A clogged drain is a plumbing nightmare that almost all homeowners experience at some point in their lives. Very often, people continue to ignore it, assuming that clogs will clear out on their own.
However, it is worth remembering that clogged drains are not a self-correcting problem. Instead, it is a severe plumbing concern that can intensify and lead to the drains' complete blockage. Apart from causing inconvenience, it can have some serious side effects on your health and to the integrity of the plumbing fixtures in your home.
In this post, we will take a look at some of the possible side effects of clogged drains along with a discussion on how to resolve this problem.
Side Effects of Clogged Drain
Poor Drainage
A clogged drain affects the rate at which water flows down the drain, so one of the most apparent side effects of a clogged drain is inadequate or poor drainage. Since the drain is clogged, it will be more difficult for water to pass through it. As a result, the sink in your kitchen or bathroom will drain slowly. In case of more severe clogs, water may even return back up to your drain.
Foul Odors
When the water flow is normal in your drains, they are likely to stay clean and free from odor. But in case of a clog, foul odor is a natural by-product. Since a clog is often an accumulation of food remains, hair, shampoo, and grease, it quickly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Moreover, since a clog does not allow adequate drainage, stagnant water can also be a source of bad odor. And if you think a tiny clogged drain cannot change your home atmosphere. Think again! Foul odor due to clogged drains can seep into your entire house, and can be an unpleasant addition to your home environment.
Can Attract Insects
When your drain is clogged, it becomes a breeding ground for microorganisms. Bacterial growth in the clog and associated stagnant water can become the breeding ground for insects as well. And when there is an abundance of insects, some critters may decide to move in just because of plentiful food. Like bacteria, insects, and critters, too can be a source of infection and can negatively impact your health.
Health Risks
In addition to inconvenience and discomfort, clogged drains are associated with several health concerns. Clogged drains can be a trigger for people who have airborne allergies and asthma. This is particularly a concern if clogged drains are accompanied by odor. Moreover, if accumulated water contains particles from the clog, it can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. However, only severe clogs are associated with serious health concerns.
Leaks in Your Plumbing Fixtures
In cases where a clog continues to block a pipe, the water will exert pressure on the plumbing fixtures. After all, the water has to go down the drain, but it can damage your pipes when it does not find adequate passage. As a result, severe clogs can lead to leakages in the plumbing fixtures. And this is not just true for the drain pipe under your kitchen sink but it can also damage plumbing fixtures behind the waters and under the floor. Leakages in your plumbing fixtures often lead to molds and mildew growth and can cause structural damage if not corrected well in time.
Expensive Repair
As mentioned earlier, clogged drains can damage your plumbing fixtures and cause structural damage, and repairs for such extensive damage can be expensive. Apart from costing you vast sums of money, such repairs can cause a lot of inconvenience for the entire family.
Possible Solution
Now that you are aware of the damage clogged drains can inflict to your home, now is the time to find out some of the possible ways to deal with clogged drains.
Boiling Water
Perhaps the most comfortable and least expensive method of dealing with a clogged drain is boiling water. All you have to do is heat a pot of water on the stove and let it boil. If your sink is already clogged and water is accumulated, make sure you remove the existing water. Now pour the boiling water in the sink. For best results, you may need to repeat this process a few times; however, this method is only effective for smaller, less severe clogs. For more serious clogs, it is best to call a professional plumber.
Plumber Snake
Plumber's snake, also known as an auger, is a handy tool that you must keep at your home at all times. You will have to disassemble the drain pipe and expose the stubout. Now insert the snake into the pipe and continue to do so until you feel resistance. This is where the clog is, so make sure you use the snake to dislodge the clog.
Plunger
A plunger is often used as an alongside method of dislodging the clog. You need to create a seal around the plunger, so place the plunger firmly and plunge several times. The vacuum produced, and the suction will help dislodge the clog. In case the clog persists, it is best to call a professional plumber.
Call a Plumber
When clogs are persistent and more severe, and all of the above methods fail to resolve the problem, it is best to resort to a professional plumber. They have the right skills and techniques to identify and treat clogs. However, when you are looking for a plumber, make sure they have adequate training and experience. Only licensed and experienced plumbers can help deal with all sorts of plumbing issues, including clogged drains.
Choose the Right Plumber!
When clogs happen, and your efforts fail, do not wait. Call a professional plumber, and if you are looking for the best plumber in Arizona, Mesa Plumbing is here to help! We know that a clogged drain can quickly turn into a serious plumbing emergency, so we have the best technology and skills to identify and treat them. Moreover, we can also help locate any other problem in the entire plumbing system in your house! To know more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call now at (480) 832-1660 or visit our website.