Slow-moving drains and rising water are a nuisance to your sinks and tub. It also might mean a larger problem is at play. Drain clogs can eventually lead to leaks, which can cost homeowners thousands of dollars to repair. Let's take a look at common causes and how to handle it.
How do drain clogs cause leaks?
Water Overflow. When material like paper, hair or grease clumps together, it can block the entire pipe, stopping water and whatever else is being flushed from traveling through your system. This leads to water backing up inside the pipe and overflowing, causing it to build up until it has no place to go and nearly bursts. In sturdy pipes, this “burst” can be very minor and involve small seepages from water making its way through cracks and onto your bathroom or kitchen floor. In pipes that are older or not as sturdy, this can eventually lead to the pipe bursting.
Chemical Corrosion. When your plumbing is clogged up, you might resort to using a chemical drain opener for getting rid of clogs and “opening” your drain. What you may not realize is that this drain opener is not only opening your drain, but opening tiny cracks and holes in your pipes by corroding them.
Certain drain cleaning chemicals like lye or bleach are highly caustic, meaning they produce heat that burns through clogs — but also through your pipes. This can corrode plumbing over time, causing little leaks that eventually lead to a full-blown problem that can only be fixed with a major plumbing renovation. Oh, the horror!
How to stop my drain clog from causing a leak?
The best way to stop a leak from happening is to keep your pipes free-flowing and to keep an eye out for any signs of clogs. Signs of clogs include:
- Poor water pressure
- Water overflows or backups
- Bubbling or gurgling sounds coming from drains
- Puddles of water
- Foul smells
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action before a simple clog becomes a disastrous, momentous clog.
All you need to prevent leaks is the right drain cleaner. To get rid of clogs without using chemicals that corrode your pipes, look for a better alternative. Use a product like Green Gobbler Drain Opening Pacs, which is biodegradable, safe for pipes and comes in premeasured packets to make it effortless.
