Autumn is a classic time of year for drain blockages, as leaf fall and storm weather combine to clog drains up with leaves, mud and silt. Some local authorities and water companies prepare for this time of year with proactive drain maintenance, and as a homeowner, you can take the same steps to prevent problems before they happen.
Do your garden maintenance
Why not take advantage of those lovely, crisp autumn mornings and check your drains for any leaves, branches or rubbish that might have gathered there? This stage simply involves putting on a pair of gloves and scooping out the gutter or drain.
You can also rake up fallen leaves and get them in your compost bin or green bin where they won’t cause any problems. A wet and dry vacuum cleaner is a handy tool for this task as you can use it to get into the drainpipe and pull out any leaves that might have already fallen inside. Some people also invest in their own drain rods to regularly check that the pipe is clear.
Get drain guards
Drain guards are simple attachments that can help keep debris out of your drain. They prevent blockages by acting as a sieve to ensure only water goes down the drain. You’ll need to clean them out regularly so that the debris doesn’t build up on the guard and risk a localised flood
Call your drain specialist for planned maintenance
It’s worth investing in a CCTV drain survey Northampton from a specialist such as www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/cctv-drain-surveys-northampton/ that can check your drains and see if any more work needs doing to keep them functioning without issues over the winter.
These simple steps will ensure that your drains are clean and ready for winter, before any real problems build up and require a callout at the time of year you need it least! It’s worth carrying out this planned preventative maintenance on a regular basis to make sure that your drains function as they should and don’t become blocked. After all, no one needs the stress and expense of emergency rodding callouts!
Why a dry summer can leave drains in poor shape
Autumn blockages don’t always start with falling leaves. A long, dry summer can cause problems underground that only show once the heavy rain arrives. With little rainfall, tree roots go looking for moisture and can find their way into small cracks and loose joints in drain pipes, where they grow and trap debris. Low water flow also means food waste, fat and silt aren’t flushed through, so they settle and harden in the pipe.
Because you can’t see inside your drains, it pays to watch for the warning signs: water draining slowly from sinks and baths, gurgling noises, unpleasant smells outside, or a gully that fills up during rain. While you are preparing the house for winter, look up as well as down. Check the roof for missing, slipped or cracked tiles after the summer, as a damaged roof combined with overflowing gutters can send water where it shouldn’t go during the first big storm.