3 Reasons You Should Never Ignore a Blocked Drain

Every homeowner has likely dealt with a blocked drain at least once. According to Southern Water, blockages are more common than you might think, with around 20,000 occurring each year in areas like Southampton and Hampshire alone. While dealing with a slow-draining kitchen sink or a regularly blocked toilet may seem like a small headache when trying to avoid your local plumber, the long-term effects can be harmful to your home, your pocket, and your health.

Unfortunately, many people dismiss early plumbing warning signs, believing it will resolve itself over time. The truth is, the longer you leave a blocked drain untreated, the more expensive and inconvenient it becomes for you. 

Here’s why you should never ignore a blocked drain: 

Health Risks 

You may be scoffing at the idea that something as small as a blocked kitchen sink may lead to serious health concerns like diarrhea, but your pipes are actually a prime breeding ground for a range of bacteria and pathogens. When you have a blocked drain, water has nowhere to flow, and neither does bacteria and other organic materials. This stagnant water creates a perfect environment for these microorganisms to thrive, and can sometimes attract pests such as cockroaches and mice which bring their own diseases. 

Mold and mildew also thrive in damp drains and can contribute to allergies and respiratory issues, all of which can be detrimental to your family’s health. 

Structural Damage 

Dealing with a clogged drain is certainly a minor inconvenience when compared to repairing structural damage to your home. When water is unable to flow freely for an extended period, it builds pressure and can eventually lead to a burst pipe. This can cause water to seep into your walls, ceilings and floors, weakening the structural integrity of your home. Fixing structural damage can cost thousands, and is an expensive mistake to make when trying to avoid the cost of fixing a clogged drain. Adopting good drainage habits can be one way to mitigate blocked pipes, but calling your local drainage specialist the minute you notice those early warning signs is certainly a big one.

Foul Odours 

Have you noticed foul odours coming from your drains? This is usually a telltale sign there’s something brewing in your plumbing system.

When organic material like food leftovers accumulates in your pipes and has nowhere to go, it starts to decompose. This eventually leads to unpleasant smells, which can be disruptive in a busy household. Unfortunately, the longer you ignore the problem, the worse the odour is likely to become.

Signs You May Have a Blocked Drain 

It’s not all doom and gloom, especially if you know what to pay attention to. Save yourself the headaches and costly repairs by keeping an eye out for these early blocked drain signs: 

• Gurgling sounds

• Slow draining water

• Overflowing toilets

• No matter what you try, you still have a blocked drain

Call the Professionals 

There's no question that ignoring a blocked drain can lead to serious issues — ones that eventually become impossible to ignore. Save yourself time, money, and hassle by acting now, not later. Whether you’re looking to get ahead of the problem with expert drain maintenance or need emergency unblocking services, Clearpath Drainage is your go-to drain expert. 

Get in touch with us today and find out how we can keep your drains free-flowing.