What Are the Effects of a Poor Drainage System?
Overflowing & Flooding
If your drainage system has got to the point where it has become completely clogged, then overflowing and flooding are considerable risks. This could occur if a pipe fails and bursts, causing water to flood out into the property. Alternatively, water can come up through sinks or toilets, making large and hazardous messes.
For a commercial property, this could mean a lengthy disruption to your business, and cost you money, not just on repairs, but also in lost profits.
The risks are still significant for a residential home too, as flooding water can cause massive damage to all kinds of home materials like wood furniture, carpets, vinyl flooring, and more.
Pests
When drainage is poor, water will sit in places that it should usually be flowing through. This creates a hospitable environment for all kinds of insects and wildlife you would otherwise wish to keep as far off your property as possible.
There are obvious repercussions of an infestation for a commercial business, especially in the hospitality industry. For residential homes, insect infestations can be highly detrimental to your quality of life.
Bad Smells
Without the right maintenance, the moisture building up in pipes can lead to foul-smelling drainage. This is often because of water sitting for long periods of time in the pipes and growing bacteria and mould, or food items and sanitary items causing a blockage and starting to rot (usually a combination of the two).
Whether you’re a commercial or residential property, rotting smells are something that everyone wants to avoid, so that they can live and work in peace. If you already notice some foul smells coming from your drains, you may need to think about hiring a blocked drain service.
Leakage, Mould, & Rot
Poor drainage can cause smaller leaks over time, and while this may seem less urgent than flooding, a hidden leak can cause a surprising amount of damage. When left undetected, leaks can cause gradual damage to wooden beams and metal framing, disrupting structural integrity.
This can be a big issue as gradual damage can sometimes be excluded or limited in cover under insurance policies, so getting on top of your maintenance before these issues occur needs to be a priority.
How to Avoid these Drainage Problems
With these potential effects of poor drainage in mind, what can you do to make sure your drainage stays in good condition?
Getting drainage installed correctly is the first step. Also, setting up a robust maintenance plan for your drainage system will increase the likelihood of picking up these problems before they become extremely costly. And of course, be careful about the things you put down your drain, avoiding materials that are likely to cause a blockage. If you’re unsure what may or may not cause a blockage, you can always discuss with a professional plumber.
For all Your Drainage Maintenance Needs, Talk to Us
For the best plumbing service in Auckland, contact Pipeline Plumbing & Drainage. We are leading professionals for all your residential and commercial plumbing needs. Get in touch today to organise regular drainage maintenance, or for an emergency drain unblocking.