What Are the Health Risks of Blocked Drains?

When you get blocked drains, it can be really inconvenient. Your waste water drains slowly – if it drains at all – usually leaving residue that can be difficult to clean away. It also starts to create unpleasant smells that can permeate your home. 

But blocked drains aren’t just inconvenient and a bit smelly. They also represent a health hazard if not dealt with swiftly. In this article, we’re going to explore the health hazards that can be caused by a blocked drain and understand how AA Turner Tankers’ drainage services can keep you safe.

Understanding Blocked Drains

Drains can become blocked for many reasons.

Sometimes, it’s because things have been dumped down them that shouldn’t be, whether that’s large amounts of fat and grease, wet wipes or other sanitary products. Hair that’s accumulated in drains running from bathrooms is also a common cause of blocked drains. Sometimes, however, it’s things completely out of our control, such as tree root ingress or even an old drain collapsing and allowing soil to enter and block the drain.

Whatever the cause, it’s best to act quickly, because otherwise your problems will only get worse.

Blocked Drains Health Risks

• Pests

We might find rotting food off-putting at the very least, but to some creatures it’s like nectar. Rats, flies and cockroaches are likely to be attracted by the leftovers that don’t get washed down into the sewers as they should be – and all carry germs that you wouldn’t want in your home.  

• Bacteria

Pests you can see can be bad, but those you can’t see can be worse. Microscopic bacteria are likely to breed in and around a blocked drain and can have numerous negative health impacts, including respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, rashes, skin infections and more.

• Harmful gases and airborne diseases

The foul smell that emanates from a blocked drain can be bad enough, but that smell can also lead to headaches, nausea, dizziness and other health issues. Gases that might get released into your home from a blocked drain include methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide. Mould spores are also likely to be released into the air and are likely to cause major problems for those with asthma and allergies.

• Food contamination

Any and all of the above can lead to the food in your home becoming contaminated, potentially causing food poisoning. Hepatitis A, E.coli, salmonella and norovirus can all spread through contaminated food and result in serious health issues.

Can Blocked Drains Make You Ill?

Yes, blocked drains can lead to multiple health issues. Many pests, bacteria and viruses will be attracted, while stagnant water, toxic fumes and mould spores are also all associated with various illnesses, infections and negative reactions. Don’t take chances by leaving a blocked drain – get it cleared before it starts to affect the health of you and your family.

AA Turner Tankers is a leading drainage specialist serving the areas around Colchester, Essex and Suffolk. We can carry out CCTV drain surveys to determine the cause and location of your blockage and then conduct effective drain unblocking and clearance to get your drainage system working well once more.

Find out more or make a booking with our experienced and fully trained engineers by getting in touch with us today.