When it comes to your business, first impressions really do count. A well-maintained and looked after building says a lot about the business inside; if your commercial property looks clean, well-kept and attractive, it will stand out miles above other properties in the area and attract more people to your business.

Fortunately, you don’t have to carry out a complete makeover in order to improve the appearance of your building. In fact, just a few simple updates and quick fixes can instantly improve the kerb appeal of your property and make it look more attractive. A building that is clean, presentable and well-kept will impress customers and clients, attract potential employees and enhance your branding and company image.

Whether you’re a small business or a large office block, the appearance of your building should be an important consideration. Below, we share our top tips for enhancing the kerb appeal of your commercial building and why it’s so important.

Why should I pay attention to kerb appeal?

No matter what type of industry you operate in, the kerb appeal of your commercial property should be taken seriously from the start. The front of your building is the first thing a prospective client, customer or employee sees from the street. An aesthetically unappealing building can instantly put people off your business; it can give your company a bad reputation and make you look unprofessional.

For these reasons, maintaining and looking after your commercial building is very important. Whether it’s removing graffiti from the walls, adding some small touches or hiring a professional window cleaner, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your property looking its best.

However, it’s not just about looks. A well-maintained building is much less likely to have structural issues and if there are any issues, you’re more likely to catch them early if you regularly inspect and take care of your building. Exterior cladding can protect the structure of your premises, whereas removing moss and algae can protect your property from mould and damp.

Improving the kerb appeal of your commercial property

Hire commercial window cleaners

Dirty, stained windows are not only unattractive from the outside, but they look horrible from inside the building too. If the windows in your building are looking a bit grubby or you sometimes struggle to see clearly out of them, it’s time to find a reliable commercial window cleaner. With the right products, equipment and tools, a commercial window cleaner can get your windows sparkling in no time at all - and you may find yourself surprised by just how much of a difference this can make to the overall aesthetic of your building.

Dirty, grubby windows can indicate that your building is not well looked after and will likely make prospective clients and employees worry about whether other parts of the building have been neglected too.

Remove graffiti and gum

If your building has become a blank canvas for graffiti artists, it’s time to get that graffiti removed. Graffiti can bring down the aesthetic of your building, making your business look unprofessional and your building neglected. Find a reliable company that offers graffiti removal as a service. This will refresh your building and make it look more professional.

However, don’t just stop there - getting rid of chewing gum and clumps of moss and algae will lift the aesthetic of your building and make it look more professional too. After all, who wants to work in a building (or do business in a building) that is covered in graffiti, chewing gum and algae? Potential customers and clients will be far more likely to give your business a try if it looks appealing from the street.

Pressure washing your building will remove any buildup of pollution and dirt that has settled on the brickwork and surface of your property. You may be surprised by just how much brighter your building looks after a professional pressure wash.

Update your signage

If your signage looks a little worse for wear, the colours have faded or it’s simply outdated, it’s time for an update. Grubby signs and faded lettering can bring down the aesthetic of your building, putting off clients and customers. A bright new sign with a pop of colour can instantly bring your building to life, making it stand out from the street and demonstrating to customers that you’re a modern, up-to-date and trendy business - three things that many people look for. Bright new signage will remind everyone that you’re there and encourage people to check out your business.

Pay attention to the landscape

Don’t forget to pay attention to the landscape of your building too. Depending on the surroundings, there are plenty of things you can do to keep the landscape in top condition. If you have a lawn or there is grass around the building, make sure it is regularly mowed and well-kept. Luscious green grass that is trimmed and looked after looks much better than overgrown, dry patches. Adding some flowers can also brighten the space and make it look more inviting, whether it’s colourful flower beds or classic hanging baskets at the entrance to your building.

Alternatively, investing in block paving cleaning will get your property looking as good as new in no time at all. Scrubbing up the paving around your property will instantly brighten and lift the aesthetic, making your building look well looked after and presentable.

Keep on top of maintenance

To keep your building looking good all year round, it’s important to keep on top of maintenance. Your building can quickly start to look tired if it’s not given the correct care and maintenance, and a tired building can put customers and clients off. When the paintwork starts to fade or flake, give your property a fresh coat of paint to brighten it. If you notice any signs of rot, damp or damage, pay attention to them right away; ignoring these issues can quickly lead to structural issues and costly repairs.

In fact, it’s a good idea to regularly inspect your building for any issues or signs of damage. The quicker you address a problem, the less it will cost you in terms of both hassle and money. Always keep a reliable company on hand that offers the services you need, such as window cleaning, graffiti and chewing gum removal, exterior cladding, block pave cleaning and more.

Surface Cleaning with Drainage Consultants Ltd

At Drainage Consultants, we offer a wide variety of surface cleaning services at competitive prices, including chewing gum removal, graffiti removal, exterior cladding and building cleaning, window cleaning, block paving cleaning, algae and moss removal and descaling. Our experienced, skilled and qualified team are happy to deal with tasks which are too big, hazardous or time consuming for your usual cleaning and maintenance regimes.

We can accommodate you with programmed visits to keep your building in top condition, and we’re proud to offer a 24 hour service which can be booked in advance. In many cases, our trained staff can perform your building exterior wash down and clean service from ground level, minimising the risk of health and safety.

For more information about our range of services, visit our website today.

It’s common knowledge that we shouldn’t put any old thing down the drains in our homes or at work. However, particularly damaging for drainage systems and sewers are fats, oils and greases. Our drainage consultants explain the impact these materials have on your drains and the sewer system.

Types of Fats, Oil and Grease

The food products which pose the greatest threat to your drainage system and the shared sewer infrastructure include and fats and greases. Things like butter, cooking oil, scraps of meat, lard and grease are the biggest culprits.

How The Impact Sewage Infrastructure

If you flush these materials down your sinks, toilets and drains they can cause significant damage to the sewage system and cause blockages. Down below in the sewer, these materials will cool down and stick onto the walls of the pipes where they’re incredibly hard to access and clean. As more of this material makes its way down into the system, it continues to harden and will eventually cause a complete blockage.

The Damage Caused

Once a blockage like the one describes above occurs, it can result in significant damage. Raw sewage can end up overflowing or even backing up into your home again. If sewage overflows into your home, a public park, a river or a lake, the environmental damage can be dramatic and can cause illness and impact the local biodiversity.

Fatbergs

Fatbergs are the extreme culmination of putting too much fat and oil down a drain. These huge masses of hardened fat can cause serious damage to sewage systems. In 2019, an 84-meter fatberg was found in a Liverpool sewer. It was longer than a passenger plane and weighed more than 13 African elephants.

Looking For Expert Drain Consultants in Stockport? Contact Drainage Consultants Limited

Have you been searching for drain consultants who can help you with your required drainage work? If so, contact us today. We’re professionals with extensive experience and an excellent track record for customer service.

To find out more about our services, please feel free to contact us today. You can find us at Drainage Consultants Ltd, Clearwater House, Unit 20a, Newby Road Industrial Estate, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 5DA. Alternatively, call us on 08000 654 111 or email us at enquiries@drainageconsultantsltd.co.uk.

It’s important to keep your drains clean and well-maintained all year round. However, like many things in your home, maintenance becomes more important during the winter. Here, we provide you with some tips on how to manage your drain maintenance during winter.

Drain Maintenance During Winter

Unblock Outside Drains

After the autumn, all of the leaves from the trees in your garden will have fallen onto the floor. Unfortunately, many of them will have also made their way into your drains! Once the trees are bare and winter has begun to set in, you should check the drains outside your home and have them properly cleared.

Be Particularly Wary Of Fat and Oil

Although you should never put fat, grease or oil down your drain, it’s even more important not to do so during winter. This is because the fat will set and harden quicker when it’s cold. This means that blockages will form with less notice.

Pour Boiling Water Down The Sink Every So Often

With this in mind, it’s worth considering pouring boiling water and some drain unblocker down the plug holes every couple of weeks. Even the most careful homeowner will forget that there was some butter still on a plate when washing up, so it’s better to be safe rather than sorry.

Be Prepared To Unblock Your Shower and Bath More Often

During the winter, it’s likely that you’ll be using your shower and bath on a more regular basis. With that in mind, a simple solution is to be prepared to unblock it on a more regular basis. You can do this with a home solution or a shop-bought unblocker, but try and get into the habit of doing it on a more regular basis.

Do You Require Drain Maintenance in Stockport? Contact Drain Consultants Ltd

Here at Drainage Consultants Ltd, we provide expert drain maintenance and cleaning services in Stockport. From drain lining and drain repair to CCTV drain surveys, we can ensure that the drains you manage are kept in excellent condition.

To find out more about our services, please feel free to contact us today. You can find us at Drainage Consultants Ltd, Clearwater House, Unit 20a, Newby Road Industrial Estate, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 5DA. Alternatively, call us on 08000 654 111 or email us at enquiries@drainageconsultantsltd.co.uk.

London has a long and rich history of being at the forefront of invention and engineering. As one of the major world cities, it has had to cope with the pressures of growing populations for centuries. One of the less glamorous ways London has had to adapt is through its sewer line installations. Right now under the city, one of the largest ever sewage projects in the world is taking place.

The First Major Sewer In London

Before we get into the sewer which is currently under construction, it’s worth looking into Joseph Bazalgette’s Victorian sewer system which is still being used today. In the mid-1800s, the streets of London were overrun with human waste as local cesspits overflowed and the river Fleet and Tyburn had become open sewers. The engineer created 1,000 miles of drains under the city which solved the issue and made the city more hygienic. However, it was only designed for around 2 million people. As we know now, the population of London would explode over the coming century and a half.

The Thames Tideway Scheme

The Thames Tideway Scheme is an evolution of the current sewage system in London. The system will run underneath the tidal section of the River Thames to store all of the raw sewage and rainwater which is currently overflowing into the river and causing damage. This sewer will be an astonishing 16 miles long and is billed to be completed in 2024. Started in 2014, the Thames Tideway is the UK’s largest-ever water infrastructure project.

Sewer Line Installation Services In Stockport From Drainage Consultants Ltd

If you require sewer line installation services, drain maintenance work and drain surveys, Drainage Consultants can help. We’re experts in the industry and have extensive experience working on a wide range of drainage projects.

To find out more about our services, please feel free to contact us today. You can find us at Drainage Consultants Ltd, Clearwater House, Unit 20a, Newby Road Industrial Estate, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 5DA. Alternatively, call us on 08000 654 111 or email us at enquiries@drainageconsultantsltd.co.uk.

When it comes to your home, it’s important that your drains are correctly maintained to keep your property sanitary and safe. We rely on our drains every single day; they carry all of the wastewater from our house to the sewage lines and connect the plumbing fixtures in our properties to sewers. We also rely on our drainage systems for small activities that we probably don’t even think about, from having a shower first thing in the morning to brushing our teeth at night.

