Drainage systems are vital to remove wastewater and ensure our homes and cities stay hygienic. In most cases, our drainage systems function so efficiently that you barely notice they’re there, but a collapsed or damaged drain can lead to a whole host of problems. These can range from damp and mould, to flooding and damage to the environment, so it’s essential to arrange professional drain repair as soon as possible.

It’s important to know the signs to look out for, so if you notice any of the following, this is a good indication that you need drain repair.

Unpleasant odours

That telltale rotten egg smell is often a sign that your drains aren’t functioning as they should. Often, bad smells are caused by a blockage somewhere in the drainage system, but they can also be caused by a blockage in the public sewer, or a missing soil vent pipe.

Slow drainage

This is often the first thing people notice, so keep an eye on your sinks, shower and bath to make sure the water is draining properly. Slow drainage can be caused by a blockage somewhere in the pipes, but it can also be a sign of pipe damage. If you’ve tried unclogging your drains and noticed no difference, call a professional so they can take a look.

Pooling water

Sudden pools of water, either inside or outside, are a sign that your drainage system has sprung a leak in one of the pipes near the surface. Pools of water are a serious problem and they can cause a range of issues, from structural damage to a variety of health concerns, especially for those with conditions like asthma. Many drainage companies offer a 24/7 emergency callout service, so get in touch as soon as you notice any pooling water.

Increased bills

If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in your water bill (with no noticeable increase in water usage), it’s possible that your drains are leaking somewhere. A leaky toilet can waste between 215 and 400 litres of water every single day, so it quickly adds up! Try adding a few drops of food colouring to the cistern tank; if colour is present in the toilet bowl after around 20 minutes, you have a leak.

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs and think you might need drain repairs, get in touch with the experts at Drainage Consultants Limited. We’re proud to offer a wide range of services, including drain cleaning, drain lining and repairs, deep excavations, fat removal and much more, to ensure your drains are functioning efficiently. We’re confident that we can solve any issue you might be having with your drains, so give us a call today or contact us online to find out more.

Drain blockages can cause structural damage which can be very costly in the long run. Therefore, it’s important to clean them but it can be difficult to know which type of cleaner to buy. Where chemical cleaners break down the blockage, physical cleaners aim to push the blockage, but there are multiple types of each.

Here's a breakdown of their properties to help you understand which is best for your circumstances.

Physical Cleaners: Drain Snakes

A drain snake is a long material that is inserted into a drain, passing through clogs. It usually has serrated or snagged edges so that, when it’s pulled out, it can catch on hair and other debris and pull them out with it. This makes them particularly good for showers where hair often builds up in the drains.

Although they’re a good DIY solution as a step up from a plunger, they can be damaging to your drains. If you’re too forceful with them then you can cause structural damage so it’s important that you don’t force it where it doesn’t want to go.

Physical Cleaners: Drain Augers

An auger is a tool that’s designed to drill, or bore, into something. Plumbing augers have a coiled end, making them more penetrable than drain snakes, and they’re usually longer at around 50 feet. They’re normally hand operated via a screwing mechanism and the coil can be wrapped when it isn’t being used.

Top Tip: Whether you choose to use a drain snake or a drain auger, just make sure that you wear some old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty as it’s a messy job either way!

Chemical Cleaners

Depending on the severity of the blockage, you may want to use chemical cleaners to gradually dissolve and break down the blocking substances in your drain. Chemical cleaners normally come in three types.

Caustic Drain Cleaners: These drain cleaners normally have substances like lye and caustic potash as their base because their hydroxide ions can create a reaction that clears clogs. Their alkaline properties break down grease into soap-like substances.

Oxidising Drain Cleaners: This option contains more conventional substances like bleach, peroxides and nitrates. They cause the blocked substance to lose electrons and become oxidised by releasing heat and gas to help clear the blockage.

Acid Drain Cleaners: These are an uncommon type of drain cleaner and some are sold only to plumbers because they contain high amounts of sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. These release heat which breaks down congealed grease particularly well.

If you have any further questions about which type of drain cleaner is most appropriate for your circumstance then don’t hesitate to get in touch with Drainage Consultants Ltd by calling 08000 654 111 today!

To avoid your drains developing structural damage over time, it’s important that you ensure they’re fully maintained. Doing this includes regularly unblocking and cleaning them and being more careful about what goes down the drain in the first place. It might be unpleasant and smelly but it could potentially save you hundreds of pounds in the future.

