If you notice that water drains too slowly from your sinks or your toilet overflows, you might have a clogged drain. Another good indicator of a clogged drain is that your tub fills with water as you take a shower. You might think that a clogged drain is a mere annoyance. This is not always the case, however, as a clogged drain can pose serious consequences.
Discover six repercussions of a clogged drain.
1. Plumbing Leaks
Clogged drains typically cause plumbing leaks in pipes connected to sinks, tubs, and garbage disposals. Clogs cause water to back up in the drainpipe of these plumbing fixtures. The standing water in the pipe causes leaks through the caulking and seals.
In some instances, homeowners may not notice these leaks right away. When a clogged drain causes a leak that goes undetected for a long period of time, mold growth and damage to the surrounding structure commonly occurs.
2. Unpleasant Odors
Many things go down the drain. These include food, hair, waste, or gunk. When a drain clogs, all of these substances accumulate in the pipes and causes bacteria to form. This bacteria is what causes the smelly odor.
Not only will your sink stink, the odor could travel to other parts of your home. Unpleasant odors will not cause any damage to your pipes or your home, but the smell is irritating. If you invite guests over, unpleasant odors also cause an embarrassing situation. For some, odors have physiological effects.
3. Water Contamination
Clogged drains from waste buildup in the pipes will increase your chances of water contamination. The water becomes contaminated because it must pass through the waste, and also bacteria, as it goes through the pipes. When waste is stuck in the pipes, it can also cause the water to flow backwards, which leads to dirty water.
4. Pests
Clogged drains and blocked pipes oftentimes produce stagnant water. This stagnant water attracts insects, such as mosquitoes. Besides mosquitoes, other insects live and even lay eggs in a clogged drain. This is especially true of drains clogged with food, as this waste provides a steady diet for insects.
Insects that commonly live in clogged drains include:
- Cockroaches
. These bugs usually make their home in bathroom and kitchen drains.
- Drain flies
. These insects are often called moth flies and are known to breed in drains.
- Fruit flies
. These tiny nuisances like to lay their eggs in kitchen drains.
- Phorid flies
. These unsanitary flies use clogged drains as their breeding grounds.
Unclogging and thoroughly cleaning your drain will get rid of any pests living inside it.
5. Health Risks
Clogged drains that contain bacteria, contaminated water, mold, and disease-carrying insects pose a serious health risk for you and your family. Some health issues associated with these water issues include bacterial infections such as campylobacteriosis and typhoid. Both of these bacterial infections have similar symptoms, which include diarrhea and fever.
Another illness from bacteria in the water is a respiratory condition called Legionnaires’ disease. Also, water that contains bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes peptic ulcers to form in the lining of the stomach of the small intestine.
Some instances have happened when clogged drains cause mold and mildew growth. Airborne mold spores cause respiratory problems and also issues with the nervous system. For those with asthma or allergies, a clogged or dirty drain can exacerbate their symptoms.
Clogged drains that produce unpleasant odors also pose a health risk as strong odors are known to cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Odors can also cause the eyes, nose, and throat to have irritation. For some, unpleasant odors can increase their anxiety and stress levels and also have a negative effect on their mood.
6. Structural Damage
When the drains clog, this causes the water to flow backward. This back flow of water can soak into the foundation of your home. When you have water near the foundation of your home, you have the potential for the structure to become damaged or weak.
In worst-case scenarios, a clogged drain can cause flooding inside your home. Even localized flooding around your toilet or sink can cause a lot of damage to your floor. When a clogged drain causes any kind of damage inside your home, you have the potential for costly repairs.
If you have a clogged drain and can't fix it yourself, call a plumber. By doing so, you can prevent any of the above repercussions from taking place inside your home.
If you live in the Lansing, Michigan area, contact Michigan Plumbing. We offer a quick diagnosis of why your drain is blocked and provide convenient drain cleaning services. Our highly qualified plumbers have provided affordable plumbing services since 1992. We look forward to speaking with you soon and answering all your questions and concerns.