Drainage and sewage systems are hidden underground and therefore it can be difficult to tell if there is a problem until, sometimes, it’s too late. A blockage in your drain pipe can be catastrophic, causing a significant amount of damage and leading to costly repairs. It may not be until water is backing up out of your sink or toilet that you’re even aware there is an issue.

Fortunately, there are a few telling signs you can keep an eye out for that indication there is a problem with your drains. Drainage issues should never be ignored, not only to save you money and reduce damage, but also for your health, too. The smallest leak can damage ceilings, pipes and walls and lead to the growth of mould. A faulty drain system can lead to stagnant water pooling outside your property; this can affect the quality of your lawn and attract insects and other pests.

Below, we take a look at six warning signs you need to hire professional drainage contractors, to keep your property and drains in tip top condition.

Slow-flowing water

Slow-flowing water is a common drain issue. However, people often ignore this issue thinking it will disappear on its own. Unfortunately, this is not the case and you should always pay attention to slow draining. Keep an eye on your sinks, baths and toilet for any signs of slow draining. You may notice that water is taking a particularly long time to go down the plughole or that water is even backing up into your sink, toilet or bath.

Poor flow rates and slow draining is an indication that your pipes have narrowed or a blockage has occurred. If you notice a blockage or broken pipe causing slow-flowing water, you should get it seen to immediately. When left untreated, a blocked or broken pipe could lead to severe water damage in your home. Instead, contact a professional drain contractor that uses advanced methods to detect leaks and blockages, such as a CCTV drain survey.

Unpleasant smells from your drains

Foul smells emanating from drains are hard to ignore. A bad drain smell is a sign that something is not functioning quite the way it should and should never be ignored. Bad odours coming from your drains are usually a clear indication that there is some type of blockage in your drain where stagnant water and decomposing solids have gathered.

If you have a blocked drain, you may be able to smell it in kitchen sinks, toilets, baths or shower drains. Kitchen and bathroom drains generally tend to bear the brunt when it comes to drainage problems. This is because they’re prone to buildups of food waste, hair and cooking grease.

If a bad smell lingers even after you’ve used drain unblocker products, it’s time to get in touch with the professionals. Again, a reliable drain company can carry out a CCTV drain inspection to get to the root of the problem.

Low water pressure from taps

Good water pressure ensures your drains flush through wastewater effectively and therefore it’s important to pay attention if you notice low water pressure from your taps. If there is minimal water pressure running from your taps, your pipes may be clogged or blocked. Keep an eye on your taps and shower - if they only produce a small trickle of water or the water pressure is significantly less than what it used to be, it’s time to get in touch with a professional.

You may also notice that your toilet isn’t flushing as effectively. Again, this is a sign that your water pressure is low and you need the assistance of a professional drain company. In some cases, low water pressure can be a sign of a far more serious problem, such as a broken drain pipe which can lead to drain collapse or overflow.

Waterlogged lawn or plants growing near sewer line

If you’ve noticed pools of water outside your house, you could have a serious issue on your hands. You may find that your lawn has suddenly become waterlogged or there are plants growing near the sewer line. Leaking pools of water can cause structural damage and put your health at risk, which is why it’s important to get your drains inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

Waterlogged lawns or plants growing near the sewer line is a sign of a severe blockage. This blockage is likely hindering your drain's effective function, leading to leaks and pools of water outside your property (and sometimes inside, too). Take the time to regularly inspect the outside of your property, keeping an eye out for pools of stagnant water.

If you do notice any issues, get in touch with a professional right away. The longer you leave a drainage problem, the more severe it will come.

Unusual sounds

Another indication of a drainage emergency is strange sounds coming from your pipes. If you’ve noticed a gurgling or crackling sound coming from your drains, plug holes or toilet flush, there may be trapped air in your pipes. Trapped air is most often caused by a build-up of debris in your drains, such as food or grease. As the drain attempts to retain its normal running, it pushes water and air around the blockages which results in the unusual gurgling sounds you can hear coming from your pipes.

Strange noises emanating from your pipes is usually an indication that your pipes have narrowed or become blocked, which again requires the assistance of a professional.

High energy bills

You may have noticed a sudden spike in the cost of your energy bills. If your bills are much higher than they used to be, your drains could be leaking somewhere, causing you to waste a lot of water and money. Continuous running water from a toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day which is why it’s crucial to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.

Leaks in your home can be diagnosed using a number of different methods, such as dye testing or a CCTV drain survey. It’s important to ensure you have an experienced, reliable and reputable drain company on hand to assist you with any drainage issues you have.

With over 20 years of experience, the skilled team at Drainage Consultants Ltd can assist you with all of your drainage needs. We offer a wide range of services including drain repairs, drainage investigation, CCTV drain surveys and drain tracing for both domestic and commercial markets.

Our drainage specialists offer a 24 hour service to customers up and down the country, ensuring homes and businesses are safe from drainage problems. Whether you need sewer repair or you’re in need of drain clearance, our drain experts have got you covered. We always work hard to resolve your issue quickly, efficiently and to the highest possible standard.

For more information about our services, visit our website.

If you’re buying a new home, it may feel like your to-do list is never-ending. From finding the right property and completing endless piles of paperwork to packing up your current home, putting it on the market and sourcing a reliable removals team, you’ve likely got a lot on your plate. As much as it is exciting, buying a new home can also be overwhelming and stressful.

Unfortunately, if you want to successfully buy a house and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible, you’re going to have to work your way through the big house move checklist. One often forgotten consideration when choosing a new property is the condition of the drainage system - but it’s important this makes its way onto your list too.

While you’re likely looking for ways to save money where possible (after all, buying a home is an expensive process), you should never skip a drain survey. Your home is most likely your biggest investment - when you’re investing hundreds of thousands of pounds in a property, it makes sense to find out as much about the property as possible beforehand, and this includes the drains.

The last thing you want is any nasty surprises from your drainage system when you move into your new home, such as backed-up sewage, tree root ingress or collapsed pipes. If these problems go unnoticed, you’ll quickly have a few serious (and costly) issues on your hands.

Below, we take a look at the importance of getting a drain survey before you move into a property. It’s important to note that a Homebuyers Report does not cover the drains; building surveyors don’t carry the equipment for in-depth drainage surveys.

What is a drain survey?

A pre-purchase drain survey (also known as a homebuyer drain survey) will help you avoid any nasty drainage surprises down the line. A pre-purchase drain survey may uncover the follow problems within your drainage system:

• Collapsed drains
• Blockages
• Leaks
• Cracked or broken drains
• Displaced joints
• Root ingress
• Incorrect installation
• Pipe scale
• Fractured gullies

A pre-purchase drain surveyor uses specialist equipment to identify any defects quickly and efficiently. Getting a homebuyers drain survey could potentially save you thousands of money in the long run, so it’s well worth doing.

What happens during a drain survey?

During a drain survey, a specially trained professional will visit your property and insert a CCTV camera into the relevant drain. Any blockages, cracks or other types of damage can be easily detected highlighted this way.

Once a survey has been completed, you’ll receive a CCTV drain survey, drain mapping and a full report. A reputable drain company will also give you all of the information you need regarding who is responsible for different parts of the drain or sewer. Many people don’t even know where their drains go; a survey will tell you which drains are yours and which belong to the water authority.

Following the survey, the appropriate plans can then be put in place to fix any issues that have been detected. This may be done through repairs or drain jetting. A pre-purchase drain survey is not necessarily about defects that cause the drain to block; it can focus more on water loss near the foundations.

A CCTV drain survey not only provides a condition report of all underground drains, it also assesses all aspects of a property’s drainage. The condition of all manholes, lids, gullies, downpipes and overflow pipes above-ground will also be included in the report. This ensures any hidden problems or concerns are identified before you move into your new home.

Do I need a pre-purchase drain survey?

Drain repairs can be expensive and therefore many mortgage providers require buyers to perform a homebuyer drain survey before they are given the funds to purchase a property. Even if your mortgage provider does not require you to get a homebuyer drain survey, it’s always best to get one to save money and hassle in the long run.

If you discover drain problems after you have purchased the property, you may find it difficult to find an insurer that will pay for the remedial work. However, a homebuyers drain survey will eliminate this issue - if any problems are identified in the homebuyers drain survey, it may be possible to take the cost of the repair off the property purchase price.

Required for all properties

Homebuyers drain surveys are beneficial for all properties. Whether you’re interested in buying an older house or you’d like to move into a new build, a drain survey is crucial for all homebuyers. Even the newest properties may have badly laid drainage or underlying issues that can only be detected by an experienced drain specialist.

If your report shows no problems or defects, this is great news and you’ve got the green light to go ahead with the purchase. If any defects or issues are identified, these can be fixed and repaired by professionals. You may even find that issues with the drains are covered by the current seller’s house insurance.

Peace of mind

Getting a CCTV drain survey will give you confidence and peace of mind that you can purchase a property with no worries about what lies beneath it. The homebuyer drain survey satisfies all parties, including solicitors, for water searches. Drain surveys remain valid for five years, so if you buy a property and decide you want to sell it again a few years later, your homebuyer drain survey can be included as part of your seller’s pack, meaning it retains its value.

When purchasing a property, the seller may say there are no issues with the drains. While this may be true, it’s always worth getting a drain survey for your peace of mind. Defects in the drain may not reveal themselves when a couple is living in the house; however, when a family of five moves in, blockages and other drain problems may soon rear their heads. To avoid any problems and ensure the drainage system is in good condition, it's always better to get a drain survey.

Drainage Consultants Ltd: expert CCTV drain surveys

At Drainage Consultants Ltd, we understand drain issues can cause significant damage if they’re not dealt with quickly and efficiently. Our professional CCTV drain surveys can identify the issue in no time at all, offering you quick results with minimal disruption.

Our surveys are performed by members of our expert drain team and carried out using high tech drain inspection cameras to identify and diagnose the issue. Once we’ve identified any issues, we’ll use our expert knowledge and experience to solve your drain issues safely and efficiently.

Using a drain inspection camera is far more environmentally friendly and convenient than taking the entire drain apart. Our drain survey will:

• Provide a timely and cost effective drain mapping service detailing the extent of pipework, diagnosing and detecting issues

• Allow accurate assessments of conditions in areas with problematic access

• Be carried out by a fully NRSWA accredited drainage specialist who will give you the necessary information for your ISO-14001 family environmental certification

• Give you assurance that your drainage systems are providing the chemical recapture and pollution control you need

For more information about our drain services, visit our website today.

At one point or another, a plumber may have carried out a domestic dye test in your property. Dye tests are used by plumbers and drainage management companies to detect leaks and check for flow and continuity of pipes and drainage systems. A coloured liquid (or a powder dissolved in liquid) is dispersed into a water flow and traced along its course.

Each year, households all across the UK lose thousands of gallons of water in leaks. Doing a plumbing dye test periodically can ensure your plumbing system is working efficiently and help to detect any hidden toilet leaks. Below, we take a look at basic dye testing and how it can help to detect leaks in your home.

How is a dye test carried out?