Unblock Them Regularly Using Drainage Rods

Over time, your drains will accumulate an amount of food, hair, gunk, and waste which will restrict the flow of water through its pipes. When this happens, it’s important to find a way to unblock the pipes before any build ups begin to cause serious damage.

Drain rods are a great way to get around these blockages. Depending on the type of drain you’re unblocking, drainage rods will come separated and will need to be assembled before use by attaching them into one long and flexible, but rigid, rod. This is useful because whilst it’ll be able to maneuver through the blocked pipes, it’ll retain its strength and resistance so that it's able to fully clear the drain right the way through.

Clean Them Every So Often

Just as it’s important to ensure that your drains are free from obstruction, it’s also important to make sure that fat, grease, and oils don’t build up over time. One good way to avoid this is to pour boiling water down your various drains each week as this will break down these substances much better than normal water.

You may also want to use a biological enzymatic drain cleaner which is a great way to quickly break down hair, food, fats, mould, and bacteria from your drains. This is also a much better option for the environment than trying to use harsh chemicals like bleach or caustic soda.

Be Careful What You Drain In The First Place

The best way to solve blocked drains is to avoid them getting blocked in the first place. One of the most common ways for your drains to become blocked or faulty is because of a build up of congealed fat from frying, which mixes with other substances like hair, plastics, and food.

Another way to avoid blocked drains is simply to brush your hair before you get in the shower or bath. This will remove any loose hairs that would otherwise go down the drain and possibly get clogged.

It’s important that you maintain the health of your drains because repairing structural damage to drains can be a costly procedure. The best way to do this is to be more careful about what you put down the drain. It’s also important to unblock and clean your drains regularly to avoid build ups from occurring, as they naturally will.

If you have any further questions about maintaining your drains, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with Drainage Consultants Ltd by calling 08000 654 111 today!

Damage to your drainage system can cause big problems for your business or home, so it’s important to be aware of what can cause damage to your drains and be ready if you think a problem has occurred. With autumn and winter approaching, bad weather will become more and more common, meaning you’ll have to call a drainage expert to fix any blockages or damages to your system. Cold weather, heavy rain and leaves can all pose issues to drains and pipes, so here we will explain what to be aware of and what to do if bad weather causes you any problems.

Cold weather

The winter months can bring an icy chill that can cause a whole array of issues, from slippery roads to snowstorms. The cold weather can cause your pipes to freeze and cause a blockage, which is the ideal location for debris to build up, so even when the water thaws, you may still be left with a block in the pipe. Further damage from ice can be caused by expansion and cause enough stress to the pipes that they end up bursting.

A small amount of ice will only cause a minor blockage, limiting the flow of water through the pipes. However, a larger amount of ice will block off the entire pipe, causing rainwater to back up in your drains and stop draining altogether. If the frozen pipe is located inside your premises or your home, the biggest threat will be the pipe bursting. If ice has caused the pipe to expand and eventually burst, this will cause even more damage if it is inside a building.

How to prevent frozen pipes

Drainage pipes are likely to freeze for many different reasons. If there is no insulation or it is insufficient or the wrong type, the pipes are more open to the elements which could cause the water to freeze. If your drains are old or haven’t been installed at a sufficient depth they are more at risk, as well as if the water is left to sit in the pipes for a long period of time. If you go on holiday or the property is empty, the water has no chance to move through the system, thus causing more chances to freeze over. If you are experiencing an uncharacteristically cold winter or you’re not using the heating appropriately, you may also need to take precautions to keep the water flowing.

Here’s how:

• Insulate pipes where possible. In colder areas of your building like the attic or crawl spaces, pipes should be well insulated.
• Keep your property’s temperature above 12℃, even while you are away. This will ensure your pipes stay above freezing temperatures.
• Open your attic hatch and cupboard doors that contain pipes to help encourage a good flow of warm air to circulate the pipes.

What to do if your pipes freeze

If you think you have a frozen pipe, you can try to clear the blockage yourself by applying gradual gentle heat to melt away the ice in the pipe. For example, you could warm up the space the pipes are located in with a space heater nearby or wrap the pipes in towels that have been soaked in hot water to help shift the ice.

If you are unsure if you are dealing with a frozen pipe, or don’t feel confident dealing with it yourself, call a drain specialist to fix the issue. A drain specialist will have plenty of experience and will be able to deal with the issue at hand without causing any more damage. They will also be able to give you advice on how to prevent frozen pipes in the future and what you can do to update your drainage system. A professional will also be able to identify any other underlying problems or causes and fix those whilst they are at your premises.

