For many of us, a clogged pipe or drain is merely a nuisance. Sure, it will need to be addressed, but there’s no sense of urgency. But truth be told, clogged pipes and drains can lead to serious consequences, and shouldn’t be put off.
Drains and pipes clogged by dirt, debris and hair restrict the water flow, but more importantly, they can also cause your drain to crack or burst. Clogs that are left unattended create increased pressure inside the drain which then causes the water to put a strain on your water pipes. You might think of it as when a road is closed for repairs, nearby roads absorb the heavier traffic load. The extra wear and tear on these alternative routes grow worse and worse until they too require repair. A clogged drain works much the same, and the result is damage and a big mess.
The Impact of Leaking Water on Your Home
A cracked or burst pipe allows water to escape, where it is quickly absorbed by surrounding drywall, flooring and other structural elements of your home. Your now wet walls, floors and ceilings become a breeding ground for mould, insects, and larvae, while also becoming less structurally sound. Suddenly, that annoying clogged drain has caused thousands of dollars of damage to your home. The overflow channels of some sinks and tubs are poorly constructed and made of plastic. As they age, they are prone to cracking, creating an atmosphere of chronic water damage that goes unnoticed until it grows to an extensive level.
Clogged drains can also cause your pipes to back up and overflow. That water needs to go somewhere, and we all know that water takes the path of least resistance. This means that the water will seep out through pipe threads, cracks in your caulking or simply end up on your floor. All this spells water damage- inside your walls or even the ceiling of the room located below.
Leaking water will often travel along the outside of your home’s pipes, sometimes coming to rest far away from the source of the leak or clog. In some cases, it can be quite difficult to determine where the clog has originated. Some clogs are caused by tree roots seeking the water and minerals found in your wastewater pipe. This can cause an issue under your home or even the back yard but will eventually cause your pipes to crack inside your home. This is not a problem that can be easily solved with a bottle of drain cleaner. You’ll need to call in a licensed professional with specialized equipment to clear the roots and your pipeline snakes.
Many of the products that flow down our drains, including cleansers or other chemicals are corrosive, weakening the pipe joint seals and causing leaks. Water left standing in pipes due to clogs can also lead to further corrosion, leading to a greater likelihood of a leak occurring. As pipes grow older, they become less resistant to the pressure caused by clogging, and corrosion too. In short, older pipes are much more likely to leak, with clogging a major culprit.
Plumbing fixtures and pipes are designed to move water pressure from one location to another within a certain range. Clogged pipes or drains can increase this pressure, exceeding the range of tolerance. This causes issues in the line that might damage joints and cause leaks, sometimes in more than one spot. While many clogs can be resolved with a plunger or a commercial drain cleaning product, any clog that withstands your efforts needs the immediate attention of a licensed plumber. Whether it’s a new or chronic clog or leak, or you have recently moved into a home with clogging issues, calling in a professional can save you a bundle down the road.
There are two rules of thumb when it comes to plumbing leaks. First, they will never get better on their own. Second, a leak is always easier and less expensive to fix if you address it as soon as it is discovered. Waiting only makes the issues worse, increases the damage, and costs you more. If you have a clog or suspect you may have a plumbing leak, don’t delay. Call The Super Plumber right away to deal with a suspected problem before it creates more issues. Our team of friendly, licensed plumbing professionals has the skills and experience to fix your drain and plumbing problems, fast and affordably.
