Drainage issues cause several problems for households. Repairs can turn into expensive affairs depending on the severity of the damage. However, the disruptions caused by these issues extend beyond financial inconvenience.
Drainage problems present health risks that are detrimental to the safety of your household. Additionally, some of these problems can lead to damage that undermines the durability of your home. As such, it is important to learn how to identify these problems in order to fix them before they get worse.
Slow Drainage
An easy indicator of a damaged drainage system is the decline in its capabilities. When the water in your toilet or sink takes longer to drain, it is often the sign of a broken pipe or a blockage. When neither of these problems is left untreated, it can escalate and result in a burst pipe or a flood.
Foul Odours
Foul odours that emanate from drains are typically caused by an accumulation of solids and stagnant water. When your drainage system is blocked, refuse collects in the pipes and decomposes on-site. If the odours are still present after the drain has been unclogged, the problem might be structural in nature.
Damp and Mould
A damaged drainage system is a major disruptor of water flow. This leads to issues, such as penetrating damp, mould and mildew, and wet rot. When left untreated, these problems can cause structural damage to your floors and walls.
Unusual Sounds
Gurgling and other unusual sounds that come from your drainage system are indications of trapped air. This is caused by the build-up of refuse in your pipes. This issue can be fixed with a simple drain cleaner. However, if the sound is present throughout your home, it might be a sign of a more serious drain problem that will need professional intervention.
Structural Damage
Subsidence, cracks, and other structural damage on the area surrounding the drain is a clear indication of a collapsed pipe. These types of damage also mean that the pipe has been broken for a while. Since most drainage systems are located beneath a building’s foundation, a collapsed pipe of this gravity might impact the structural integrity of your home.
What Can You Do to Address These Problems?
Drainage problems range from the simple to the serious. For minor drainage problems, like blockages, there are DIY solutions that you can implement on your own. Common household items like plungers and a simple baking soda-vinegar mixture can handle refuse build-ups in pipes. A drain snake is also a useful tool as it allows you to effectively clear blocked drains of stubborn debris.
For serious problems like a collapsed drain pipe, professional help should be employed. The damage that results from this is often structural in nature. As such, the use of plant hire companies and professional plumbing services is necessary. Although more expensive, these services will address your problems with the appropriate solutions that will give long-term results.
Although drainage problems are common for any household, they are easy to avoid. Practising the necessary upkeep and maintenance act as an effective preventive measure.
