Clogged Drains Can Lead to Serious Situations

Did you know that frequent kitchen activity can lead to problems in your plumbing? It's true. Plumbing systems are made up of two parts. One sub-system brings fresh water in, while the other removes waste water. Substances referred to as FOG, or fats, oils, and grease, can cause common household plumbing issues, like clogged drains -- and this, in turn, will affect the removal of waste water.
Butter, olive oil, lard, meat fats, and food scraps can stay behind in your drain -- even if you have a garbage disposal -- and cause serious draining problems that can lead to worse issues in your home. Here are some signs that your home needs drain cleaning services, and that you should call a plumber:

1. Slow draining is caused by a buildup of foreign materials in your pipes and plumbing system that are not allowing water to pass through.
2. Foul smells and odors around sinks and drains are signs of rotten food that has not been properly disposed of. When rinsing off dishes or running the garbage disposal, some foods can get left behind without you realizing it. They begin to decompose and cause nasty odors.
3. Regular use of marketplace drain cleaners is not normal. Of course it's fine to use these products every so often, but if you find yourself purchasing and using a whole container in a short span of time, this can be indicative of a larger issue.

Failure to address these problems can result in common plumbing emergencies. When water does not drain, stagnant water is left sitting in sinks and pipes. This water, filled with germs, can pose substantial health risks.
Dirty, foul-smelling water can trigger allergies in some people, especially those with asthma. Contact with dirty water can also cause skin irritation.
Some people think that hot water will help force FOG-based clogs down the drain by melting the substances, but actually, steaming hot water is even more harmful to the situation.
Clogged and dirty drains can cause buildup of bacteria like legionella. By immersing the bacteria in warm water, you may give them a perfect environment in which to reproduce. Take legionella, for example; this is a bacteria that can be spread through standing water and bacteria, both of which occur in clogged drains. Legionella causes Legionnaire's disease, a possibly deadly pneumonia-like condition that attacks the respiratory system.
If you find yourself with a potentially clogged drain or any other common plumbing emergencies, Valley Plumbing as soon as possible.