Plumber warns key garden issue can cause nasty smells and even lead to health problems
A plumbing expert has shared his top tips on how to prevent stagnant water from causing unpleasant odours in gardens over the summer, or even lowering property values.
As the weather warms and the sun comes out more often, many Brits spend more time outdoors, especially in our gardens and green spaces.
However, a common maintenance issue can lead to lingering, unpleasant smells and create ideal conditions for bacteria and pests like flies.
Ricky Sharma, Managing Director at Engineering Real Results (ERR), a leading tradesperson training firm, explained how what can seemingly look like a small maintenance issue can often grow into a bigger problem.
“Blocked drains can cause a whole range of problems, and patches of stagnant water in your garden can be one of the most clear telltale signs," he said.
“Overflowing water can collect near drains and in time create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and flies, leading to unpleasant conditions in your garden during the months when you want to use it most.
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“Stagnant water can cause a nasty whiff in your garden, but it can also devalue your property if it is a sign that the cause is more than simply a drain blocked by organic debris or a spell of excessive rain.
“It can be a red flag that there may be something structurally wrong with your home, such as cracks in the foundations, that the gutters are sloped wrongly or the downspouts have become damaged.”
It can even lead to health problems, whether from diseases carried by pests like flies and mice, or from mould and mildew growth releasing spores into the air.
If these issues arise, there could be more to worry about than just a bad smell in your garden.
Water stagnation occurs when water can no longer flow or drain properly, leading to localised flooding near sources like drains or downspouts.
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While it might seem like a minor annoyance, it can become a significant problem if left unaddressed.
Sharma added: “Ensuring your drainage system remains in working condition is the best way to prevent localised flooding and the problems it can create. This can include a gutter and downspout system, as well as drains in the ground.
“It’s also important to keep these free from organic debris that can gather and cause blockages, such as leaves, twigs and birds nests.
“While some blockages may be minor enough for homeowners to tackle themselves, larger issues may be better left to professionals such as plumbers or drainage companies.”