Heavy rain

We can experience heavy rain at any time, but October to January will see the most amount of rain of the year, so it can cause lots of issues with our drainage and sewage systems. Heavy rain has caused issues for communities all over the world this year as our climate changes rapidly and we need to be prepared for the bad weather we may have to face.

Blocked drains

Although the main purpose of drains is to get rid of water, sometimes the systems are unable to deal with the large volume that falls during heavy rainfall. Drains are often places that seeds germinate in and eventually grow into plants. This won’t cause any problems when the rainfall is at a normal level, however, if the volume gets too high, the plants that grow get in the way of the flow of water and block areas of the drains, particularly on the bends. This leads to the drains getting backed up and overflowing, causing flooding. Other plants and debris may also cause a blockage and get pushed further down the drain by heavy water flow. This could lead to the flooding of your home or commercial property, so it’s important to keep your drains well maintained.

Flooding

If there is flooding on your property, this can cause many other problems. It may make it unsafe for those who need access to the site, make it difficult for cars to gain entry or park, or cause damage to contents inside or outside. Furthermore, flooding can cause subsidence because the soil becomes highly saturated in water, impacting the foundations of buildings and making them unstable. As soon as the heavy rainfall has stopped, the drain will need to be unblocked and the excess water removed to protect the foundations of the building.

How to prevent flooding

You may experience flooding due to a range of causes such as extreme weather conditions, long or heavy periods of rainfall, melting snow and ice, dam failures, steep slopes or coastal flooding. Here’s how to prevent flooding in your drainage system.

• Monitor local conditions and flood risks. Sometimes, just being aware that there is a risk of flooding can help you deal with the situation better.
• Take precautionary measures. Add sandbags and door guards to your property, non-return valves on taps and drains and garden landscaping that steers water away from the property.
• Remove mud and leaves from drains regularly.
• Avoid clogging drains and pipes with things like oil, wet wipes, cotton buds and hair.

What to do if you experience flooding

If you experience flooded drains, in or around your home, be sure to turn off your utilities at the main valves and switches. Use sandbags at entrance ways to prevent any water entering your home and causing damage and move any contents that you don’t want to get damaged. Contact a drainage expert to sort out the problem and, if the flooding is major, contact local authorities as there may be hazards such as sewage or electrics that could be dangerous.

Drainage Consultants Limited - Trusted specialists in all aspects of drainage work

If you have any drainage issues, Drainage Consultants can help. We have an experienced team of engineers that can provide a professional and efficient service to help you with any drainage problems. Based in Stockport, we provide high quality drain cleaning & maintenance with a 24-hour service, so if you ever run into any problems this autumn or winter, we’ll be on hand to help. Our team can also offer a wide range of services including CCTV drain surveys, plant removal, precision root cutting and dye testing, among many more. So whatever issues you have, Drain Consultants will be happy to help. To learn more, visit our website or call us on 08000 654 111. A member of our team will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

You’ve heard that you shouldn’t put certain things down the drain or flush them down the toilet, but not surprisingly, people still do. In fact, there are some very bizarre things that have been found in drainage pipes! Plumbers definitely have an exciting job.

Weird Drain Discoveries

There have been a few things that were found in drains and surprised even the plumber, who should have seen it all by now.

Dentures

While it may sound utterly bizarre, dentures actually end up in the drain all the time. Think about it . . . you set them by the sink while you wash your face and one stray elbow knocks them into the drain or into the toilet. The UK sewers see hundreds of false teeth every year.

Electric Razor

One plumber got quite the surprise when he tried to use his plumbing snake to see what was in the toilet blocking it up. The toilet started to vibrate, shocking everyone. In the end, it ended up being an electric razor that was still working very well. The culprit? The owner assumed it was the cat, as we all know cats have a penchant for knocking things off counters.

Stuffed Animals

Someone once flushed a Winnie the Pooh teddy bear down the toilet and it wasn’t a small one. That’s probably not quite what they meant when they told their child that the toilet was for poo.

Prison Pants

Guards at the Ottawa Country Jail in Ohio made an odd discovery while trying to unclog some toilets in the cell block. They found prison issues underpants shoved down the toilet in order to get rid of them by an inmate who was about to be freed. Sadly for the inmate, flushing his underwear gave him an extra month in prison.

