Keeping your property tidy and well-maintained is a huge responsibility-and a taxing one at that. If you’re not mopping the floors, you’re vacuuming the carpets. And this responsibility of maintenance also extends to your backyard. You have to water the flowers and weed the garden. But these are just the superficial aspects of your home-where everyone can see. What’s happening underneath?
Sometimes the real problem isn’t visible to the naked eye. Are you aware of the state of your drains? Given the fact that drains are located below the surface, in some cases, you’ll never really know there’s a problem until it’s too late. Before this is even an issue it might be worth considering different types of home insurance so you know you have the right cover if you were to end up with overfilling drains that were causing serious issues for your home.
For blocked drains Melbourne residents’ best solution is to be proactive. Understand how your premises works so you can ask for help before there’s a problem or even a crisis.
What Causes Drain Blockage?
A blocked drain usually occurs after gradual accumulation of foreign objects in the drainage pipes such as:
- Small toys
- Random debris
- Grease
- Food waste
- Hair
- Mineral build up in the pipes
- Toilet paper build up
The end result is an obstruction in the flow of water in these pipes which can cause significant damage to your home.
5 Ways a Blocked Drain Affects Your Home
Let’s Start With the Odour
A strange and pungent smell coming from your backyard is definitely a cause for concern. It’s normally one of the first tell-tale signs that there’s problem with the underground drainage system.
This is because stagnant water that has accumulated over time tends to emit an unpleasant odour. Also, food that’s stuck in the pipes will decompose over time thereby producing a smell.
Unfortunately, the smell doesn’t stay outdoors. The smell from the pipes escapes through the surface and permeates into your home pretty much causing an unhealthy atmosphere. It’s even made worse when you open a tap.
Affecting the Structural Integrity
In most cases if water is blocked from flowing properly, it looks for other ways to move. This diversion often leads to leaks in your pipes. Not only will your pipes be damaged, but water from the blocked drains may end up finding its way into your home’s foundation.
This will significantly compromise the structural integrity of your home. The walls are weakened and in worst case scenarios, they can collapse if the situation is left unattended.
Water Stains
The presence of water won’t only weaken your home structures, but moisture can come into the walls causing:
- Staining
- Discolouration
- Warping
Not only will you need to get your drainage systems fixed, but your home will also need a fresh coat of paint. Do regular checks of your walls and you’ll know when to take action.
Flooding
The above scenarios aren’t even the worst possible damage yet. If your blocked drain situation is left unresolved for long periods, flooding can result. One day you’ll wake up and find water all over your floors or backyard.
Attract Pests
Get ready to stock up on mosquito repellent. Stagnant water is known to attract mosquitoes. You might want to get the area fixed if you need a peaceful night’s rest.
Stagnant water will also attract other pests that can carry germs and bacteria that’ll put your family’s health at risk.
Formation of Mould
The appearance of mould and mildew is never a pretty sight. Blocked pipes can make the area prone to bacteria, mould and mildew creating an unsightly-and unhealthy-environment.
The Solution
We’ve listed the detrimental effects, so what’s the solution? A smart home owner will not let the situation get out of hand. Fortunately, there are a few signs that can indicate that there’s a problem within your drainage system.
Aside from the weird smells mentioned above, take immediate action if you notice:
- Patches of very green grass in your backyard.
- Plants thriving along the layout of the sewer line during an otherwise dry period. If this is the case, you might need to contact a sewer line repair specialist such as Zurn Plumbing, who you can contact via their website.
- Is your water draining slowly? It could mean there are obstructions in the pipes stopping the water from draining efficiently. The water will have to navigate its way past the obstructions creating a sluggish flow.
- High water levels than normal in the toilet. If the situation is even more dire, the water may overflow.
- If you hear any gurgling sounds coming from the drains or plug holes, it could be an indication of a blockage and you may need the sewer line unclogging.
- Dirty water coming from the tap.
Conclusion
It’s clear from the above that blocked drains can have devastating effects on your property.
If you hear or notice any of the above-mentioned factors don’t wait another day longer. Call a plumbing specialist right away who has experience in dealing with blocked drains. Companies like FS Drainage Services don’t exist for no reason, so getting in touch with a professional who can help fix this issue may be something worth considering. The longer you leave it, the worse it may become. Be proactive and you’ll save yourself money & effort in the long run.
