Drains get clogged when they have a buildup of materials such as hair, food waste, soap scum, and grease. They can also be clogged by mineral deposits, foreign objects, or tree roots. Whatever the reason, you should never leave the problem unattended.
If you think you can ignore a clogged drain, you should know about the following problems it can cause over time:
- Mold & Mildew Growth
Since clogs can cause water stagnation, they can create the ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth. These fungi can grow inside the drains and then spread out to other areas, creating severe health risks for you and your family. It is recommended to ensure regular drain cleaning to prevent clogs. Keep in mind that periodic drain cleaning is more cost-effective than spending on expensive mold remediation.
- Increase in Utility Bills
Clogged drains can cause an increase in utility bills in different ways. The increase in pressure can cause leaks. When sinks or tubs take longer to drain or toilets don’t work properly, you are more likely to use more water. Fixing a clogged drain can also prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future.
- Pipe Leaks & Damage
As mentioned above, clogs can cause high pressure on pipes. This can result in the formation of cracks or the joints failing. These problems can further cause leaks in walls or floors, hidden from sight. You could soon end up looking for the source of water stains.
- Water Damage
If you leave a clogged drain problem unresolved, it is meant to cause water damage. The water can gradually back up into not just the sinks and tubs but also other areas in your home. The backed-up water can further seep into walls, flooring, and ceilings, leading to structural damage. Besides damaging your home’s structure, this can also affect the way it looks.
In extreme cases, unfixed clogs can result in wastewater backing up in your home. In such a situation, you will be looking at a hefty professional cleaning bill after having to deal with bad odors and uncomfortable conditions.
- Structural Damage
The water backing up due to a clogged drain can cause damage that goes beyond the surfaces. Structural damage can occur in the form of rot beginning to settle in waterlogged drywall, wood, and insulation. This can further affect your home’s foundation. Structural damage can cost thousands, if not tens of thousands, to fix. It is much more reasonable to ensure regular plumbing maintenance instead of waiting for minor problems to evolve into major issues.
- Pest Infestation
The material buildup and standing water inside the drains can draw different types of pests. These include:
- Mosquitos
- Fruit flies
- Rodents
Such moist environments create the perfect conditions for pests to breed and spread across your home. Soon you will have a costly infestation at your hand.
- Burst Pipes
No homeowner or business owner wants a burst pipe on their property. Even a minor clog can eventually turn into a situation leading to a burst pipe. As the pressure behind the blockage increases over time, your plumbing system suffers increasing stress and strain. It will eventually reach a point where the pipes will crack or burst open.
Conclusion
While drains can get clogged due to many reasons, you should never ignore the problem. It is recommended to get even minor plumbing issues checked and fixed. Ensuring regular inspection can go a long way in adding more years to not just your plumbing system, but also to your home. Besides, regular inspection can also help detect other issues that may be developing in your plumbing system.