Baby

A blockage in a drainpipe in a Chinese flat turned out to be a new-born baby. The tiny infant had supposedly fallen from it’s mother and into the sewer pipe, which was considered suspicious. However, the baby was healthy and well and was eventually given to the grandparents to raise.

Mini Liquor Bottles

In California, a business had a massive blockage that cause all the toilets and sinks to back up. Needless to say, drainage experts were called in to unplug the system. What they found was an awful lot of tiny liquor bottles. Someone was drinking on the job and then flushing the evidence.

Plug-in Air Fresheners

When your toilet smells bad, what do you do? Well in Pennsylvania, a blocked toilet turned out to be clogged by a plug-in air freshener. Apparently, the residents thought it would help with the smell, but they just caused themselves more issues.

Luxury Watches

In Essex, a drain technician discovered not one, but four luxury watches in the drains. The watches were all worth tens of thousands of pounds, or so it was thought. Three of the watches were fakes, while the one Rolex had actually been stolen property and had to be returned. The drain tech did get a reward, though.

Common Drain Blockages

Obviously, you would never flush any of these things down a toilet, but did you know that some of the most common blockages are caused by:

Grease and fat: This solidifies in the pipes and collects grime and other odds and ends until it completely blocks the drain.

Hair: Most people lose 50-100 hairs each day and a large amount of that is in the shower. Don’t forget to use a hair trap to prevent all that hair from creating a nasty hairball in the pipes.

Toys: Make sure your children know not to put their tiny toys down the drain or into the toilet. They can cause all sorts of blockages, not to mention, a lost toy.

Food waste: Chunks of food are best dumped in the bin rather than down the sink. This can cause some pretty major blockages, particularly when it all clumps together.

Hygiene products: Feminine pads and tampons are not meant to be flushed in the toilet, but many women were taught to do this early on and continue, despite the risks.

Dirt: Dirt automatically clumps when wet, so if you wash it down the drain, you are asking for trouble. Rinse dirty hands off outside to avoid this problem.

Toilet paper: When you use too much toilet paper, it can clump together as you flush and this makes a big blockage that will become evident almost immediately. Try to use smaller amounts of paper and flush in between if necessary.

Wet wipes: Do you use moisture wipes to clean your baby’s bum or for your face and hands? If so, remember they don’t belong in the toilet. They will clog things up and collect other debris to create a worse blockage.

Avoid putting any of these things down the drains or you’ll need to look into the next section of this article.

Signs Your Drains Are Plugged

While you hopefully don’t have any of these exotic clogs in your drains, every home sees a blocked drain at some point. You just need to recognise the signs as early as possible.

You may notice that there’s an unpleasant smell coming from your drains. This is often a sign that something is backing up water in there. The backed-up water is stagnant, so bacteria begin to grow in it.

Puddles of water appearing near a sink or bathtub can be a sign that there is a clogged pipe and it is causing water to come back through the pipes. You may also notice water coming from the clean out. Anytime water appears where it shouldn’t, there’s a problem of some sort, but it may be a leaky pipe or a clogged one.

Water doesn’t drain well in the sink or bathtub. Does the water stay in the basin for far too long? If it is taking longer than it should to drain, the sink is likely clogged. However, if you notice that several drains are blocked in the house, that usually means it is a clog that is further down the pipes and is affecting the entire drainage system. This can be quite serious and you’ll need to call in help immediately.

What to Do If Your Drain is Clogged

Take steps as soon as you know there is a blockage in the drain. Start by pouring a litre of boiling water down the drain. If the issue is minor, this will dissolve it and wash it away.

You can repeat the boiling water a few times, adding baking soda or vinegar to the drain for added power. Make sure to let the hot water sit for at least 15 minutes. This method works best if you scoop out any standing water ahead of time, so the hot water can reach further.

A plunger may also work to help you get the clog out if it’s not that far down. You can use a toilet plunger and place it over the drain, then pull it up sharply a few times to see if this dislodges whatever is stuck. For the plunger to work best, you need to cover the lip of the bell with water so it can create suction.

Finally, if none of these methods work, you can try taking apart the U trap under the sink. This should come off fairly easily and you will want to have a bucket or a bin under it to catch the water that pours out. If there is a clog in the U pipe, you can usually poke it out with a pencil or similar. Once clean, replace the pipe and then flush water through it to ensure there isn’t a blockage further down.