A dye test is a simple and straightforward procedure. A professional will remove the lid of your toilet tank and examine the tank’s water level, checking whether it meets the water line. The plumber will then put a powdery dye into the tank.

After around 15 minutes, the professional will check for any colour in the bowl. If there is colour - even the tiniest amount - you have a leak on your hands. No matter how small a leak is, it can quickly grow into a bigger problem and therefore it should never be ignored.

What are tracing dyes used for?

Dye tests can be used for a number of issues:

Check water flow

Tracing dyes can be dispersed into a water flow or system of pipes. This area is then observed by professionals for leaks, as well as the speed and direction of flow.

Detect leaks

Dye tests can also be used to detect defects, leaks and breakages in drainage pipes. Locating leaky pipes can be difficult, especially if the pipes are hidden, however tracing dyes can help make detecting leaks quick and efficient.

Natural water flow analysis

Tracing dyes are used in the analysis of natural water flows, such as lakes, rivers, streams and seas. They can be used to monitor the direction and speed of flow and detect illegal tributaries.

Drainage Consultants Ltd is a one-stop shop for all of your drainage needs. As a specialised contractor, we offer a wide range of services, including drain repairs, drain mapping, drainage investigation, drain tracing, public sewer connections, CCTV drain surveys and water supply works for both domestic and commercial clients. For more information, visit our website.

You may be surprised to learn that hot weather can be bad for your drains. With summer now here and the temperatures outside getting warmer by the day, it’s important to give you drains some extra TLC. We typically associate drain problems with the colder months; autumn leaves can clog drains and heavy rainfall over the winter months can cause damage and blockages.

However, it’s not just bad weather and cold months that can leave our drains in bad condition. Hot weather can damage your drains and cause problems too, which is why it’s important to make sure you look after them all year round.

Below, we’ve put together our top tips for looking after your drains during the hot weather along with a few maintenance tricks to stay on top of your drains.

Avoid blockages

During the summer months, the weather is obviously a lot hotter. While this is perfect for enjoying time on the beach and eating dinner in the garden, it’s not so good for our drains. When the weather starts to heat up, your drains can start to smell  - suddenly, the idea of eating dinner in your garden may not be so appealing.

At one point another, you’ve probably encountered smelly drains; they’re far from pleasant. One of the top ways to prevent your drains from smelling when the weather is hot is to prevent blockages from occurring in the first place. This means being mindful of what you put down the toilet (only toilet paper) and making sure only water goes down your sinks.

In addition, it’s important to ensure you have the correct underground drainage system in place. It’s worth contacting a professional to inspect your drainage system and ensure everything is in good working condition.

Keep an eye out for cracked pipes

A lot of our external draining pipes are made of plastic. While using plastic pipes does boast a whole range of benefits (for example, they’re less expensive and won’t rust), they can fracture and crack in hot weather. When plastic pipes are exposed to long spells of intense heat and UV light, they can become brittle and split.

While there is little you can do to prevent a pipe from cracking, it’s something that you should always keep in mind when the weather is hot outside. When the weather is hot outside, this is the perfect opportunity to carry out some repairs and complete some general maintenance - so use this time wisely.

Monitor your drains

Often, summer means lots of trips to the beach and long sunny spells. One of the best things you can do for your pipes and drains during this time is keep your drains clear. In the hot weather, there’s often a lot of dust floating around and we often return home with sandy feet and bodies. Make sure none of this makes its way down into your pipes and drains.

When it doesn’t rain for a long period of time and you experience a sudden heavy downpour, the amount of mud and dirt that can end up getting washed into your drains is surprising. Always clean out your drains after heavy downpours of summer rain, removing any dried leaves or clumps of moss.

Carry out these general maintenance tips

Turn your water off when away

Whether you’re jetting off on a luxurious holiday or you’re simply going to be away from home for a week or two, turning off your water supply is a good idea. The last thing you want is to return from a holiday to find your pipes or drains leaking. Turning your main water supply off before you leave will only take a few minutes, but it could save you a lot of hassle and a whole lot of money on repairs.

Run some basic checks

Just before the hot weather sets in, take the time to run some basic maintenance checks. Make sure all taps in your home are functioning correctly and check for any cracked pipes (unfortunately, the cold winter weather can also lead to cracks and splits too). If you spot damp, mouldy or mossy areas near your pipes, this could indicate a leak, so make sure you check for this too.

To check the inside and outside water lines, turn each line on and off one at a time and listen out for any unusual sounds and noises. Finally, make sure your toilet is in top working condition. You can check for leaks by dropping some food colouring into the water tank. If you notice the food colouring seeping into the toilet bowl after a few minutes, you have a leak on your hands.

Clean, clean, clean

It’s important to ensure your pipes, gutters and drains are clean all year round, but now is the perfect time to give them some extra TLC before summer sets in. If you leave debris such as leaves, twigs and dirt, it can rot and decay, further clogging your drain pipes. When you regularly check your drains, you can act quickly if you do notice an issue. This will save you lots of hassle and damage down the line.

When keeping your drain pipes clean, don’t forget to pay extra attention to your bath and shower sinks too. Hair, shampoo and shower gel can quickly congeal into blockages that need to be removed to prevent any issues. Clear your pipes regularly and stay on top of maintenance.

Eliminate any worries with a CCTV drain survey

When it comes to your drains, it’s always better to be safer than sorry. Ignoring one small issue can quickly lead to a whole myriad of different problems. Getting a professional CCTV drain survey can eliminate any worries and identify any problems with your drains - big or small.

CCTV surveys will identify drainage problems quickly and efficiently without any major disruption. A drain survey is an in-depth inspection of your drainage system using high-tech CCTV cameras which are inserted into your drains. They give your drainage engineer a good view into your drains so that they can identify any issues and provide the correct treatments and solutions.

Drainage Consultants Ltd

Here at Drainage Consultants, we provide a range of drainage services to a variety of commercial and industrial clients nationwide. Our experienced and qualified team carry out a range of drain services, including drain unblocking, emergency repairs and replacements, CCTV drain surveys, maintenance and more.

If you’ve got a drainage problem, you needn’t look further than us. With over 20 years of experience, Drainage Consultants Ltd offer a 24 hour service to customers up and down the country, ensuring homes and businesses are safe from drainage problems. Whether you’re in need of a sewer repair or a drain clearance, our experts have got you covered with our reliable and professional services.

We’re proud to be on call any time of the day or night to resolve your issue quickly and efficiently and to the highest standard possible. All of our drainage contractors have completed the relevant training. As a result, we ensure safety, efficiency and quality is always prioritised when completing a job. Our draining division specialises in all aspects of drainage work.

For more information about our services, please visit our website.

Sewer clearance is a crucial part of your home’s plumbing and waste disposal system. Every property owner should know where the sewer cleanout is located, and landlords should make sure that their tenants are aware of the location of the sewer cleanout too.

The sewer cleanout is a pipe with a cap that offers access to the sewer line so that blockages can be removed. The lateral sewer line is the sewer line that links your home to the public sewer system.

The sewer cleanout is often located somewhere along the lateral sewer line. If you have a clog in the lateral sewer line or your sewer cleanout needs to be emptied, the responsibility and cost for doing so fall to you as the homeowner.

The public sewer system that is maintained by your local municipality also has sewer cleanouts, although they are bigger, which is located along with the municipal sewer system. The city is responsible for clearing and removing blockages from the lines.

Sewer cleanouts might be located at several points along the lateral sewer line. frequently there is a cleanout near the home itself, or near the property line, or both. Sometimes a sewer cleanout is located inside the basement of the home so that homeowners can get to it without too much hassle.

It is crucial to know where the sewer clearance is located so that you can get to it quickly if there is a problem. You should try to keep the area around the sewer cleanout clear so that it can be accessed easily.

What is the solution?

A blockage in the sewer line can cause sewage to back up inside the home, so, with this in mind, the capability to quickly respond to a sewer blockage is quite important to anyone who doesn’t want smelly sewage inside their house.

The cap on your sewer cleanout can be removed one of two ways. Some caps can be removed by hand by simply twisting the cap. Other sewer cleanout caps need to be taken out using a wrench.

Once the cap is taken off, the sewer cleanout can be cleared of blockages by using a plumbing snake or an auger. An auger is basically an extended cable. The end of the auger is inserted into the sewer cleanout, and the cable is pushed through the sewer lines to remove blockages.

If you think you have a sewer line blockage, you can have the sewer line inspected by a plumber using video inspection services. In this case, the plumber uses a video camera that is pushed through the line to provide visual evidence of the circumstances of the sewer line and the location and nature of any blocks.

If a clog is discovered, hydro jetting can be used to clear it out. A hydro jet is a high pressure water jet, similar to a pressure washer, that forces water through the line to clear out clogs.

If you believe that you have a sewer line blockage, first turn off your water supply and stop using your plumbing fixtures immediately. Then check your sewer cleanout for any signs of blockage. Remove any blockage that you can see. Then call a professional plumber for assistance. Please get in touch with us to find out more.

The drain relining process attempts to repair the drain pipes by curing them of the inside using a special resin. The resin cures with time in order to form strong piping around the original pipe itself. The resin is the key to curing the pipe with this method. Drain relining is one of the most effective methods of fixing breaks and leaks in your sewer and stormwater drainage system. Pipe relining is a trenchless technology because little to no digging is involved in throughout the process. That’s why drain relining is much less intensive and would save you money compared to the traditional “dig and replace” repair method.

The Initial Inspection Process

Basically, relining fit a protective layer to the inside of your drains, forming a reinforced coating that protects against cracks and other damages. The process should begin with a thorough inspection of the drains, preferably using CCTV survey technology, to determine the location and extent of any damage, before the pipes are fully flushed out using high powered water jets. This stage is important, as it is crucial for the internal wall of the drains to have a clean and even surface for the lining to attach itself to. It is also a great idea to monitor the drains with CCTV throughout the relining process to make sure that all is running as it should be.

The Benefits Of Drain Relining

Drain relining is economical and cost-effective compared to more other methods. You will save money, time, and the hassle of repaving the driveway or rebuilding the retaining wall. You won’t have to restore the landscape like when you use the traditional dig and replace method to fix a broken drain pipe. Drain relining is quick and can be done in one day. The disruption is minimal compared to digging and replacing. A reliable plumbing company will carry out the project without all the mess and noise of excavation.

Relined pipes are much stronger than PVC pipes. It will get rid of tree root penetration and prolong the lifespan of the sewer system. The process has a life expectancy of at least 50 years. The system will arrest internal corrosion of pipes. It will help improve the quality of water and potability. Relined pipes can also comfortably withstand mains pressure. That’s why you need to consult with a professional and experienced plumbing company to reline the pipes in your sewage system.

At Drainage Consultants, we invest much of our time and money into our drain relining and drain repair services. As a major part of our business model, we always endeavour to ensure that we can provide our clients with the very best service. To find out more, please visit our website or get in touch.

