Microplastics Are Clogging Your Drains and Threatening Plymouth County’s Environment – Here’s What You Need to Know
Hidden beneath the surface of our daily routines, a microscopic environmental crisis is building in the drains of Plymouth County homes. Microplastics found in cosmetic and personal products are rinsed into household drains without any precautionary recycling measures, creating a growing challenge that requires professional attention from experienced plumbing services.
Understanding the Microplastic Problem in Your Home
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters in size. They result from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are intentionally made for specific purposes, such as in personal care products. Every day, Plymouth County residents unknowingly contribute to this problem through routine activities like washing synthetic clothing, using personal care products, and general household maintenance.
One of the primary sources of microplastics originating from households is the synthetic fibers released during textile washing. Since these microplastics are fibrous, they are termed as microfibres. During washing, the fabrics undergo mechanical and chemical stresses in a laundry machine which releases microfibres. Research shows that just one clothes wash can release as many as 700,000 microplastic fibers, all of which flow directly into your home’s drainage system.
The Hidden Impact on Your Plumbing System
While these particles may seem insignificant due to their size, they create serious problems for home plumbing systems. Microplastics, despite their small size, can accumulate over time and form blockages within pipes. And, as these particles clump together, they restrict the flow of water, leading to slow drainage and potential backups.
The problem extends beyond simple clogs. Faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures can suffer damage from microplastics. Because the abrasive nature of these particles combine with their ability to accumulate. And this may result in scratches, reduced water flow, and the need for premature replacement of fixtures.
Additionally, products such as wet wipes, nappies, period care products, cotton buds and face masks are often wrongly flushed down the toilet or dumped down the drain, where their microplastic content makes them difficult to break down. This means they contribute to the formation of fatbergs and other stubborn sewer blockages, requiring professional intervention to resolve.
Environmental Consequences for Plymouth County
The environmental impact extends far beyond individual homes. Systematic estimates based on detailed data showed that the average microplastics emitted per capita per day in household wastewater was 3,461.5 items. A quantitative estimation method was proposed to show that the annual emissions load of microplastics via urban drainage system in this research area was 5.83×10^10 items/km2, of which the proportion of emissions in wet weather accounted for about 60%.
The disposed microplastics as well as other types of plastic debris end up at the municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) because of the durability and frequent usage of synthetic polymers. Recent published research reports point to WWTPs as possible sources of microplastics that pollute the aquatic systems. This creates a cycle where household drainage issues contribute to broader environmental contamination affecting Plymouth County’s waterways and marine ecosystems.
Why Professional Drain Cleaning is Essential
Traditional DIY methods are insufficient for addressing microplastic accumulation in drainage systems. One of the biggest challenges to addressing microplastics is simply detecting them. Currently, most methods for identifying microplastics in drinking water and wastewater only detect particles as small as 10-20 micrometers. But we know that microplastics can occur at smaller sizes, which means we could be overlooking a significant percentage of them.
Professional drain cleaning services employ advanced techniques specifically designed to handle these microscopic contaminants. Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to completely clean the inside of your pipes, removing buildup from the pipe walls themselves. It’s more thorough and prevents clogs from returning as quickly. We recommend hydro-jetting for recurring problems or when we find significant buildup during inspection.
Emma Plumbing: Your Local Solution for Microplastic Challenges
For Plymouth County residents facing these emerging environmental challenges, Drain Cleaning Services Plymouth county from Emma Plumbing provides the expertise needed to address microplastic buildup effectively. We’re a local plumbing company serving Plymouth County, MA, and the surrounding areas. We focus on offering honest, quality service that goes above and beyond.
Client-Centric: We build long-term relationships with our customers. Highly Responsive: Our team is known for its speed and attention to detail. Tech-Savvy: We stay up-to-date on the plumbing technologies and best practices. This commitment to staying current with emerging challenges like microplastic contamination makes Emma Plumbing uniquely qualified to address these modern environmental concerns.
Emma Plumbing and Drain Services is your trusted partner for plumbing solutions in Brockton, MA & South Shore Areas. Our team of dedicated professionals specializes in a wide range of services, including expert plumbing repairs, efficient boiler and water heater repairs, and thorough drain cleaning. As a locally owned & operated business, we take pride in serving our community with unmatched dedication and expertise.
Taking Action for Your Home and Environment
The microplastic crisis in Plymouth County’s drainage systems requires immediate attention from both homeowners and professional services. Most homes benefit from professional drain cleaning every 1-2 years as preventive maintenance. However, homes with older plumbing, large families, or trees near sewer lines may need service more frequently. In Mattapoisett Center, we often recommend annual service for homes built before 1980 or properties with mature trees.
By addressing microplastic buildup proactively, Plymouth County residents can protect their plumbing systems, reduce environmental impact, and maintain the integrity of local water systems. Professional drain cleaning services equipped with modern technology and environmental awareness represent the most effective approach to managing this growing challenge.
Don’t wait until microplastic accumulation causes serious drainage problems in your Plymouth County home. Contact Emma Plumbing today to schedule a comprehensive drain inspection and cleaning service that addresses both current issues and prevents future environmental challenges.

