infestation – Stagnant water creates perfect conditions for all kinds of pests to thrive. From cockroaches to rodents to flies, the threats are truly vast. This puts you at a risk of contaminated food and disease transmission.
• Respiratory Issues – Mould and mildew thrive in damp homes, posing health risks. These fungi especially threaten those with asthma or other breathing issues. So, residents should address moisture problems promptly to safeguard their well-being.
• Skin Irritability and Infections – Clogged drains pose more than just breathing hazards. Residents may suffer skin rashes and infections, adding to the array of health risks these plumbing issues can trigger.
• Mental Stress – Everyday tasks become battles against clogged pipes. Stress mounts as issues multiply. The only solution is swift action to clear drains and restore peace.

Tips & Best Practices to Avert Blocked Drains:

As the popular saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. This statement is also true with plumbing, and the ideal prevention for plumbing issues is regular maintenance whether commercial or residential. So, here are some key tips our experts recommend.

• Clean Outdoor Drains – Clear outdoor drains regularly and remove leaves and debris immediately. In the fall, when leaves shed, make sure drains stay clear to prevent stormwater backups.
• Schedule Professional Inspections – Annual plumbing inspections and cleanings by a professional ensure potential problems are identified and addressed before they become expensive repairs.
• Be Cautious with Trees Near Drainage Pipes – Check your drainage system often to stop tree roots from entering. You can also hire a plumber for a camera check to find any roots in the pipes.
• Flush Drains Regularly – Pour hot water to melt grease clogs. Alternatively, mix baking soda and vinegar to clear debris and banish smells. These simple solutions keep drains flowing freely and fresh.
• Dispose of Waste Properly – Only flush toilet paper. Other items clog pipes. Wipes, sanitary products, and paper towels resist breaking down. So, keep these out of your toilet to prevent costly blockages.
• Install Drain Guards – Protect drains by installing guards in sinks. These handy devices snag hair and debris before they slip down, preventing pesky clogs in kitchens and bathrooms alike.
• Avoid Pouring Oil Down the Drain – Cool cooking oils before disposal. Toss in the trash, not sink. For minor grease spills, absorb them with paper towels and discard them. These simple steps prevent plumbing issues and environmental harm. Proper disposal is key.

Calling a Pro Plumber from SE Plumbing:

Do your drains get blocked often? Feel free to call us for a quick inspection. We will check and confirm if it’s just a maintenance issue or something more. Our professional real estate plumbers are some of the best experienced in the industry.