Trees use their roots to give stability and accumulate water and nutrients. The various types of tree root systems vary from shallow to deep, wide to narrow. Some have huge taproots and tiny peripheral root growth. Some conifers have lots of root masses that spread far out from the base of the tree. These types of trees have deep spreading roots and surface feeder roots. Feeder roots branch and send out smaller growths to capture every bit of water and food for the plant. Surface roots that grow large can break the surface of the soil and cause these so-called tree root problems and this is what we are going to discuss in this blog.

Tree maintenance issues and safety are two key root problems. Large root structures stop mowing and other activities and may pose a walking hazard. Roots disintegrate and crumble cement and concrete and may even damage building foundations if the plant is too close to a building.

One of the most common tree root problems is an introduction into plumbing or sewer systems. Invasive tree roots are seeking nutrients and water and such pipes draw them in for growth. Once inside the pipes, they cause leaks and plug up the line. This addresses a costly and extensive repair that most homeowners would like to avoid.

Problem Tree Roots

Controlling invasive roots naturally will lead to repair costs which add up. The wise homeowner should learn how to control invasive roots to avoid and minimize these problems. Tree removal is often a solution for preventing the continued growth of roots. Freshly cut stumps treated right away with glyphosate will usually kill the roots.

If you cannot afford stump grinding, drill holes in the stump and cover it with soil or fill them with a stump decay accelerator. Install a root barrier around young trees at a depth of 18 to 24 inches in a trench around the root zone. Also, the best method to prevent tree root problems is prevention and proper tree selection and location.

The roots of trees and shrubs can cause considerable difficulties when it comes to drains. At Drainage Consultants, we have the experience and the expertise to ensure that we address the issue effectively. We use appropriate cutting techniques to prevent roots from causing continued damage. To find out how we can help you further, please get in touch with us today.

The build-up of fat and grease in our drains is a very common issue, causing blockages for many of us all over the country every year. Having to figure out how to remove the build-up of fat in the drain can be a very frustrating task, as it is often tricky to remove, nevertheless, it is not impossible.

When fat and grease block a drain, it can cause an overflow of water where the passage becomes blocked up. With a drain blocked by fat as well as grease, it can start to become foul-smelling and unsanitary. Here in this blog, we outline some common FAQs about fat build up the drain.

Where does it come from?

The simplest way to prevent fat build-up in your drains is to know where it originates from. Grease, oil and fat are frequent by-products of a vast number of foods. For example, meats, scraps, dairy, rice and more. The best thing to do is to prevent food from going down your sink or into your sink’s water at all costs - dispose of it straight away or use a drain cover.

Where does it accumulate?

The pipes that will build up the simplest are those that are linked directly to the kitchen sink. Fat, oil and grease can flow easily down the sink within the water, but as the pipe begins to lose temperature and becomes cool, the fat can solidify, in turn, causing a blockage. The more fat, oil or grease that is making its way down the sink, the more possible a severe blockage is going to happen, stopping all water from flowing through and triggering overflows.

How do I remove it?

A drain that has been completely clogged by fat or grease can be a very difficult task to remove. You can store buy cleaning materials that claim to remove fat and grease from a clogged drain. These work by penetrating the grease and forcing it to move to push down the drain.

Often shop-bought cleaners can work well, you can also make a homemade cleaner that will work just as well. The most impactful cleaner to make at home is a mixture of half hot water and half vinegar. You can also pour boiling hot water down your drain as this will often help to soften the fat and grease within your drains, helping it to move down the pipes.

If a drain does become blocked with fat or another thick liquid, our specialists at Drainage Consultants can sort it out. Fat reduction is not hard for us to perform because we have the necessary solutions to hand. If you require emergency drain cleansing, do not hesitate to contact us. Once we have dealt with the issue, we can discuss how best to prevent a recurrence of the problem in the future.

Drain maintenance is not only required within domestic settings but in commercial locations too. Whereas in the home drains are designed to cope with family-sized amounts of waste, in commercial locations this needs to be done on a mass scale. From installing new drainage systems into homes to keep hotels running smoothly, drainage professionals are essential.

In this blog, we explain four commercial industries that require the help of drainage professionals.

Hospitality

The hospitality industry is made up of restaurants, hotels, catering and much more, providing services and experiences to those who walk through the doors. However, this sector is one of the most reliant on drainage specialists and the drains within these premises are expected to cope with high traffic. From food and grease being poured down the sink to blocked showers in hotel rooms, regular maintenance is required to keep everything running smoothly and ensure customers are satisfied.

Transport

Did you know that poor drainage can affect railway networks and other forms of transport? Railways tracks, as well as all major and minor roads, require proper drainage maintenance to prevent flooding and road quality. These areas should be regularly checked to keep passengers and employees safe, limit delays and generally maintain transport routes. Hiring a professional team means issues can be identified before they progress into something more complicated and cause traffic disruptions.

Construction

If you’re part of a commercial building project one thing you need to think about is the drainage system. Whether you’re building offices, retail stores, homes or a shopping centre, it’s essential that the drainage system you have in place is working well and is appropriate for the desired usage. Experts in this field can assess the system, complete any repairs and maintain it too.

Here at Drainage Consultants, we work across the UK providing professional drainage services for commercial and residential clients. Every day we help a range of industries maintain their drainage systems all over the UK. No job is too big or too small for our professional team. Get in touch today for more information about our services.

Caring for your drains isn’t just about how you use them from the inside but how they are cared for from the outside too. For example, tree roots are notorious for tangling inside drains and affecting your internal fixtures and appliances. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to look after your external drains.

Read on for all you need to know.

Roots

Tree roots are one of the most common causes of drain blockages and this can lead to subsidence problems. Trees and plants are attracted to water sources so it's not uncommon for roots to grow towards drains and within the pipes. If you have plants growing near your drains make sure you keep an eye on them and trim back the roots if needed. Without proper maintenance, roots will completely block the drains and the pressure will crack the pipes which could lead to flooding.

Clearing leaves and debris

Clearing out rubbish, leaves, twigs and debris from your drains will keep them clear and prevent blockages. In the same way you take care of your guttering, removing foreign items from the outside of your drains should be done regularly. When water is unable to pass through this is when problems will start so make sure nothing is getting blocked in this area.

Animals

Your garden is home to a whole range of animals, however, if they decide to make your drain their new home you could experience some problems. It’s a good idea to invest in a drain cover so animals can’t climb into your drain and debris is kept out. When you’re out in the garden keep an eye on your drain and any changes you start to notice around this area.

Here at Drainage Consultants, we work across the UK providing professional drainage services for commercial and residential clients. If you’re experiencing problems with your drainage system our professional will take a look and get things sorted. From root cutting to jetting and leak detection, our team is trained to handle several complaints using hi-tech equipment. Contact us today for more information.

Around the home and in commercial settings, your drainage system isn’t really considered until you experience a problem and even then it’s unlikely that you’d think about how it could be affecting a wider network. However, using your drains in the wrong way can have a big impact on the planet but you can change this.

Read on to learn more about using your drains in the right way.

Blockages

Flushing the wrong kinds of items down your toilet or sink will eventually lead to a blockage. Wipes, sanitary products, foods, nappies and fat are all items that will block up your pipes and even cause mass blockages in other parts of the system. London has become a particularly bad area for this and in early 2019, 23,000 wipes were pulled from the River Thames! Flushing rubbish down your drains means it ends up in rivers and streams, harming animals and not being recycled as they should be.

Wildlife and nature

When you pour something down the drain you probably don’t give it a second thought, however, the sad reality is that this waste is likely to end up within streams, rivers and eventually the ocean. From hair products to skincare items, these chemicals will not completely filter out as they travel through the system as evidence has found traces of dangerous elements in water plants and groundwater. When you think about it like this, animals living in these environments are under threat as well as the plants and flowers soaking up this moisture.

Sanitation

We’ve all walked down the road and seen rubbish on the floor, not only is it unsightly but it's unhygienic. The same can be said for our drains, although they are designed to carry toilet waste and dirty water, we still need to keep them as sanitary as possible so the water that's fed back to us is safe. Using your domestic and commercial drains properly is one way you can contribute to this.

Here at Drainage Consultants, we work across the UK providing professional drainage services for commercial and residential clients. Using the latest equipment and diagnostic tools, our response team will assess and identify problems in your drainage system and find the right solution as quickly as possible. From CCTV surveys to emergency clearance, we can help. Contact us today for more information.

Our bathrooms are a practical necessity and it’s often the room we use first thing in the morning and last thing at night. The start of a new year is also an ideal time for a refresh and your bathroom is a great place to start if you don’t have the time or budget for a full home renovation. Just a few small changes can transform your bathroom and ensure it’s a relaxing and stylish space to enjoy a long bath, get ready in the morning or enjoy some quiet time to yourself.

If your bathroom is looking a little dull or out of date and you’re looking for some inspiration, read on for four of our favourite stylish bathroom trends for 2020.

Statement showers

Turn your shower area into a work of art with bold prints and statement tiles. Statement acrylic panels are a quick and easy way to transform your shower cubicle and they work particularly well in an otherwise monochrome bathroom. If you can’t find a design you like then consider tiling the shower area with brightly coloured tiles or bold geometric prints. 

Black ceramics

A black sink or bathtub adds a refreshing modern twist to an otherwise traditional bathroom and they provide a bold and opulent focal point. Period-style bathrooms are still very popular as they never go out of style but choose black fixtures if you want an effective contemporary update. 

Brass fixtures

Less flashy than gold, brass fixtures and accessories bring an understated elegance to your bathroom. This material is also durable and hardwearing so it won’t scratch or fade over the years. Brushed brass accents work particularly well with darker colours like navy or natural materials like marble or slate. 

Spa touches

Who wouldn’t want to recreate the relaxing atmosphere of a spa in their home? You don’t have to rip out your whole bathroom suite and start again to create this look either, simply add some accessories such as plants, candles and natural elements such as pebbles or a wooden bath tray. Scented candles or incense in scents like lavender, lemongrass, pine and jasmine are another instant way to add to that soothing, spa-like atmosphere. 

Your bathroom might be looking great, but that doesn’t count for much if you’re having drainage problems. Blocked drains, leaky taps or a broken toilet flush can cause a lot of damage if left untreated, as well as being highly inconvenient, so if you’re after professional drainage services for your home, get in touch with the team at Drainage Consultants. We’re proud to offer a wide range of domestic drainage services, including CCTV surveys, drain unblocking and repairs, garden drainage, emergency repairs and much more. For more information or to arrange an appointment, give us a call today or visit our website.

There is certainly no doubt that we have come on leaps and bounds since the early days of sewage systems and how we go about managing our public health and waste. For such a long period of time the parallels between hygiene and health were not established, so with this in mind, life expectancy was extremely limited for many people. We frequently take our drainage systems for granted, however, being able to flush a loo, turn a tap, or have a hot shower without a second’s consideration may be seen as a  luxury after realising the history of the modern drains we have in this day and age.