In many cases, the blockage is too stubborn to move or it may be further down the pipe and anything you do will not dislodge it. If this is the case, it’s time to call in the experts. You want a proper plumber to come in and work their magic, since they will have the necessary tools to do it.

A drainage expert will be able to eliminate the blockage easily and this will allow you to return to washing dishes and bathing normally. Just watch your dentures in the tub!

Do you have a blocked drain that just won’t move? The Drainage Consultants are available to help you get rid of the clog right away. Contact us today to learn more.

Did you know that hot weather can affect your drainage system? It may seem odd, but the heat actually does get to the drains and while the heat isn’t the only thing affecting your drainage, it can cause issues. You should know exactly what summer is bringing you so you can prepare your drainage system.

Get Ready for More Guests

During the summer, people are more active and that often means you’ll have more guests in your home. While this past year wasn’t great for that, it’s possible you may have some extra guests these days and it’s important to prepare for that.

Check for leaks: You want to be sure that there are no leaks in the drainage pipes or you could be in for a nasty surprise when more people are using it.

Clean your drains: You don’t want any unpleasant odours coming from the kitchen sink or dishwasher, so be sure to clean out your drains before anyone comes to visit. They’ll appreciate the fresh smell. Don’t forget to clean your other drains, too, particularly if someone will be staying with you and using the shower frequently.

Ensure your toilets flush well: Do you have a toilet that doesn’t seem to drain as well as others? Now is the time to ensure there is no blockage that could cause problems while other people are using it.

Clean your septic tank: If you have a septic tank that is getting close to full, consider draining it before friends come over. The last thing you want is to deal with the odour from a septic tank while you have visitors.

Install hair traps: You’ll want these on every shower or bathtub drain to prevent hair clogs. The traps are simple to clean out and will not disrupt the person’s shower. When you have more people showering, that means there will be more hair than ever in the drain. Avoid it causing issues by doing this.

Having guests can be a lot of fun, but it can also be quite stressful if you’re not properly prepared. Make sure you think ahead and get those drains ready.

Check Your Garden Drainage

If you have guests coming over, setting up a temporary pool and watering the lawn are just a few things you’ll want to do. It’s a good idea to avoid oversaturating the soil, as that can lead to foundation problems. Also, softened soil, particularly in the presence of water, can create more drainage problems.

As soil becomes wetter, it compacts and also softens. This means the pipes will tend to sink down, as well. A dip in the drainage pipe may hold stagnant water and it can also smell pretty unpleasant. This dip will also collect rubbish or anything that is washed down the toilet or sink.

In addition to this, if you’ve had a cold winter, be aware that frost upheaval can also crack pipes. Essentially, if there has been extreme weather of any sort, you should be aware that the drainage situation has changed. The shifting ground can wreak havoc on a drainage system, so check this each year in the spring or summer to ensure everything is taken care of before it causes worse problems.

Prevent UV Damage

If you’re getting a lot of sun this summer, don’t forget that your exterior faucets and hoses can be affected by UV light, too. In fact, hoses can rapidly deteriorate with just a little sunlight, so if there’s a lot, they’ll become all but useless.

The simplest option is to put away the hoses in a shady area, but you may need to replace them. You should also check any outdoor fixtures and fittings. These can also be damaged and you want them to work during the summer. Usually, it’s merely the seal that has been damaged and you can fix it by replacing the seal.

You may also wish to install shade covers in areas where your hoses are out fairly often.

Ensure Your Garbage Disposal Works Well

You will probably cook more at home during the summer and may even have a few people over if things open up enough. This means your garbage disposal will be used more than usual and you’ll need to make sure that you have everything you need to keep it running.

It’s a good idea to clean out the garbage disposal or even have a drainage technician clear it out to make certain there is no grease or fat that has been flushed down the disposal. This can cause major clogs.

If you do have guests, consider putting a sign up asking them not to put anything too large in the disposal or anything greasy. A quick refresher on why that’s a bad idea will help your houseguests make the right decisions when disposing of rubbish.

Watch for Invasive Trees

Summer is a time of life and growth, especially for plants. If you have trees on your property, you’ll need to watch that they don’t encroach on the drainage pipes. Many drainage problems are caused because a tree grew roots into the pipe.

Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients provided by even a tiny leak in the pipe, so they will grow straight for it and into the crack, making it far worse than it needed to be.

