Dirty drains are a common problem in American cities because their design makes it difficult to tell at a glance how dirty they are. If your drains have not been cleaned in a while, you should schedule a drain cleaning service as soon as you can. Your dirty drains could be detrimentally affecting you and your family. Here are five ways dirty drains might be harming your health.
1. Releasing Noxious Gases Into the Home
Dirty drains can clog easily, preventing the removal of waste and contaminated water from the residence. In time, the gases from this wastewater will back up into the home, causing noxious smells from the drains that can result in headaches, nausea, and other health ailments. Smelling bad odors from your drain is not normal, and an inspection should be scheduled if bad smells are prevalent.
2. Encouraging the Growth of Bacteria, Mold, and Mildew
The humid climate of Montgomery, AL makes it perfect for the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. Dirty home drains provide the nutrients, moisture, darkness, and warmth these organisms need to thrive, and they can multiply rapidly until they become a significant problem. Having your drains cleaned regularly removes the buildup of grime and makes the drains much less hospitable to these dangerous nuisances.
3. Aggravating Certain Health Conditions
Dirty drains can contaminate the air around them, aggravating certain types of health conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory illnesses. The contaminated air can make it more difficult to breathe, reduce the amount of oxygen in each breath, and inflame the airways. The dangerous microbes found in dirty drains can also cause the development of some other chronic health issues.
4. Attracting Pests
A wide variety of pests are attracted to the stagnant water and damp atmosphere of dirty drains. Some of these pests lay their eggs in the nasty water, creating the conditions for an infestation to occur. In the pipes, these pests can travel to other areas of the home, spreading the infestation and its associated dangers.
5. Contaminating the Water
Dirty and blocked drains prevent wastewater from being moved away from the home in an efficient manner, sometimes causing this wastewater to back up into the home. Wastewater contains dangerous microbes, chemicals, and other nasty contaminants you do not want to come into contact with. If the system for fresh water in the home becomes contaminated, the whole thing may need to be flushed and cleaned before you can safely use the water again.
Conclusion
Ensuring that your drains are cleaned regularly will reduce the risks of exposure to dangerous particles and harmful gases. Our professional plumbers at Alabama Home Pros have been providing Montgomery, AL residents with fast and effective drain cleaning services for years, and we’ll be happy to help you create a drain cleaning schedule that works for you. For more information, contact us today!