If the term “drain blockage” doesn’t give you pause when it comes to a problem in your home – well, you could have an actual problem on your hands!
Drain blockages for homeowners are things that shouldn’t be taken lightly. When a drain blockage is ignored, it could lead to several negative (and potentially dangerous) consequences. Not only will ignoring the blockage lead to bigger problems for your home, but it will also end up costing more to get things back to normal.
Still not convinced?
Let’s take a look at some of the potential consequences of a drain blockage, why it’s important to pay attention, and what you can do if you know your drain is blocked.
What Are the Signs of a Drain Blockage?
Before we get into those consequences, it’s important to know if you have a potential drain blockage in your main sewer line. Thankfully, there are a few key signs you can look for, including:
- Problems with the plumbing in your home (frequent clogs)
- Slow draining in your sinks and tub
- Gurgling sounds from the interior drains and toilet
- Toilet clogs
- Overflow in the sewer cleanout (home exterior)
If you notice even one of these signs, it could be a sign of a blocked drain, and it should be looked into right away. A drain blockage is nothing to ignore for any length of time, as it will only continue to get worse unless the blockage is cleared.
Knowing the signs is only half the battle when it comes to the urgency of repair. Knowing the potential consequences can move you to get the problem fixed faster, too. So, what are they?
Unpleasant Odors
One of the first things you’re likely to notice when you have a drain blockage is an unpleasant smell. This should come as no surprise since most drain blockages are caused by waste accumulating in the pipes.
A blockage also causes water to get “stuck” in the pipes, and that water can become stagnant. That also contributes to the foul smell and may end up impacting your entire home.
The unpleasant smells will continue to get worse since clogs will cause your pipes to dry out. The smell will not be “soaked up” by the pipes, which can cause it to become worse and spread faster throughout your homes. It can become so bad that it might even cause you to develop a headache or become nauseous.
Health Risks
Speaking of unpleasant physical ailments, a little nausea isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to a drain blockage. When water and waste aren’t moving through the pipes, it gives bacteria a chance to form.
When that bacteria filters into the air in your home, it can lead to adverse health problems. When the water and waste from the pipes actually flow back into the drains and comes up in the sinks, you’re at an even greater risk of bacterial exposure.
This bacteria can cause everything from viruses and diseases to skin irritation and respiratory issues. They can be especially harmful to anyone in your household who already struggles with things like asthma or allergies.
Clogged drains are simply unhygienic, and you never know what the bacteria lingering on that waste can do.
Insects, Pests, and Mold
Have you ever seen a stagnant pond somewhere? Chances are, you also saw a variety of different critters surrounding it. Stagnant water and waste is an ideal environment for some critters you don’t want in your home, including mosquitos, gnats, and other insects.
Additionally, another “intruder” that can occur from a drain blockage is mould. Mould growth on your pipes or in the drain itself can be harmful to your health and cause a variety of different conditions. You don’t want unwanted guests of any kind due to a drain blockage, whether it’s an animal or a plant!
Water Contamination
Every household deserves clean, fresh drinking water. Unfortunately, letting a blocked drain in London go for too long can contaminate your water supply. If a pipe becomes block due to waste, water won’t be able to flow freely through it. As a result, it will flow backwards.
That water then becomes “dirty” and can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses. That’s the water your family drinks, bathes with, brushes their teeth with, etc. Every time it touches your skin or you ingest it, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk. If your drinking water starts to look cloudy or has a bad smell to it, it’s important to stop drinking it immediately!
Thankfully, there are plenty of other signs you’re likely to notice before the water gets to this point. But, it just goes to show you the importance of taking care of a drain blockage quickly.
Damage to Your Home
Finally, a drain blockage can cause structural damage to your home if it goes on for too long. When stagnant water starts to flow back into the drains, the moisture can cause problems with the foundation of your house, causing it to essentially “rot” away. Water causes everything to weaken, and could potentially cause parts of the house to cave in.
If the blocked drain becomes a major problem, it could even cause flooding within your home, leading to water damage that needs to get cleaned up by a professional. Of course, if the structure of your home starts to weaken or collapse, you’re going to face major repairs (and costs), too.
As you can see, there are too many consequences of a drain blockage to ignore. If you’ve noticed any of the signs of a blocked drain in your London home, don’t wait to contact Quick Clear Drainage. As skilled drain engineers, we can take care of your blockage quickly, safely, and effectively, so you can feel comfortable in your own home without having to worry about the potential dangers that could impact the integrity of your house or the health of your family.