You may not be able to see exactly where the tree roots are, but if you noticed the familiar bulge in the ground near the pipes, you should dig down a bit to see what is happening. If the roots appear to be causing problems, go ahead and call in a plumbing expert to trim the roots for you.

The roots must be eliminated as soon as possible, since they will just keep growing otherwise.

Eliminate Clogs Immediately

If things get too heated, your clogged pipes could end up bursting, due to the extra pressure created in them from the heat. This is definitely not something you want to happen, so you need to treat blockages as soon as you notice them. Do not let them fester away in the pipes.

Signs your drainage pipes are blocked or leaking include:

• Unpleasant smells in the area of the drain
• Dripping sounds in the walls
• Slow drainage in the sink or toilet
• Water that is the wrong colour
• Water pressure varies

You should immediately call for help if you notice any of these signs, as they could indicate that there is a blockage or even that there is already a leak. A professional plumber can take care of everything for you.

Repair Leaks and Broken Pipes

Now is the perfect time to arrange a scan of your drainage pipes. This can be done annually and will help you determine if there are any leaks, blockages, etc. There are a few ways to handle the scans.

Dye Testing: This is the simplest way to ensure that the water is going where it needs to. A strong dye is dropped into the water and this is then traced through the pipes until it reaches its destination. The dye allows you to see exactly where the water lets out and can be a useful method of checking for large leaks.

Sonar Drain Tracing: With a handy tool that uses sonar, a company can easily determine where the drains run and then find the blockage quickly to ensure it gets removed without any issues. The device can be walked over the ground and will let you know if you are on top of the drainage pipe. It can also help you find exactly where the blockage is.

CCTV: A simple camera can be sent into the drainage system to show the plumber exactly what is going on. It’s hard to guess sometimes and having the camera there will give you all the information you need. The camera is controlled by the person waiting outside the tunnel.

There are also multiple ways to fix a leaky pipe, including resurfacing the inner part of the pipe so as to seal any leaks shut. This eliminates the need to dig up the pipes and cause a mess. It’s particularly important to avoid this when you have a pipe under a garden or shed, which makes it difficult to get to.

Are you ready to prepare your drains for summer? Contact Drainage Consultants today to find out how we can help.

Not everyone will need a waste treatment plant, but if you have the ability to discharge wastewater into a drainage ditch or a watercourse, it’s essential that you install a treatment plant. You can also discharge the treated waste liquid into a drainage field.

What Does the Treatment Plant Do?

Obviously, the treatment plant will clean the sewage, but how does it do that?

The plant is designed to disperse liquids and solids in a primary tank, where the wastewater first lands. This forms a liquor that ends up in the biozone chamber. In the biozone chamber, there is a pump that pumps air throughout the liquid waste and this aeration helps bacteria break down organic matter. Over a period of time, the organic matter is broken down and purified until the remaining waste that flows into the final chamber is 95% clean. It can be released into local ditches or your soakaway field.

At this point, the liquid that is dispersed is nearly completely pure and is fine to be added to the soil and waterways. The entire process is quite natural and is one that you will find working on its own, as long as the tank is set up correctly.

From time to time, the system will need to be dislodged, or the solids removed. This needs to be done annually and is best left to the drainage experts, who will properly dispose of the sludge.

Where to Install a Treatment Plant

It’s always best to have professionals handle the installation of your treatment plant, to be sure it’s properly installed and won’t cause any problems, legal or otherwise. However, you should have an idea of where the installation will take place.

A sewage treatment plant must be at least 7 metres from the habitable property and the soakaway must be at least 10 metres from any watercourse and 15 metres from any buildings. If there is a spring or borehole nearby, the soakaway has to be a minimum of 50 metres from it.

As you can see, this limits where your treatment plant can be placed. Take the time to look at everything and figure out more or less where you can place it on your property. In certain cases, you will need a permit to install a treatment plant, so it’s a good idea to work with the professionals on this to ensure you don’t run afoul of any rules.

Interested in a treatment plant? At Drainage Consultants, we specialise in drains and everything to do with them. Contact us today for a quote on installing your treatment plant.

It happens to everyone at some point . . . your drain clogs and you can’t get anything to go down it. What are your options at this point? How do you clear that drainpipe so you can get on with your life and finish washing the dishes?

You have a few options, depending on how clogged the drain actually is. If the situation is just getting worse and you have a blockage that cannot be easily taken care of, you will need to call in the experts. Too much force or other treatment can end up damaging your pipes, so it’s best to have a plumber come in and handle the issue.