You may be surprised to know that it is only newfounded  in the course of human history that an effective and operational drain and sewage system was made readily available in the United Kingdom.

Contemporary life may have its share of issues, anxieties, niggles and inconveniences, but when we turn on taps and flush toilets, our drainage systems are trouble-free for the most part. 

With the just the pull of a flush or the twist of a tap, we can have crystal clear water on demand

But this hasn’t always been the case. In fact, drainage has a rather interesting and varied global history; having periods of great innovation, as well as rather long periods where drainage took something of a shift back. So with this in mind, here we take you on a journey through time and through the ages of drainage history! 

The Indus

One of the more advanced drainage systems in the world was made by the people of the Indus Valley, which in modern times occupies northern India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This Bronze Age civilisation, which was in existence in 3300-1300 BC, offered direct link to a common drainage system for all dwellings in major cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. Wastewater was carried out to covered drains along the main streets, establishing a system which in surpasses the drainage available in many contemporary Middle Eastern locations.

Aqueducts

The origins of plumbing systems date all the way back to the early 7th century, though they were very different to what we use now. Ancient drainage systems which were referred to as Aqueducts offered a practical way of carrying drinking water and draining away waste liquid through a complex system. The purpose of aqueducts was to offer cities and agricultural- water. Aqueducts are created from pipes, ditches, canals, tunnels and support structures in order to carry water by gravity from the source to the area that it was distributed. 

The Romans were incredible builders and the huge Roman Towns required a huge water supply to keep the people clean and allow them to have plenty to drink. Rome itself used vast quantities of water. Ten great aqueducts with a length of five hundred kilometres brought the water for the million inhabitants and an average of one thousand litres everyday. Most of the water was used for public baths, for everyday citizens and the private baths for the rich. The water supply and drainage did not go to the top floors of the houses so unclean water as well as waste was emptied from the windows into the street.

Strangers from faraway parts of the Empire always cared for two things above all in the Roman towns: the water supply and the drains. The Romans were highly skilled builders and engineers, they worked in stone, brick and concrete whereas now we use iron and steel as well. The water mains (Aqueduct with aque, meaning water and duct, meaning carry were often ran distances spanning miles from clean water sources away from nearby towns. The water flowed through pipes that very nearly level the pipe would drop 24 feet in every mile. This is because the land dipped sharply the water pipe would be carried on a bridge with many arches, plenty of which still survive in Europe.

The Medieval Era 

During the medieval era, for the average person, water usage for drinking or bathing was basically unheard of. To dispose of waste, they had big gutters or ditches which would have been dug through the streets which channelled into a river. This was not sanitary and you could understand how the water got highly contaminated causing plenty of illness. In time, come 1460, lead piping was laid in some cities. In 1584 water systems were made that brought water to towns and it was stored in cisterns and gallon tanks as public facilities.

The Victorian Problem 

Supplying clean drinking water was a real issue. Parts of London’s water came from shallow wells in the city and had to be delivered by the bucket. More prosperous areas had piped water provided by private water companies, anything from springs in the hills around London or, most risky, from the Thames river itself.

The invention of the flush toilet or the water closet as it was known at the end of the eighteenth century made things much worse. Well-off households that could afford a proper water system could now get rid of a smelly cesspool and simply flush all their waste away and out into the river Thames.

Cholera arrives

There’s a good reason why London led the way in terms of Victorian sewer systems: the smell. In the early 1800s, the Thames was basically an open sewer, which then went on to spread cholera all over the city. By summer, the stench became so unbearable, that in 1858, The Great Stink made anyone with the resources to leave the city to escape the bad smell.

The Great Stink was a huge catalyst for radical change. Parliament gave total responsibility for cleaning up the Thames to the MBW, opting for Bazalgette’s plans, along with the opportunity to borrow £3 million. This was a colossal amount of money, and one which had more than doubled by the end of the project.

The Victorian Underground Systems 

As plenty of us may well realise, throughout the Victorian era, the Thames was nothing more than an open sewer. When London was up against the odour of raw sewage, action was desperately needed in order to develop the underground sewage system in 1858. The vast design was made by Joseph Bazalgatte and a lot of his system is still in place to this very day!  Of course, we don’t necessarily rely on design; in order to deal with the growing population, extensions are continually made to the initial framework of the drain system. His work has been crucial in allowing us to separate drinking and farming water from waste.

Pipes are now made from more durable materials such as copper, brass and plastic. It’s the combination of ancient ideas like aqueducts and underground sewage systems that permits us to use water as we do. Then,  finally we have a system that handles water without it being compromised.The main difference being, we channel the water into our houses rather than public facilities to share it. Water treatment facilities now exist and we also don’t have to depend on gravity to carry the water from its source. Instead, we have high-pressure pumps that we can control.
Here at Drainage Consultants Limited, our drainage specialists offer a 24 hour call out service to customers throughout the country, ensuring that homes and businesses are safe from drainage problems. Whether you’re in need of drain clearance or sewer repair, our drain experts are here your issue quickly, efficiently and to a high standard. All of our drainage contractors have completed the relevant training and as a result, will always prioritise safety, efficiency and quality when working on a job. Our drain maintenance and drain cleaning services are available to both public and private clients. Our specialists are covered for work on public highways, as well as equipped to carry out jobs in private sewers and drains. To find out more about the services we offer, please get in touch with our friendly team.

If you experience a problem with your drainage system then it’s important that you get the experts in. Common services include drain cleaning, repairs and general maintenance but many drainage companies also offer a range of other useful services for in and around your property.

Using a drainage company that offers multiple services is very useful if you have several jobs that need doing at once. Not only will it save a lot of time compared to finding a different team for each job, but it could save you money too.

So, what other services could you expect from a drainage company? Read on for all you need to know.

What can a drainage specialist help with?

When problems that occur in your home or business, whether they’re directly related to your drains or not, it’s important that you find an experienced team who can help. You never know when an emergency situation could arise and drainage consultants can help.

Here we explain some of the additional services that a drainage company may offer.

Root removal

When roots and shrubs grow close to your drains they often cause problems with your drainage system. Although your garden may look perfectly alright above ground, below ground, the root system could be causing serious issues. Since roots are attracted to water, it’s not uncommon for plants to use your drains as a water source and this can result in blockages and more complicated issues in the system.

Usually, the best course of action is to cut the roots instead of using chemical products. When roots are left to grow in drains, the pressure can cause cracks to develop which can lead to floods and other complications elsewhere in the drain which can stop appliances from working. Often the first sign of a blocked drain is slow draining water or water not moving at all. It may be a good idea to inspect your outdoor drains if roots are the problem you’ll be able to spot this instantly.

Fat removal

Incorrect use of drains, such as disposing of food, fats and oils in the wrong way can result in fatbergs which are large masses of oil and grease. In 2013, The Whitechapel Monster, a bus-sized fatberg, was removed from a sewer in Kingston upon Thames.

Fatbergs can occur in domestic and commercial drains. The easiest way to prevent them is to never pour fat down the drain, instead, wipe the residue with a kitchen towel and dispose of it in the bin. Alternatively, let it solidify so it can be thrown out in one large chunk. Restaurants, factories and other similar premises may experience fatbergs in their drains due to the high volume of food and liquids that are produced. Unfortunately, when fatbergs develop it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to remove these yourself so always hire expert drainage consultants.

Surface cleaning

It’s not uncommon for graffiti and other similar damage to appear on commercial properties making them look uncared for. Of course, when done in the right way, graffiti can add personality to an area as a unique piece of art, but, unwarranted vandalism can have a negative effect on your business.

By hiring a professional surface cleaning team, graffiti can be removed using specialist equipment such as water jets. Here at Drainage Consultants, our expert team are fully trained to carry out a wide range of surface cleaning projects. From graffiti removal to block paving cleaning and other kinds of exterior cleaning, we can transform your property back to its original condition.

High-level cleaning

Whether you look in a hi-rise office, factory or other large building, in fact, you’ll probably need a professional cleaning team to keep your guttering properly maintained. Gutters are one area of the roof that can become blocked up with leaves and debris, especially throughout autumn and winter. If you’ve started to notice water pooling or damp spots on the building, this could be a result of blocked gutters that haven’t been cleaned.

It’s recommended that gutters are cleaned at least once every six months. Clogged gutters can cause more damage then you may realise, effecting your foundations and therefore, the integrity of your building.

Drainage design

When it comes to drainage it’s very important that you have a system that works for your needs. Every building is different which means what works for one property might not work for another - and that’s where drainage consultants come in. As well as repairing and installing drains, you may be able to find a company that can design a unique system for you too.

The type of drainage system you have can make a big difference in how things are run, especially in commercial properties. A drainage system will only be effective if sufficient effort is put into the planning stage, which is why all efforts should be put into the quality of design.

Tips for finding a multi-service company

Not all drainage companies offer other related services so you’ll need to do a little research to find the right one for your needs.

Here we explain some top tips for finding a reliable multi-service company.

Do your research

The first thing you’ll need to do is research. A quick look on the internet will help you to find companies in your area, just make sure you search for keywords relating to the service you need such as ‘graffiti removal’ or ‘surface cleaning’ and include your location too. Drainage work and surface cleaning often go hand in hand, and with a little research you can find someone who’s perfect for the job.

Take a look on the internet, your local newspaper and even get recommendations from people who have had similar work done. Company websites should provide more details about their main services, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page or you might miss information about their additional services too.

Ask about experience

If you’re unsure if a company offers the service you’re looking for, just ask! It may be that they just don’t advertise the service as much, but they’re more than qualified to do it. Ask about their experience to determine their suitability for the job. Many drainage companies will be skilled in a number of jobs and will already have the tools and equipment needed.

Haggle a deal

If you’re looking for drainage work and another additional service, you might be able to bag yourself a good deal. Often, if you’re in need of multi-services, you can get them done at a discounted rate, which means everything can be done at once. Whether you require work for your business or domestic property, maintenance can get very expensive over time. 

Drainage maintenance and sewer line installation across the UK

Here at Drainage Consultants, we offer a range of drainage services for commercial and domestic clients. Over the years we’ve dealt with a whole host of problems, from large blockages to fat removal and CCTV surveys, our experienced team is on hand to help. Drainage problems affect thousands of properties every year, but many issues can be easily repaired in no time. Improve your drainage system today, get in touch and find out more.

We may not give our drainage systems much thought when they’re functioning as they should, but drainage issues can cause a lot of disruption to a property if they’re not dealt with promptly. It can sometimes be difficult to identify what the issue is, but leaving a blocked drain for long periods of time can cause serious damage to your pipes. Luckily, there are some classic warning signs which can help you identify if you have a blockage, so if you notice any of the issues below, call or plumber or drainage specialist as soon as possible.

Slow drainage

One of the most obvious signs of a blockage is if you notice that water in your sinks, bath or shower is draining away far slower than usual. Slow drainage is usually the sign of a blockage, but in some cases, it can indicate a more serious problem like a collapsed pipe. Blockages can be cleared using drain jetting, but you may need a CCTV drain survey to identify where the issue lies.

