Nobody likes a clogged drain. Yet many homeowners fail to understand the other issues a clogged drain can lead to, let alone how to stop clogs from occurring. Although unclogging a drain may take a great deal of your time and resources, a professional plumbing repair service can detect issues before they worsen and provide solutions to suit your needs.
Hicks Plumbing assists residents throughout Great Falls, VA, with expert plumbing repair services. Our 30+ years of experience as licensed plumbers and technicians help us provide the best-prepared and knowledgeable plumbers at your doorstep. Moreover, they are available 7 days a week and can even deliver same-day service if needed. Visit our website for more plumbing information today!
Below, we highlight 6 issues caused by a pesky clogged drain:
Plumbing Leaks
Clogged drains often lead to leaks in a plumbing system, especially in pipes connected to sinks, tubs, and garbage disposals. Clogs cause water to get backed up in the drainpipes of these plumbing fixtures, which leads to terrible smells and other associated problems.
Clogged drains may also allow leaks that go unnoticed for a long period, leading to mold growth and damage to the surrounding structure. If you notice mold growth or a leak in your pipes, contact professionals to check whether you have a drain backup.
Bad Odors
One of the worst side effects of a clogged drain is an unpleasant odor, which demands immediate attention. A clog allows the things that usually wash away to accumulate and grow bacteria, which give off a horrible stench. Items that often lead to this issue include:
- Food
- Hair
- Waste
- Gunk
As the sink starts to smell, its unpleasant odor will travel to other parts of your home.
Water Contamination
One of the most dangerous effects of clogged drainage is water contamination, which happens when there is a waste buildup in your pipes. The water that passes through the waste collects harmful bacteria and becomes contaminated. A waste blockage in a pipe causes water to move backward, which leads to dirty water. Contaminated water is not safe for anyone to use, especially for drinking.
Pests
Pests are a particular nuisance. Since clogged drainage allows stagnant water to pool, they tend to attract pests. Mosquitoes and other bugs seek out stagnant water, and many insects live and even lay eggs in clogged drains. Moreover, drains clogged with food are the perfect place for pests to live, as food waste provides them with a steady diet. Insects that live in clogged drains include:
- Cockroaches
- Drain flies
- Fruit flies
- Phorid flies
The way to combat this issue is to unclog and thoroughly clean your drain to ensure that pests cannot remain.
Health Risks
As mentioned above, health risks can be amplified by poor plumbing, particularly clogged drains. Health issues such as bacterial infections are often associated with water issues due to clogged drains containing bacteria, contaminated water, mold, and disease-carrying insects.
Mold and mildew growth can lead to respiratory problems and issues with the nervous system; for those living with asthma or allergies, a clogged drain might exacerbate their symptoms. Although it seems harmless, a clogged drain can pose serious health risks to you and your loved ones.
Structural Damage
Water begins to flow backward once your drains clog. This moisture can then seep into your home’s foundations, resulting in a weakened or damaged structure. In worst-case scenarios of clogged drains, your home can flood. Indeed, the repairs from such a situation are relatively common occurrences.
Clogged Drains are An Easy Fix with Hicks Plumbing in Great Falls, VA!
With the help of an experienced and qualified plumber, you can tackle any plumbing problem that occurs in your home. No service stands out over Hicks Plumbing, a top-rated plumbing repair service that services residents throughout Great Falls, VA. Reach out today at (703) 803-7466 or fill out our online form.