Blocked drains can lead to severe property damage if left untreated. Studies show that poorly maintained drains are a leading cause of household flooding and water damage in the UK. In extreme cases, they can even compromise the structural integrity of your home. Let’s explore exactly how a blocked drain can escalate into a flooding disaster and what you can do to prevent it.
In this article, we’ll also cover how blocked drains can affect your health, potentially cause rising damp and even contribute to subsidence. Stick around for actionable advice that could save you from a costly repair bill!
Can Blocked Drains Cause Flooding?
Absolutely! When a drain is blocked, water has nowhere to go. This can cause water to back-up into your sinks, toilets, and bathtubs, or even overflow outside the property. Picture it: a heavy downpour hits, but your outdoor drain is blocked by leaves and debris. Instead of the rainwater being carried away from your property, it overflows and begins pooling around your home’s foundation. This is the perfect recipe for flooding.
Poorly or incorrectly installed drains can also contribute towards flooding. Rainwater requires a place to drain once it has fallen and without correctly installed gullies, ACO drains or soakaways, this rainwater has nowhere to go and can lead to severe flooding.
Here’s how a blocked drain leads to flooding step-by-step:
- Water Backup
A blocked drain prevents water from flowing through the pipes. This results in the water backing up, which can happen inside your home, in external drains, or both. Hopefully, you might notice water coming from an outside manhole cover or drain before it backs-up inside the property. If you spot this early sign, you might have time to act before disaster strikes inside the home. - Overflow and Flooding
When water can’t move through the system, it will find an alternative route. This can mean overflowing sinks, toilets, or manholes. During heavy rainfall, blocked outdoor drains can lead to surface water flooding, as there’s no escape route for excess water. - Property Damage
Flooding can cause extensive damage to floors, walls, and electrical systems. Prolonged exposure to water can lead to mould growth and structural issues that are expensive and time-consuming to repair.
So, how can you prevent a simple blockage from becoming a major flood risk? Regular maintenance and quick action are key. Schedule regular drain inspections and don’t ignore early warning signs like slow draining toilets, baths, sinks or foul smells.
Can Blocked Drains Make You Ill?
Yes, blocked drains can pose serious health risks. Blockages often trap stagnant water and waste, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and pests. If left untreated, these bacteria can cause various health issues, including respiratory problems and skin irritations.
Stagnant water, combined with rotting debris, can release harmful gases like methane and hydrogen sulphide. Breathing in these gases over time can make you feel unwell, causing nausea, dizziness, or headaches. Not to mention, if a blockage leads to sewage backup, there’s a risk of exposure to pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause severe illness.
To protect yourself and your family:
- Keep Drains Clean and Clear
Regularly clean your drains and use strainers to catch debris. Avoid putting food waste, grease, or non-flushable items down the drain. - Address Blockages Immediately
At the first sign of a blockage—whether it’s a slow-draining sink or gurgling sounds—take action. The quicker you clear it, the lower the health risk. - Clean Plug Holes
Regular cleaning and good housekeeping can stop bacteria buildup from plug holes. Cleaning traps and grates can stop the buildup of nasties. - Consider Professional Drain Cleaning
A professional service can sanitise your drainage system, eliminating harmful bacteria and preventing the spread of contaminants.
Can Blocked Drains Cause Rising Damp?
Blocked drains can be the cause of rising damp. Damp, in any form, is a problem that no homeowner wants to deal with. Rising damp occurs when moisture from the ground is drawn up into your walls and floors. So how can blocked drains cause rising damp? Well, when a drain is blocked, overflowing water drains into the ground surrounding it and saturates the area. Excess moisture is then absorbed by your property walls and foundation leading to rising damp.
Signs of rising damp include:
- Peeling paint or wallpaper.
- Discolouration and damp patches on walls.
- A musty smell in rooms or basements.
The key to avoiding rising damp is ensuring proper drainage in your property. Ensuring that both your internal and external drains are in working order can be the difference between dealing with damp or not. If you notice signs of pooling water (surface water) around your property, it is important to check your external drains or soakaway to avoid further issues. Investigating at the earliest signs and acting quickly is important.
Can Blocked Drains Cause Subsidence?
In some instances, yes, blocked drains can lead to subsidence, either minor or severe in some cases. Subsidence is a serious structural problem and starts when the ground around the property starts to sink. This can be due to blocked drains and overflowing water eroding the base around the property foundations. Overtime, ground will become unstable and unsuitable for the foundations to properly support the property. The sinking of the ground will pull the foundations of the property down with it and leak to cracking and potentially destabilising the structure of your property.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Cracks in the walls, especially around windows and doors.
- Uneven floors.
- Gaps appearing between walls and ceilings.
If you suspect that blocked drains are contributing to subsidence, it’s crucial to get a professional assessment. Fixing a blocked drain early on is far easier (and cheaper) than dealing with foundation repairs!
How To Prevent Blocked Drains Causing Flooding?
Dealing with the aftermath of flooding, the associated health risks and risks to your property can be prevented. Regular visual inspections, maintenance and cleaning can help stop future damage.
To prevent flooding caused by blocked drains:
- Perform Regular Inspections
Regularly check your drains for any signs of blockages, such as slow draining water or gurgling noises. This can be a simple visual inspection and does not need to be carried out by a professional. You can monitor water flow when flushing and even lift inspection hatches and manhole covers to check drains are flowing properly. - Clear Leaves and Debris from Outside Drains
Outdoor drains are particularly vulnerable to blockages from leaves, twigs, and dirt. After heavy rainfall or during autumn, make it a habit to clear these drains. If you notice the drain is blocked, this is the point where you need to act! - Invest in a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
Consider scheduling an annual drain cleaning service to keep your drainage system in optimal condition. This is particularly important for properties in areas prone to heavy rain, flooding or with a history of drainage problems.
Final Thoughts
Blocked drains can lead to far more serious issues than just slow-draining sinks or a bad smells. Blocked drains can cause flooding, rising damp, subsidence, and even health hazards. That’s why it’s crucial to address blockages as soon as they appear and take measures to keep your drains clear and free flowing.
If you’re dealing with a stubborn blockage or want to ensure your drainage system is functioning properly, Blocked Drains Dorchester is here to help. From high-pressure water jetting to professional CCTV inspections, our team has the expertise and equipment to keep your drains in top shape.
Taking care of your drains now can save you from a world of trouble down the road! Don’t wait until a minor blockage turns into a major headache—get proactive and protect your property from the dangers of blocked drains.