Gurgling sounds

Most pipes make some strange noises from time to time, but if you notice frequent loud gurgling sounds, this is usually a sign that your drains are blocked. The noise is called by trapped air bubbles escaping when water is run; in a healthy clear drain the water and air can flow through easily, but if your drain is blocked it’s more difficult for the water and air to flow through the pipes, causing the strange noises.

Unpleasant odours

Blocked drains can emit highly unpleasant odours, usually due to a buildup of trapped food waste in the pipes. Trapped food will slowly decompose if it’s not dealt with and you may find that the smell is worse when water is run. If the smell persists even after the pipes have been cleaned, then this may be a sign that there’s a broken or collapsed pipe somewhere in your drainage system.

Raised water levels

If the water level in your lavatory is noticeably higher than usual, this is a pretty good indication that there’s a blockage somewhere. Keep an eye on the water level after flushing; if it rises higher than usual or doesn’t go down then you’ll need to take action. If it rises to the point of almost overflowing then call a drainage consultant ASAP as this is a sign that something is seriously wrong.

If you suspect you have a blocked drain and are in need of professional drainage services, get in touch with the experts at Drainage Consultants Limited. We offer all the services you need to identify and solve any drainage issues, including CCTV drain surveys, drain mapping, emergency drain clearance and more. For more information or to book an appointment, give us a call today or visit our website.

Domestic properties aren’t the only cause of polluted sewage, in fact, industrial, commercial and agricultural premises are one of the main causes of dangerous waste. Untreated sewage and allowing the wrong items and materials to access our wider sewage system can have a major effect on the planet including local habitats and wildlife.

It’s everyone’s responsibility when it comes to looking after the environment, especially businesses. Each day, businesses in all industries pump out thousands of litres of waste, however, not all of it is suitable for the regular sewage process. Hazardous waste and other dangerous items can have a bigger effect on the environment than you may realise. 

So, how can businesses reduce their environmental impact with the help of drain CCTV? Read on for all you need to know. 

What is sewage?

Sewage is waste liquid and solids that are carried from a building through the sewer system. While in domestic properties this is mostly made up of human waste, in businesses this could also include chemicals, plastic and a whole host of other dangerous materials.

Environment impacts of business sewage

According to WWF, 40% of rivers are polluted with sewage that can severely harm the wildlife that lives within the area. Today, it’s more important than ever that everyone does their part for the environment since years of mistreating the planet has already caused irreparable effects on the planet.  

Below we explain some of the main ways that sewage can affect the environment. 

Plants and wildlife

As mentioned, for plants and animals, poorly managed sewage can have a catastrophic effect on their ability to survive. Think about how many animals rely on rivers and streams to survive, or creatures that use these areas as their main water source. Unfortunately, poorly maintained sewers can result in water contamination due to the wrong substances making their way into these areas. 

Metal contamination

Industrial waste often contains a variety of chemicals such as heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic. These can be hard to remove from sewage systems, making it almost inevitable that they end up being released into marine waters and rivers. The problem with this is that aquatic life, such as fish, can easily consume these metal fragments, and since humans eat fish, we end up consuming them too. 

Litter

As well as at home, in businesses, it can be tempting to use the sewage system as an alternative rubbish dump. However, this is not how the sewer should be used. Plastics and other kinds of solid waste needs to be recycled or disposed of in other ways to ensure they don’t block the sewer or end up being transported out into the environment where they can cause major problems. 

Recent studies have found that there are currently 5.25 trillion plastic particles in the ocean. More locally, it’s almost impossible to walk near rivers and streams without finding at least a handful of litter that has become trapped in the water. 

Signs your commercial drain is blocked

When your commercial or industrial drain becomes blocked, there are usually a few warning signs beforehand. Being aware of these signs means you can prevent blockages from occurring or give you a heads up about when to call in the professionals.

In this section we explain some of the most common warning signs that your drains could be blocked.

Slowly draining water

One of the most obvious signs of a drainage problem is water that is draining slower than usual or not at all. When this happens it’s normally an indication that there’s a blockage somewhere in the pipe that’s preventing waste from passing through. Water may also drain slowly if there’s damage to the pipe itself such as cracks. 

Problems in multiple fixtures

If you’ve noticed that more than one fixture or pipe is blocked, then this suggests that there’s a blockage somewhere in the drainage system. Ignoring this could mean that your business needs to be closed down while the entire sewer system is looked at, but with proper maintenance and a professional team things can get sorted shortly. 

Bad smells

Bad smells are a dead giveaway for a blockage -  often smells occur before anything else. You may notice a strange odour around your drains if waste begins to settle or rot within the pipes. Running water can often make the smell worse as it aggravates the bacteria, so always call in the experts who will which course of action is best.

Visible blockages

If you have a bigger blockage then you may be able to see the stagnant waste, especially in outdoor drains where it can start to rise until it spills out of the top. Never let your drains get to this point, not only is it unhygenic but a huge hazard safety especially is your employees slip in the waste or get ill from it.

What are the best sewer maintenance options?

Since industrial and commercial sewers are used in much higher volume than households sewers, they require more maintenance. Luckily, there are many in-house practices and external services that can help.

Here at Drainage Consultants, we offer a range of reliable drainage services across the UK, making us one of the most trusted companies in the industry. Our highly-trained team specialise in commercial clients including construction, engineering, pubs and airports. 

Here we explain some of the best maintenance options and tips.

Using drains properly

One of the most simple yet effective ways of keeping your drains in good condition is to use them properly! Although you might not think that one bucket full of waste will do much damage, you’re wrong. Make sure you use your drains in the right way, and ensure all of your employees are aware of which procedures to follow too.

Water-operated appliances such as sinks and baths should never be used to dispose of food, fats and grease, paint, chemicals and other similar items. Although it may seem convenient to do so, using your drains in the wrong way can increase your maintenance bills as well as impact the environment. Continuing these actions will only reduce the longevity of your drains, results in bigger repair bills and more calls out from your local drainage contractors.

Regular unclogging

It’s important that you don’t ignore small problems with your sewers as these can progress into more complicated issues. One way of avoiding this is by having your drains and sewers regularly checked and unclogged. Since drains of business premises are more likely to run into problems, having a reliable company you can call will definitely come in handy.

Drain CCTV

If your sewage system develop long-term problems such as a large blockage or you simply can’t identify what the issue is, a CCTV drain survey can get things sorted fast. Unlike household drains, the sewage that’s produced by businesses is a much higher volume so diagnosing problems can be harder. However, a professional drainage service can use specialist equipment to pinpoint the problem. 

Drain CCTV, as the name suggests, involves lowering a camera down into the drain so engineers can assess the condition of the sewer. This gives them a detailed view of what’s causing the problem, meaning they can then choose an appropriate method to get things sorted. 

Drainage Consultants: Your drain survey specialist 

Here at Drainage Consultants, we’re the experts in all things drainage related, from drain CCTV to cleaning and roof cutting, we’re the drainage consultants you can trust. Our experience working with a range of businesses across various industries, means we can offer professional advice about how you can make your firm more efficient, environmentally friendly and save money across the year. For more information, contact us today.

Are your drains causing problems? Unfortunately, it’s very common for drain pipes to break down or require repairs as they age. The main issue here is that the pipes are likely underground and may be set into concrete or other structures, depending on when and how they were installed.

It can be nearly impossible and very expensive to get in to fix a damaged drain pipe. However, technology has found a way to repair many minor cracks and issues in the drains without having to dig them up. It’s called drain lining and it eliminates the need to dig up your pipes, since you can do all the repairs from within the pipe itself.

Drain Relining

Not all drain issues can be fixed by drain relining, but if you can, it’s a much better way to go. Essentially, you’ll be adding a polymer lining to the inside of the drain pipe. This then adheres to the interior of the pipe to form what is basically another pipe inside a pipe.

While this method does slightly shrink the size of your drain pipes, it is a much simpler way to repair minor damage.

To add the liner to the pipe, the liner is carefully fed into the pipe and then pushed down the drain. Then an airbag is inflated inside the liner, which forces the liner to stick to the walls. It takes a little time, but then it hardens up and cures, while bonding to the pipe’s interior walls.

The end result is that any cracks or leaks will be blocked and the pipes are usable once more. However, if you have any pipes that attach to the main on, you’ll need to open or cut holes so that the other pipes can feed in easily.

There are two types of drain lining available. One is full drain lining, which involves sealing the entire pipe in one go. This is intensive, but can be useful if there are multiple cracks and flaws within the pipe.

The second type of lining is patch lining, which allows for repairing only the specific spots where there are damages. The method is similar to the regular type of drain lining, but instead of inflating a balloon to push everything into the walls, it will only press the patch where it’s needed most.

Drain CCTV

In order to determine what the problem is and whether it is fixable with drain lining, you’ll need to see exactly what is going on in the drain. This requires using high pressure water to clear the pipe, then feeding a small camera and light into the tube. You’ll be able to see what sections are bad and how they need to be protected.

The camera is also used after the drain lining procedure, to ensure that the lining has adhered correctly and everything is in order. This will let you know if you can begin using the drain again.

Signs Your Drain Needs Lining

It’s essential that you repair your drains before they completely collapse. A collapsed pipe will cause some serious problems and you will end up spending far more to repair the resulting damage. Not only will replacing the pipe cost you money, repairing any water damage that is done will also cost you.

1. Smelly Sewer Gas

Does your home smell of sewage? It’s an odour that no one ever wants to deal with, but if you have a crack in a pipe, it may be leaking sewer gas into the house.

Properly built sewers are airtight, but have vents on the roof which allow the sewage to continue moving downhill. Due to the method of construction, sewage gas should not be an issue. However, if you do smell it that means something has happened to your sewer lines. Most likely a pipe has cracked or developed a leak.

2. Slow Drain

Have you noticed that your toilet is no longer draining correctly? Or perhaps your sink holds water for a while and doesn’t actually drain for a few minutes. These are signs that there is something going on in the drain pipes.

The most common issue is a drain blockage. This may be cleared with a plumbing snake or with chemical agents, though you do need to be careful. Chemical drain cleaners will destroy your metal pipes as well as PVC ones and if they are just sitting there, the chances of ending up with a hole in your pipes is much higher.

It’s a good idea to look into putting a camera down the drain to find out what the issue is. You may have a regular blockage, a crack in the pipe, or there could be a tree root pushing on the pipe. Each of these issues will be evident when the camera is snaked through the pipes.

3. Rodent and Pest Issues

You might not think of rats being a sign of something going wrong with your pipes, but they are. Rats live in dark places, which most people know. What you might not know is that they can move through the pipes to your home and get through a tiny crack in the pipes to make their way into your home.

If you have noticed a sudden influx of rats or mice or cockroaches in your home, it’s time to take a peek at your sewage lines. Insects are even more likely to come through the pipes, as they require the smallest of spaces to get through.

