Biofilm is a bacterial buildup, that turns up on your plumbing fixtures and on the walls of the pipes. You might have encountered biofilm at the ring around your faucet, or while clearing a hairball from your shower drain.
Biofilm is not just a type of microorganisms. It’s a collection of several species of bacteria and their organic waste. Not only this unsightly and disgusting gooey substance can clog your pipes and drains, biofilm can be hazardous to your health. Among the ailments that biofilms have been associated with are ear infections, Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli, MRSA and Legionnaire’s disease. While it’s uncommon for a person to contract a serious illness from the plumbing, it’s not impossible —, especially in the kitchen.
The best way to prevent biofilm from appearing in your pipes is to conduct regular cleaning and maintenance. Try to wipe out mildew and stains as soon as they come up. You may use an old toothbrush to clean hard to reach areas. Periodically, sink the aeration sink screen in bleach or alcohol to remove biofilm. Clogged drains are a notorious problem because they can belch up water and bacteria that has been harbored deep in your pipes, inaccessible to your cleaning efforts. If worse come to worst, contact online or call Boston Drain Company at 617-265-8888 for a professional cleaning and removal of biofilm!