The Dangerous Game of Letting a Clogged Drain Lie

Don’t wait too long to fix your clogged drains! Most homeowners understand the importance of plumbing maintenance. After all, regular service and prevention can improve your health and save you a lot of time and money. Taking care of your fixtures before serious issues arise lets you stay ahead of repairs and keep your home running smoothly. Unfortunately, these issues are easily overlooked and put at the bottom of your to-do list. Clogged drains, especially, are viewed as something homeowners will ‘get to later.’

Taking a prolonged approach with drain clogs may have disastrous consequences for you and your family. While sometimes initially harmless, they indicate a more extensive, more serious problem within your plumbing system. A gradual buildup of obstacles in your pipes can have catastrophic effects as it reduces the flow of water and increases the wear and tear experienced by your pipes. If left untreated, the damage can become extensive.

In this post, we will discuss four reasons why you should never ignore a clog and what to do if you suspect you have one– so keep reading to learn essential information about your drains and how to manage them best.

One of the most common issues homeowners face is clogged drains. They occur with the buildup of hair, soap scum, and other particulates caught in the drain. Eventually, they create blockages that cause water to backup into your home. As the waste pipes become more clogged, water cannot flow freely. This situation is inconvenient and frustrating at best but also a potential health hazard. It may be especially concerning if the water contains harmful bacteria and contaminants.

Treating clogs as soon as you become aware is essential because they quickly begin supporting harmful organic compounds. For example, standing water, which accompanies most clogs, attracts toxic mold. It is best to be proactive about keeping your pipes clean to prevent future issues. Maintenance can help prevent clogs from forming in the first place. Still, if you are experiencing a blockage, call a professional immediately.

As far as maintaining your home is concerned, one thing you should never write off as a minor inconvenience is a clogged drain– even if it is small. Water damage due to clogs can result in expensive repairs you may not be prepared to pay. Furthermore, the water damage caused by this blockage can be hazardous, which makes it more costly to repair. Additionally, you will need repairs to address the clogged pipe, as well as the flooring and furniture affected by the clog– including warped floors, mold growth, and damaged walls.

While fixing the clog may be simple enough, the damage that occurs often needs professional attention and a hefty financial investment. These concerns generally start as seemingly minor issues; however, the danger of a clogged drain is that it escalates into something more extensive and costly without warning. For example, minor clogs deteriorate quickly, leading to leaks and stagnant water. Eventually, mold spores take root. The presence of mold is toxic and deadly for your family but also extremely expensive to remove; it often requires completely replacing the walls, ceilings, flooring, and ventilation shafts.

As you can see, preventive and proactive measures are necessary to prevent clogs. Regular cleanings and proper waste disposal are only two ways to be kind to your plumbing. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of clogs and how to prevent costly plumbing repairs.

Mold growth is a common consequence of moisture buildup, including clogged drains. Stagnant water accumulates and creates the perfect condition for spore growth and reproduction. Unfortunately, spores reproduce toxic mold quickly, which can become a severe problem for your home appliances and your family’s health. Not only is mold unsightly, but it has an awful smell that indicates how deadly it can be for your health– especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory illnesses such as asthma. Additionally, the longer you wait to address the clog, the more dangerous mold becomes to your plumbing, HVAC, and biological systems. Therefore, to avoid mold issues, you must handle clogs– or any sources of stagnant water– as soon as you notice them.

There are many methods for unclogging drains, but it is always best to consult a professional. While you can probably handle the clog, you are not prepared to diagnose the accompanying damage. Clogs, whether in your kitchen sink or bathroom shower, are inconvenient and gross. While ignoring a clog might seem easy, it is a surefire way to make your life more complicated in the future.

Clogs, in any form, are frustrating to handle. They result in damage that is both costly and time-consuming. However, you can easily avoid more significant problems by taking immediate action. Issues such as burst pipes, water damage, and toxic mold are only a few of the consequences associated with clogged drains. Using a plunger or drain snake can often solve your problem initially. Still, you should always have a professional to step in if needed. While you can most likely handle a minor clog, you may not be aware of other damages to your home caused by the leak. As a homeowner, it is essential to remember that minor clogs can get out of control quickly– so it is always best to handle them while they’re little.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by clogged drains and their care– or finding someone to manage them. Fortunately for homeowners in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, you have access to the knowledge and expertise Schuler Plumbing has acquired over 45 years of service in the area. We are the best in the business and guarantee customer satisfaction every time.

Don’t delay unclogging drains; take precautions to avoid unnecessary home appliance malfunctions. By doing so, and with the help of our experts, you can prevent serious damage and ensure the smooth operation of a well-maintained plumbing system.