4. Sewage Backing Up

It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare, the sewage backing up. If you have sewage coming out of your shower or tub drain when you flush the toilet, you’ll likely find that you have a sewage pipe problem. This may be from a tree root or perhaps the pipes are simply poorly lined up. There may also be cracks or a blockage that is causing the sewage to come out another drain.

This is a problem you need to fix and fast, since sewage leaking onto floors can cause mould and water damage, not to mention the contamination. Just trying to get everything clean will require plenty of disinfecting and it can be a messy job. This is definitely something you want to get under control rapidly.

5. Green Patches in the Garden

If certain sections of your garden are looking particularly lush and green, you should inspect where your sewage pipe goes. It may run immediately under the section where the grass is so beautifully green.

Since sewage is a wonderful fertilizer and ends up giving plenty of nutrients to the grass, a leak can cause a spot of very lovely grass. If there are multiple leaks, you may even notice patches in a line, running toward the main sewer pipe. This is a very good indication that your drain pipes need to be repaired.

The Next Steps

Once you have identified a problem with your sewer or drainage pipes, it’s time to call in a drainage specialist. They will inspect the evidence and check the interior of the pipes with a camera to determine if pipe relining is an option.

If there is a bigger obstruction, such as a tree root, or uneven pipes that no longer match up, you will need to dig the pipes up. However, for other, minor issues, you can simply patch or line the drain and return to using it.

The camera is essential in seeing what is going on inside your drains. The drainage specialist will be able to tell you the best course of action once they have seen where the damage is and how bad it is. You may then choose a course of action.

Drainage systems can be complex, considering how basic they appear at first. However, even minor things can cause the drainage to be cut off or damaged. A tree root passing nearby, for example, can lift the soil and cause the pipes to fall out of alignment.

Vehicles driving by may cause vibrations that affect your drains. There are so many things that can affect them and cause issues that it’s important to identify the problem before you try to repair it. That’s why it’s also a good idea to have an expert come in and help.

As long as the drainage situation is fairly minor, a simple pipe relining should be enough to fix the problem. Then you can continue using the drain pipes as usual.

Do you suspect a drainage problem? Contact Drainage Consultants today to learn how we can help you.

Any construction or building site needs to have a proper drainage system set up. This is essential to prevent water from pooling in vital areas, but it also has to be properly designed in order to prevent pollution of nearby waters.

Pollutants can end up in controlled waters, such as lakes or rivers, or run into the groundwater. It’s also possible for spills to drain into the sewage treatment and destroy the bacteria there. This is part of the reason your drainage system needs to be carefully planned. If there is a spill of a chemical sort, you should know exactly where it will end up so you can notify the proper authorities.

Groundwater is perhaps one of the most dangerous areas of water. Since anything spilled on the ground or from broken underground pipes will soak down, it will eventually get to the ground water. This same ground water may be used for drinking water and flows into other bodies of controlled water.

If you have a sewage spill, a chemical or oil spill, it’s very important to let the authorities know so they can take action.

What’s Involved in a Drainage Survey?

This will require checking the local drainage plans and inspecting the building site to see where the various drainages meet up. In some cases, dye may be used to see where the connections are.

You can also expect the surveyor to measure pipes to check their diameter, as well as invert levels. In addition, you will see the surveyor look at where any runoff occurs from storms or nearby flooding. All environmental issues will be considered and drawn up on a map.

Finally, you will be given a recommendation for any potential problems on the site, relating to drainage. This will let you know exactly what you should consider doing in order to prevent polluted waters and to eliminate possible hazards.

The drain plan will cover drain runs, any sources of pollutants, as well as points of discharge and control measures that are already in place. The surveyor may suggest a better option for control measures if you need them.

Once you’ve had the survey done, you can look into the surface water rebate system. This allows you to claim overpayment of any previous sewerage bills. You will also have lower bills in the future and it applies to both residential and business drainage. In order to apply for this rebate, however, you need to have a complete drainage plan drawn up.

To speak with an expert, contact us today and we’ll be more than happy to walk you through what you need.

Public Sewer Connections Explained

It’s probably not a subject many people think about, but our drains and sewers are a vital part of our everyday lives; allowing us to live in hygienic, safe and sanitary conditions. Sewers have actually been used since around 4000 BCE, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that large cities such as London were given an upgrade of their public sewer systems, changing them into the type of system we see today.

Before the advancement of a public sewage system, most waste was either recycled as fertilizer or simply thrown into the Thames, contaminating the water supply and leading to a rapid spread of diseases such as cholera. Luckily, we don’t have these issues in this modern age, but it’s still important to ensure that any new builds are properly connected to the nearest mains sewerage system.

These connections affect more people than you might think; from businesses building a brand new office or public service building, to homeowners thinking about adding an extension to their property. If you’d like to know more about public sewer connections, and the laws and regulations surrounding them, read on for our handy guide.

What is a public sewer connection?

A sewer is simply a pipe which serves more than one property, and public sewers are owned and maintained by various local water companies, such as Wessex Water or Thames Water. As the name suggests, a public sewer connection is simply the way that pipes in a new property or extension are connected to the main public sewer pipe, and there are three different types of connection available.

A junction connection is used to connect either one or two domestic properties, and if the sewer is less than 300mm in diameter. A saddle connection is suitable for one or two domestic properties if the sewer is larger than 300mm in diameter, and a manhole is used for any commercial property, or if you need a connection for more than two domestic properties.

You’ll need to obtain consent from your local authority or water company before making a public sewer connection; we will discuss the full rules and regulations in more detail further on.

The connection process

Before the connection can be agreed, you’ll need to know where the connection is being made, which of the three connection types it is, and who owns the public sewer in question. As well as three different connections, there are also three different types of sewers that it’s possible to connect to. A foul water sewer is used to carry wastewater away from appliances such as lavatories, showers, washing machines and dishwashers. The second type is known as a surface water sewer; this carries rainwater from rooftops, driveways, roads and pavements, and there’s also a combined sewer, which carries both surface water and wastewater.

Foul water pipes cannot be connected to a surface water sewer, as these discharge into rivers and streams, meaning that the water could become contaminated. In rare cases, surface water can be connected to a foul water sewer, although this is usually discouraged as it can cause a risk of flooding.

Once the right type of sewer has been identified, you’ll need to find a suitable connection point. These are often listed on maps of the local area, but most people will choose to hire a drain contractor to identify a suitable public sewer connection. You’ll then need to identify who owns the public sewer you plan to connect to, and obtain their permission before the connection can go ahead.

Once a connection point has been identified, whoever is proposing the connection will need to create detailed drawings to show their plans. Again, most people choose to use a drainage specialist to prepare these, as you’ll need to include the type of connection, the location, the size of both the connection and sewer, the method of connection (manhole, junction or saddle), and details of planning conditions if necessary. The final step is filling in an online application form (similar to this one here), with your details and the proposed connection plans.

Who might require a public sewer connection?

Both domestic and commercial builds are subject to the same rules and regulations when it comes to public sewer connections, and there are several different situations and building types which we will discuss below.

Domestic homeowners building an extension

Some home extensions require planning permission depending on their size, and if you’re thinking of adding a kitchen or bathroom extension then you’ll also need permission to connect to a public sewer. Even if you’re building an extension with no water pipe requirements, you’ll need to make sure that you’re not building over any existing underground drains or sewers, as this can damage the pipes.

If there’s an existing drain below, or close to, your planned extension, then it may have to be moved or rerouted, or alternatively you may have to rethink the size or placement of the extension.

New builds

As you might imagine, an entire domestic new build will be much more complicated than an extension, and the new house or flat block will need to be properly connected to the public sewer system. If there’s more than one new property being built, it’s common for them to share a sewer connection, although separate connections will need to be made for both the foul and surface water sewers.

Roof extension

Increasing the size of a roof on any property will require additional gutters and rainwater pipes, and you may find that new surface water connections are needed to cope with the increased amount of rainwater flowing from the roof. It’s important that surface water is directed away from the roof, to prevent damage to the foundations and surrounding area. A consultation with a drain contractor will be able to give you an idea of whether any new connections are required.

Rules and regulations

As mentioned above, there are several things you’ll need to identify before you apply, including the type or connection, the location, and a plan of the proposed drainage route. It’s illegal to make a public sewer connection without approval from your local water company (or whoever you apply to), so it’s essential that you wait for permission before going ahead.

In most cases, approval will be given or denied within 21 days of the receipt of the application, and water companies hold the power to shut down any illegal connections they may find. There are also laws dictating the required size and depth of the sewer pipes; this will vary depending on where the pipe is placed, and whether it carries foul water or surface water.

There are also regulations surrounding the type of material used; whether it be clay, concrete, or plastic, and a suitable test (e.g a CCTV drain survey) will need to be carried out to demonstrate that the pipes are suitable for the long term. There are also laws in place to ensure that a sewer system is not damaged before work goes ahead; this is essential to prevent the chances of doing any further damage during the connection.

If you’re looking for professional drainage consultants for help and advice regarding public sewer connections, get in touch with Drainage Consultants Limited. Our expert team has a wealth of experience and techniques when it comes to installing mains sewerage connections. We’re able to identify the right type of connection for any situation, and can even create new connections in brick sewers, by drilling into the existing structure or removing bricks.

We also offer a full range of drainage services, including sewer maintenance, sewer pipe lining, sewer line installation, CCTV drain surveys, drain mapping, and much more.

To find out more about any of our drainage services, or to make an appointment, give us a call today or visit our website.

Increasing the Longevity of Your Drain

More often than not, homeowners find themselves compromising their plumbing with bad care and counterproductive drain cleaning products. Many of these commercial, chemical cleaners can actually deteriorate your drains and cause further damages.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at a few facts about proper drain cleaning and care, and help you discover a few tips and tricks to keep your drain in good condition.

Chemical products can be harmful

One of the leading misconceptions regarding how drain cleaning concerns is how commercial cleaning products often affect home drain pipes. When used to clean drains, the chemicals in these products counteract with one another and come together to break away at clogged substances.

However, it’s the same reactions that can actually damage your drains to points beyond repair. When this happens, substantial professional renovations are often needed, creating financial strain on homeowners that are otherwise avoidable with proper plumbing care.

Keep a frequent maintenance schedule

Ensuring the life and performance of their drains entails adhering to a regular, consistent plumbing inspection schedule. This allows homeowners to keep on top of performance-hindering factors in their plumbing and take  precautions when it clogs, corrosion occurs or other drain issues eventually happen.

Understand that all drains are different

Your home will have a few types of piping that will work differently and have different properties, which ultimately mean that the methods of drain cleaning required will vary for each type. While all drains in your home go to the same sewage system, it’s not right to think that they work the same. Plumbers will use a variety of pipes in a house's plumbing such as drain pipes for sinks and showers or waste pipes which collect polluted water from the toilet directing it to sewage systems. Trying to fix a blocked drain without prior knowledge of how the pipe system works may result in highly serious problems including blocked sewers.