Try Boiling Water

For the regular drains that don’t have water in them (anything apart from the toilet, essentially), you should begin with hot water. 

First, boil a litre or more of water and while you let it boil, clear out the sink. Take out as much standing water as possible with a scoop or cup.

Once the water has boiled, pour the entire thing into the sink or wherever the drain is clogged. Let it sit for five minutes and then dip out as much as possible if it hasn’t drained. Repeat the process four or five times.

This method works well on many types of clogs, but particularly those that are made up of grease. The hot water melts the fat and washes it away. Other types of blockages may be loosened by the repeated applying of hot water, as well, which is why it should always be the first thing you try.

Another option is to pour half a cup of salt down the drain before you add the boiling water. This can also help increase the cleaning power of the method.

Add Vinegar and Baking Soda

This bubbly mixture isn’t just for science experiments, it can actually clear blockages in your sink too. Remove as much standing water as possible, then pour hot water into the drain and let it sit for a minute.

Next, add a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar. Regular white vinegar works just fine. The mixture will bubble up quite a bit. Leave it alone for half an hour and then pour more hot water down the drain. Repeat the process three or four times until the water drains easily, then run hot water down the drain for several minutes to ensure the entire mess is washed away.

Look In the Garbage Disposal

In a kitchen sink, it may be the disposal that’s the issue, rather than the pipes. Many things can cause the disposal to clog up and it may simply be stuck on a chunk of food. Be careful to turn the disposal off if you are inspecting it and use a wooden spoon or similar to move the blockage if necessary.

Often, running boiling water through the disposal will also remove the problem, so this is worth a try, too.

Plunge the Blockage Out

The toilet plunger is particularly useful when dealing with clogs, and not just for the toilet. It’s recommended that you have a second plunger just for household use, as it can be helpful for sink or bathtub clogs, as well.

Add water to the basin or tub until it covers the head of the plunger. Then place the plunger over the drain and press down and up six or seven times. You should be able to hear when the clog is sucked out. At this point, remove the plunger from the drain and run the hot water for a few minutes to clear it completely.

Use a Coat Hanger

Can you see the clog, but can’t reach it? In this situation, it can be useful to use stiff wire, such as the wire in a coat hanger that has been straightened, to hook the clog and pull it out. Another option is to use a plumber’s auger to reach down and break up the clog enough that it can be pulled out or rinsed away.

Clean Out the P-Trap

Under your sink is a curved pipe, referred to as a P-trap. This is designed to hold some water in order to prevent smells from coming back up the drain, but it can also end up collecting a large amount of rubbish. You’ll want to clean this out if none of the previous methods worked.

To clean the P-trap, place a bin or bowl under the drainpipe to catch liquid and anything else that might come out. Then carefully undo the connections on either side. The entire curved piece should come out and you can then turn it and empty out whatever it has collected. It may be helpful to have a wire or brush to push through and ensure there’s nothing else stuck in there.

Check that you can look through the pipe to the sink or vice versa before reattaching the P-trap. Be sure the connections are tight once you’ve reassembled it. Now run hot water through the pipes for a few minutes to flush out anything you may have missed.

Preventing Blockages in the First Place

The best medicine is prevention, as they say and it’s a good idea to simply avoid getting a clogged up pipe in the first place. It’s impossible to prevent 100% of blockages, but you can certainly stop most of them.

Use a hair trap. You can purchase little baskets to put in your shower or tub to catch any loose hair. As you wash your hair, strands fall out and get caught in the drain. It’s not unusual for large hairballs to form together with soap to create a blockage. This is easily preventable by ensuring your hair never reaches the drain and is caught before then.

Avoid all fats. No fat should ever go near your drains. Bacon grease, cooking oil, and butter are all deadly to kitchen drains. Even if they rinse away in hot water, the fats quickly cool in the pipes and form blockages, usually with other unpleasant things stuck in them. While these can be dissolved with hot water, it’s best to simply avoid disposing of fats in the drainpipe. Put them in the rubbish instead.

Flour and coffee grounds should be banned. Flour and coffee grounds are particularly difficult to get rid of as they tend to clump and form hard blockages. You’ll have a difficult time getting rid of these clogs, even with hot water, so try to avoid them. In fact, it’s best if all food goes into the rubbish, rather than getting sent down the drains.

Don’t flush non-flushable products. Your toilet should only contain toilet paper and your own waste. Nothing else should go down it, including feminine hygiene products and other types of waste. Anything else will be likely to collect and cause a blockage in the pipes, which can result in a rather spectacular mess.

