Drainage systems are usually the last thing that homeowners think about when they are cleaning their homes. Perhaps this can be attributed to the fact that drainage systems are not visible and it is only when a problem arises that they are put into the spotlight. However, you need to exert the effort to maintain your drainage system because if not, it can pose a certain risk of damage to your property.
Structural Damage
Blocked drains can cause irreversible structural damage to your home. For this reason, a seasoned blocked drain plumber suggests that you have this problem verified immediately. The structural damage is often a result of the backflow of water from the drains soaking the foundations of your property. The water that seeps into the foundation can weaken the overall structure of your home. In certain instances, flooding can even occur, further damaging the floors and walls.
Slow Drainage
Another potential damage that a blocked drain can cause to your home is slow drainage. You will be able to immediately notice this as it takes a significant amount of time for the water to go down your drains. In this case, what you can do is to have your drains cleaned by professionals plumbers who will also tend to check what is causing the blockage. Otherwise, wastewater may flow back up the drain and bubble up. This can even lead to contaminated water that you won’t be able to use both for drinking or other purposes such as cleaning your home.
The Proliferation of Mould and Pests
When you have a blocked drain, there is a great chance for standing water to be present. This is an ideal spot for pests such as mosquitoes and other insects to breed. Aside from this, the floors and walls of your property will most likely be wet, paving the way for mould and mildew to proliferate. Not only do they pose a health hazard, but they can weaken the structure of your property as well. In terms of the latter, you may even seek the services of professional mould removers to ensure that your property is clean and hygienic.
Leakages
When you have a blocked drain or pipe, the water that used to flow through them will tend to find another path to run through. Otherwise, they can accumulate, building pressure that can lead to a leakage in the pipes, or worst, burst pipes. The leak in your pipes becomes more and more evident as the water reaches the surface of your floors and walls, creating water stains and damaging your property.
Unpleasant Smell
Finally, blocked drains can lead to unpleasant smells that can lower the value of your property. They can be the root cause of the foul odour in the water and wastage that accumulates inside your pipes, which in the end affects your entire home. It can even be so severe that it causes headaches and nausea to the people living in your house. There are instances wherein the cause of the smell is no longer due to the water accumulated in the pipe but a failure of the moisture and water flow to soak up the odour. In this case, you again need to get in touch with a professional plumber for appropriate drainage cleaning.
Blocked drains can damage your home in a variety of ways. It can either cause structural damage or slow drainage. It can also pave the way for the growth of mould and pests or cause serious leakages. Blocked drains can also cause an unpleasant smell that may even lower the value of your property. For these reasons, make sure that you address a blocked drain problem immediately.