Professional help may be crucial

While DIY drain repair efforts and professional drain cleaning equipment  can often lessen your clogging woes and plumbing performance issues pretty simply, long-term solutions are often best provided by experienced specialists in your local area, who are equipped with the training and eye for pipe damage as well as an arsenal of quality plumbing solutions.

Here at Drainage Consultants Limited, our drainage specialists offer a 24 hour call out service to customers throughout the country, ensuring that homes and businesses are safe from drainage problems. Whether you’re in need of drain clearance or sewer repair, our drain experts are here your issue quickly, efficiently and to a high standard. To find out more get in touch with our friendly team.

Your drains are an important system in your home and are crucial for flushing waste away and supplying your household appliances with water. However, it can be easy to use your drain incorrectly or not keep on top of maintenance, resulting in a whole host of problems that can occur over time. Luckily, it’s just as easy to keep your drains clean and prevent them from blocking up.

Read on for our top tips on how to keep your household drains in good condition.

Use them correctly

One of the main reasons why many households experience problems with their drains, is because they’re using them incorrectly. Flushing the wrong kinds of items down the toilet, for example, or clogging up your kitchen drain with food is not how your drains should be used. Remember, drains are not bins and you should not dispose of your waste this way. Below is a useful checklist of what you should and shouldn’t flush down your drains.

Do flush:

• Toilet paper
• Tea, smooth drinks and coffee (without the grounds)

Don’t flush:

• Sanitary products
• Wipes
• Food
• Paint
• Hair
• Grease, fats and oils

Clear them regularly

Keeping on top of maintenance will reduce the chances of a major blockage or other problems building up in your drains. Invest in a plunger, as these simple and affordable tools are extremely effective at dislodging blockages so water can flow properly and doesn’t rise up. You can also use homemade solutions such as one cup of baking soda with one cup of white vinegar, followed by warm water - this can help break down soap scum and hair. Furthermore, if you can see the blockage, such as a clump of hair, invest in a drain snake that can be used to hook it out and stop it from being pushed in any further.

Change your habits

Simply changing the way you are around the home can save you from clogging up your drains. Here are some things you can try and get in the habit of doing to keep them in good working order:

• Brushing your hair outside of the shower to remove the majority of loose hair
• Getting rid of food waste using the food bins provided by the council or your own compost bin
• Remove grease or fats by wiping them with kitchen roll and throwing them in the bin, or let it solidify and turn it into a bird feeder!
• Educate your children about the importance of not throwing miscellaneous items down the drain, or you may be surprised what ends up down there

Drainage Consultants Limited are specialists in all aspects of drainage work, including CCTV surveys, drain cleaning, maintenance and drain replacement in Manchester and the surrounding areas.

Domestic, commercial or industrial, good drainage is needed in all types of properties and premises, but English sewage and sanitation hasn’t always been the best. Until the 1800’s the River Thames was still used as an open sewer, creating a foul smell across the city and contributing to the spread of disease. It wasn’t until Joseph Bazalgette took charge as chief engineer, that Britain’s sewage and drainage systems were revolutionised for the better.

Today, the UK’s drains make it easy for waste to leave our homes in a sanitary way - which means no more throwing our waste out of our windows like they did in the Middle Ages!

Think about what’s going down your drains on a daily basis, with the amount of water, soap and dirt that's flushed down the system, it’s important that you maintain good working drains. Unfortunately, many homeowners and business owners don’t realise the importance until a problem arises, and this can lead to even bigger issues.

However, by using your drain correctly and with regular maintenance from drainage consultants your drains should stay in good nick for years to come. So, how else can your home or business benefit from drain maintenance? Read on for a detailed guide about looking after your drains.

Signs your drains need looking at

If your drains are experiencing problems, then it’s likely that you’ll spot some tell-tale signs. You should never ignore them, as doing so is counter-productive and you could find yourself in a more complicated and expensive situation than you would have been if you took action sooner. Common signs that your drains need looking at include:

Slow draining or rising water

If water is rising out or not going down the plug hole, sink or toilet smoothly, then this is likely to be caused by a blockage somewhere in the pipe. Noone wants to stand in a pool of water while showering, and you certainly don’t want toilet water rising in your home or business.

Strange sounds

Another sign of partially blocked drains is gurgling and other strange sounds, as this indicates that there is trapped air in the drain. A gradual build up of hair, food and other foreign materials in the drain prevents air bubbles from flowing down, which is why you may hear a gurgling sound.

Smells

Foul odours can make your home unpleasant to be in and your business environment uncomfortable for your employees and customers. Although air freshener may be able to temporarily mask the smell, this is not a long term solution and drainage consultants should be called to assess the problem.

Visible blockages

You may be able to see the blockage whether it be hair, food or a build up of sludge. If you can’t reach it with a drain snake and pull it out, it’s probably best to call in the experts who can use specialist tools to remove it.

How can a drain survey and drain cleaning services help?

A professional drainage company are trained in a whole host of techniques that will maintain your drains. Big or small, it’s not worth leaving drain problems to progress when they can be easily solved by an expert. Here at Drainage Consultants we offer a range of services including drain investigation, drain cleaning and drain rehabilitation that are designed to repair and maintain your system. Common drain solutions include:

• Maintenance reports - homes or businesses can benefit from regular maintenance checks, followed by a detailed report that explains the best course of action for any problems spotted.

• CCTV surveys - using high-quality cameras, CCTV is often the quickest way of identifying a drain problem for pipes both above and below ground. This method will identify the extent of pipework and their condition, so they can pinpoint exactly what needs to be done.

• Emergency clearance - whether it’s at home or in your business premises, emergency situations can put everything on hold. To safeguard you in these situations, it’s important that you have a professional service you can call - a qualified team can help in hazardous incidents, or simple blockages that are putting your business on standby.

• Root cutting - often, drainage issues are a result of tree roots and other plants that are growing in the vicinity of pipework or within the pipe itself. However, intrusive roots can be treated with high-pressure water cutting and other specialist gear that will clear your drains, and allow space for sewer repair to be done.

Benefits of drain maintenance

Just like other areas of your home and business, your drains are just as important and regular maintenance is needed. Even if you aren’t seeing any signs of a blockage or broken pipe, there could be an issue developing further down the line which is why you should organise annual or quarterly reports. Below we explain some of the other important benefits of looking after your drains.

Preventing bigger issues

You can’t prevent bigger issues from occurring without proper maintenance, you wouldn't let your light bulbs blow without replacing them so don’t let drain maintenance fall behind either. A checkup every so often will keep your drain clog-free, clean and working as they should.

Cost-effective

Keeping drains clear could in fact save you money in the long run. While regular maintenance is affordable, putting this off could allow more complicated issues to arise in the meantime and leave you out of pocket when it comes to rectifying them. Complete pipe replacement can be costly, so reduce your chances of a big bill my nipping small problems in the bud with the work of a professional team.

Minimise disruptions

Having a broken drain completely burst around your home or rising water flood your shop is really no ideal. But, with regular maintenance your drains can stay clear and minimise disruptions in your domestic or commercial property. If you need to close your business for major work to take place this can have an effect on your earnings, or you may need to take several days off work if a problem is being worked on in your home.

No odours

A smelly shop or home is not very welcoming for you, your guests or your customers. Business such as restaurants and bars, for example, could see a knock on effect on their ratings - noone wants to eat or drink in a foul smelly place and this will reflect badly on you.

Pleasant environment

Your home should be somewhere you can relax and feel comfortable, not somewhere where bad smells are filling every room! Allowing this problem to linger will only make it worse, and for commercial settings and other kinds of businesses your customers and clients won’t be impressed.

What you should and shouldn’t put down your drains

Do pour and flush:

• Toilet waste & toilet paper
• Drinks such as tea, smooth juice, water and squash

Don’t pour or flush:

• Food waste
• Grease, fat and oils
• Coffee granules and tea bags
• Wipes
• Sanitary products
• Nappies
• Chemicals
• Paint
• Pet litter

Drainage Consultants: The specialists in drain cleaning services

Here at Drainage Consultants, we work across the UK providing professional drainage work including cleaning, maintenance and sewer repairs for a range of domestic and commercial clients. Don’t put up with poor drainage, get in touch with our expert team today and allows us to assess the problem and take the best course of action.

Paying attention to what you’re putting down your kitchen and bathroom sinks or flushing down the toilet is essential to keeping your drains in good condition. After all, drains are only designed to deal with liquids, and becoming careless about what you put into them could lead to a blockage.

Here are five items you should certainly avoid putting down your drain to avoid causing damage:

Grease and oil

Once you’ve finished cooking, it can seem tempting to simply pour leftover fat or grease down the sink and rinse it away with some washing up liquid. However, as these substances are so sticky, they can collect residue and debris inside your pipes and form clumps of fat that just won’t budge. Over time, these will begin to block your pipes until liquid can no longer pass, resulting in a blockage.

Food debris

Whether you’re rinsing out a food carton to be recycled or are washing your plates after your evening meal, you may notice small bits of food running off into your sink. If they’re small enough, these will slip through your plug hole and through your pipes. However, over time, eggshells, grains of rice and other food debris can collect within your drainage system, bound by grease and oil.

To avoid this, make sure you’re thorough when scraping food off your plates and bowls before putting them in the sink, and remove any items of food you notice collecting around your plug.

Wet wipes and paper towels

As toilet paper is designed to dissolve and disintegrate quickly, it can usually pass through pipes and drains without much problem. However, other types of tissue and wipes, including baby and facial wipes, aren’t designed with the same qualities and are likely to cause blockages when flushed down the toilet. While they’re likely to pass through your pipes without much issue, they can become stuck in sewers and cause problems that are difficult to rectify.

Medication

If you’ve found a bottle of cough syrup in your cupboard that went out of date a couple of years ago, you may be tempted to pour its contents down the drain before disposing of the bottle. However, medication, whether in liquid or solid form, should never be flushed into waterways. They contain chemicals which can contaminate water sources - even those you rely on for drinking water. With this in mind, make sure you never flush any pills or pour any medicine down the sink.

Hair

As hair is natural matter, its appearance on this list may surprise you. However, as you’ll notice when sweeping your floors or washing your clothes, hair can become matted and clumped easily. These clumps can collect debris as they move through your pipes and, over time, can lead to blocked drains. To avoid this, make sure you bin clumps of hair instead of flushing them down the toilet, and make sure you remove any hair found wrapped around your shower’s plughole as soon as you’ve spotted it.

If you’ve noticed that your drains are blocked, it’s time to call the professionals. At Drainage Consultants Ltd, based in Stockport, we offer a wide variety of domestic and commercial drainage solutions, including drain cleaning, CCTV drain surveys, drain mapping and much more. So, whether you need an emergency drain clearance or a pre-purchase drain survey, look no further for experts you can rely on.

Get in touch with us at Drainage Consultants Ltd for a free, no-obligation quote today.