Are you starting to have an issue in your business that may be connected to your drains? Is there a foul smell? Is water backing up? Are you finding filth flies appearing and growing in number? There are many ways dirty drains can create problems for your business. No matter what business you're in, it is wise to take measures to keep your drains clean. Here are a few things you should know.
Pests
Many pests breed in dirty drains and feed on grease, fat, and rotting organic matter in these drains. Some will become an immediately noticeable problem, like fruit flies and drain flies. But some pests will grow their numbers without you knowing. German cockroaches are a good example of this kind of pest. These insects prefer to stay out of sight, and they come out at night when everything is quiet. This can have a serious impact on the health of your employees. It can also make customers sick and lead to many negative consequences, from bad reviews to litigation. Many businesses get closed down because of cockroach infestations. Many of these problems can be avoided with routine drain cleaning.
Unwanted Smells
All businesses can be harmed by persistent bad smells emitting from dirty drains. We could name many, but a good example would be a fitness center. When drains start to get clogged in locker rooms, it can cause dirty water from toilet pipes to back up into shower areas. Even if flooding doesn't occur, the smell of human waste will make members want to go somewhere else to get their workout.
Clogs
Dirty drains aren't the only problem you need to contend with. The pipes in your business can be clogged with many things: hair, soap, oil, and more. These need to be broken down and flushed out so that flooding doesn't occur. Drain clogs can happen in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and on the floors of a manufacturing plant. These clogs can cause flooding or become a source of foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes. The CDC estimates that Listeria is the cause of more than 1,600 illnesses a year with 260 of them being fatal.
Black Mold
When pipes back up and flooding occurs, it can lead to black mold issues on walls and inside wall voids. Black mold can also form inside dirty drains. This can lead to a smell of decay and present a health concern for your employees.
What Businesses Need Drain Cleaning Services
Some businesses need drain-cleaning services more than others, such as restaurants, hospitals, and food processing plants, but every business can benefit from a monthly maintenance program. Don't wait till you are suffering from the repercussions of dirty or clogged drains. Invest in drain-cleaning services before things get backed up.
How Big Blue Can Help
At Big Blue Bug Solutions, we support businesses with the highest level of pest control—which can include drain-cleaning services. Pests and dirty drains go together. We also provide quarterly cleaning services if drain cleaning and sanitation are your only concerns. Our diligent methods and environmentally friendly products will ensure that you get the results you want. Let our service team protect your health and safeguard the reputation of your business. Reach out to Big Blue Bug Solutions today to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed and experienced commercial pest control professionals, and let us guide you toward a preventative program that will keep your business on track.