Clogged drains always seem to pop up at inconvenient times. Or they build up so slowly over time that we do not realize they’re clogged until we notice, during a shower, that the water level is at our ankles.
Before you reach for a drain cleaner, remember that odds are it’s more than just a clog. Most clogs are actually signs of a problem with your home’s sewer line.
Focusing on the bigger picture will save you time and money in the long run.
Why clogged drains happen
Clogged drains and pipes are often the results of wastewater and debris being caught in your home’s main sewer line.
Every household has a main sewer line that transports water and waste to the city sewer. This includes wastes from sinks, showers, baths, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines. When there are issues with the mainline, it often affects drains throughout your home.
Clogged drains and pipes are the result of an accumulation of wastewater. If a clog causes a pipe to leak, it could lead to water damage between your walls and even affect the foundation of your home.
In addition to the property risks and inconvenience, blocked water and sewer pipes can be hazardous to your family’s health. Therefore, it is worth considering a solution, even if the problem is in its early stages. It’s just going to get worse.
Among the issues are:
Contamination
The first time water goes down the drain, it is already contaminated. After it sits for a prolonged period due to a blocked pipe, the contamination becomes worse. A blocked toilet drain can be the most serious, as these drains are breeding grounds for several types of bacteria that can lead to disease.
Even uncontaminated water can become dangerous if it is stagnant inside your water pipes. Bacterias grow when water is idle. This can lead to diseases causing chest pain, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Irritation
A blocked drain can exacerbate existing health issues. For instance, those with asthma may have more frequent attacks when they are in the proximity of a clogged sewer drain.
Mold and mildew can also cause irritation for those who are sensitive to allergies. Encountering wastewater can cause skin irritation as well and could be severe for those with sensitive skin issues.
Foul odors
It’s no secret that a blocked sewer drains have a very unpleasant smell, and that alone can cultivate various health issues.
But even if the odor isn’t toxic, exposure to the smell can be stressful and cause feelings of anxiety. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability.
What you can do about a clogged or slow drain
Keeping waste products away from drains is a good start. The most common causes of clogged drains include grease, hair, food waste, feminine products, and cotton swabs. Also, watch for cat litter, dental floss, and diapers or wet wipes (even though they claim to be flushable).
Clogged drains and pipes merit inspection even if the problem has just surfaced. The potential physical damage, contamination, and health risks are too great.
If you’re experiencing clogged or slow drains, you need to deal with it as soon as possible. It will only get worse.
Call Flader Plumbing & Heating at 847-491-6980 to schedule an inspection by one of our professional technicians. We have the expertise and tools necessary to deal with the problem and return your drains to normal.
We help homeowners.
Flader Plumbing & Heating is uniquely suited to assist you in determining the solution that best fits your home and family’s needs. We’ve been serving your neighbors and our community for over 100 years and four generations.
The Flader Difference
Only Flader Plumbing & Heating delivers:
- The most responsive service – 24 hours/7 days a week.
- Personal attention from certified and licensed technicians.
- Only the most dependable equipment and parts.
- Money-saving maintenance agreements.
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
Reliability.
Flader Plumbing & Heating only recommends equipment, models, and brands proven to have the fewest problems and service calls. We specialize in:
Comprehensive Services
Whether you’re replacing your water heater, furnace or central air conditioning, adding a humidifier or clean air system, or cleaning and servicing your air quality system or sump pump, we are knowledgeable and expert in delivering the service you need.
Flader Plumbing & Heating professional technicians arrive on time, listen, answer your questions, recommend the right solution, and deliver as promised. Our technicians average 15 years of experience and are EPA certified.
Expert service, quality parts, and satisfaction guaranteed. That’s the package you deserve. Don’t compromise. Call us at 847-491-6980.
