Getting a drain clogged is a pretty common occurrence, especially if it’s one that we use all the time, such as the sink drain in the kitchen or your bathtub/shower drain. We often consider a blocked drain more of a nuisance than a real problem, especially if it’s one that seems to get better after a simple plunging. As a result, we ignore slow drains, but this can be a costly mistake. An obstructed drain demands immediate attention in order to save you major headaches down the road. Here are just a few of the reasons why a clogged drain should be fixed promptly.
- The danger of stagnant water
A mass of water left standing too long can have plenty of adverse health effects. Idle water is a breeding ground for germs, but that’s not only true of water you can see. A blocked drain could be holding stagnant water in place, leading to musty odors that will spread through your entire home. Even though a bad odor on its own may not pose any immediate health dangers, it creates an unhealthy, unpleasant atmosphere and may leave you feeling tired, depressed or anxious.
- Mold and mildew
When a drain gets blocked up, it’s usually because of an excess of things like hair and food waste. These things help mold and bacteria thrive, polluting the air you breathe, and the problem only gets worse the longer it’s ignored. The bacteria growing out of a mold build up in the drain can seep into your home and have a nasty effect on your health.
- Damage
An ignored, blocked drain can get out of hand quickly, leading to overflowing sinks and bathtubs, as well as the potential for water damage. This is why it’s essential to clean your clogged drains, but be careful. Certain substances used to unclog drains can do more harm than good. Cleaning solutions like Drano and Liquid Plumber are dangerous for people, bad for the environment, and murder on your pipes. Plumbing snakes are also tricky to use, as if they’re not used properly the can damage the inside of the drain, and may not remove the entire clog.
If you’re in need of immediate plumbing services and live in the Omaha area, consider ASAP Appliance & Plumbing Services. For more information, our website or phone us at 402-706-9931. After hours appointments are available.