What happens if you leave your drain blocked?
Posted on 30th September 2022 at 09:57
If you’re experiencing slow drainage or notice any unpleasant smells around your home, then you most likely have a blockage somewhere in your drains.
The problem is, most of us will leave a drain blocked, thinking it will be okay for a little longer. However, did you know that leaving a drain blocked can lead to disastrous effects and become very costly?
What causes blockages in our drains
Our drains are built to handle small amounts of debris, branches, and other foreign objects. But they aren’t indestructible. All it takes is something too bulky to be flushed, or too much waste at one time to cause a blockage. Common causes for blockages include:
· Wet wipes
· Tree roots and plant debris
· Oil, grease, and fats
· Feminine hygiene products
· Hair
· Food
· Pipe scale
What happens when you don’t unblock your drains
When a blockage occurs, everything that flows down your drains will start to accumulate. This will lead to a backup of wastewater and your drain could potentially collapse. If you’re experiencing either of these situations, contact your local drainage experts as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Nasty smells coming from your drains
The first sign people notice is a nasty smell emanating from your plugs and drains. A common description of the smell is a rotten egg smell. If you notice any unusual smells, read our blog on how to unblock a drain here.
Slow to no drainage
If you notice that our sinks, baths, and showers are draining slower than usual, then you may have a blockage somewhere. There are ways to clear out your drains at home. For example, using hot water, baking soda with vinegar or cleaning products (always check the label that the products are safe to use).
Leaks
When there’s a blockage in your drains, pressure will start to build, due to the excess amount of wastewater. When the pressure gets too much for your drains, cracks and leaks will begin to develop.
If a leak develops, this can lead to issues of dampness and mould. This doesn’t just cause a nasty smell or an unsightly appearance, it can also be detrimental to your health. If you notice any dampness or mould near your drains, it may be time to call in the drainage experts.
Property damage
In more severe cases, leaving a drain blocked for too long could start to cause damage to your property. The damage will appear as cracks in your walls and around your doors and windows.
As the weather fluctuates through the year, these cracks will expand and contract, causing further damage. Addressing this problem as soon as possible is critical, as the building may become unsafe for people inside.
Repairing structural property damage can be very costly. By getting regular maintenance for your drains, you’ll spot a blockage early on and avoid any nasty surprises.
The most effective way to identify or avoid blockages is to have a CCTV survey performed.
Especially since our sewers and drains are out of sight and may go unnoticed.
If you’re suffering from a drainage dilemma, Semilong Services are skilled and equipped to handle all areas of drain work.
We also offer maintenance packages so you can be assured your drains are running smoothly all year round.
Contact us today to learn more about the drainage services we offer and how we can help you
keep your drains happy and healthy.
Tagged as: Blocked Drain, Drainage
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