If you have a clogged drain that you can't seem to clear up, it's time to call a plumber. You might think that you can live with the clog, but that's not the case. Clogged drains are more than a nuisance. In fact clogged drains can cause a variety of serious problems for you and your family, especially if they remain clogged for an extended period of time. Here are just four of the risks you face if you postpone the repair of your clogged drain.

Increased Risk of Backups

If you have a clogged drain, it's just a matter of time before things start backing up into your home. That clog is creating a stoppage deep inside your drain, which means that everything being sent through that pipe starts building up on top of the debris. Eventually, your drain will run out of room—and then the real problems will begin. Once your drain fills to capacity, you'll have smelly, decaying waste coming up into your sinks, tubs, or toilets. 

Increased Risk of Pest Infestations

If you're dealing with a stubborn clog, waste isn't the only thing that could be coming up into your home. Eventually, you could begin to see pest activity in and around your drains. That's because the pests are attracted to the waste that buildings up in the drains. Unfortunately, you won't be able to get rid of the pests until you clear out the clog. 

Increased Risk of Foul Odors

Stubborn clogs don't just bring backups and pests; they also bring an increased risk of foul odors. These foul odors could be anything from decaying food to human waste that is stuck in the drain. In fact, it could be a dead animal that's caused the clog, and you could also be forced to live with that odor as well. You might not realize this, but rats and other small animals can actually get inside your drains. Unfortunately, they can get stuck once they get inside, which can lead to clogs. The best way to avoid those potentially overpowering odors is to take care of clogs as soon as they develop. 

Increased Risk of Pipe Damage

Finally, if you're postponing the repair of a clogged drain, you could be risking further pipe damage. Once a drain pipe fills to capacity, the added pressure can cause it to burst. Unfortunately, once a pipe bursts, you'll be forced to deal with water damage and increased repair costs. 

If you've got a clogged drain in your home, don't postpone the repairs. Instead, call a plumbing service right away. Plumbing assistance can help you take care of the clog in a timely manner and help you avoid the risks described above.