All too often, pipe blockages are quite preventable if you avoid putting the wrong thing down the drain. You need to pay attention to what you’re doing and make sure there is a rubbish bin near so you can deposit food and fat into it instead of down the sink.

What To Do If It Doesn’t Work

If none of these methods have worked for you and your pipes are still blocked, it’s time to take more drastic measures. Call in the professionals and have them remove the blockage for you. It usually takes far less time to have a drainage pro handle the whole thing than if you are struggling to get rid of the blockage on your own.

It’s fine to try non-damaging methods on your own and it won’t hurt anything to plunge your sink, but sometimes the clog is simply too stubborn or too far along to come loose with DIY methods. You can give it a go, but eventually, it may be time to call in the experts.

The experts have all the right equipment and while hot water and vinegar may help with minor issues, something that is more serious will need the heavy-duty tools. That’s exactly what the drainage experts will bring when they come to clear the pipes once and for all. 

Do you have a clogged pipe emergency? The Drainage Consultants are available to help you with your plumbing emergencies. Call now to learn more.

Whenever you purchase a new property, it’s essential that you do an inspection first. However, many inspections don’t show potential problems with drainage on the property, so once you own it, you’ll want to make sure you know exactly what you are up against.

You’ll need to find out where your drainage pipes are, but there are also other areas that can be a major issue if you’re not careful.

No Drainage Plans

Sometimes, when you purchase a new property, there is no indication as to where the drainage pipes run. This can cause problems since you will probably need to build paths and may need to dig a little on the property. If you hit a drainage pipe, you’ll end up with waste water everywhere, so it’s best to avoid this scenario.

Your local council may have drainage plans if the previous owner did not. Older homes may never have had a drainage plan, however, and there is no guarantee that the plan you find is accurate. People may have added more drain pipes since the plan was filed and so you should always be very careful when digging about in the garden, unless you’ve had the property mapped.

A drainage expert can come find out where your pipes are, usually by using cameras inside a pipe. This will allow you to map out how many pipes there are and where they run. In older homes, it’s possible that new pipes were installed and the entire system may be quite a disaster. You definitely want to check what is going on underground before you start any construction or landscaping.

Poorly Installed Gutters and Downspouts

The gutters are meant to collect water from the roof during a rainstorm and the water is then directed through a downspout where the water is emptied into a spot to drain. The idea behind it is to prevent water from simply pouring down all around the house and to direct the water away from the home.

When gutters are poorly installed and maintained, they can end up overflowing and causing water to pour down in an area that is not prepared for it. All gutters should be cleaned and you need to make sure they are all in good condition so the water won’t overflow the gutters. Look for any areas where the gutter may be pulling away from the roof or the channel is bent.

Once the actual gutters are set, you should look at the downspout. Where does it take the water? If it doesn’t move it sufficiently far from the house, you’ll have water pooling around the foundations or basement of the house, which can result in water damage in the home. You may need to connect the pipes to another to move the water further away and it may be necessary to build a soakaway if you find the water continues to pool.

Roots in the Drainage Pipes

Tree roots are the biggest problem in this situation, as other plants tend not to completely clog the pipes. However, if you have trees growing near your drainage pipes, there is a possibility the roots have gone into the pipes and they may have ruined the pipe or merely blocked it up completely.

Usually, this occurs when you have a crack in the pipe and it leaks water and waste liquids. These attract the tree, which is always looking for water and nutrients, both of which are provided by the drainage pipe. The roots grow into the pipe and over time, become so numerous and large that they completely block the system.

You’ll notice the problem fairly quickly if you have a blockage, since your drains won’t work well and water will come back up in the sinks and toilet. If you find this is an issue, call in a drainage company so they can send a camera down the pipe and figure out what is blocking it. Once they know where the blockage is, that piece of the pipe can be dug up, cleared, and replaced. Blocked pipes are quite common and in the case of tree roots, it’s an issue that occurs so slowly the previous owner may not have realised what was going on.

Bad Landscaping

Does your landscaping seem to be causing issues with water? When it rains, take a walk through the garden and you’ll notice that there are areas where the water just collects. This may be due to the way your landscaping is done.

Ideally, there will be spaces for the water to run off and drain as the rain falls. Any large, paved surfaces, such as patios or paths, can end up being an issue, as they may direct the water to a place where it is not going to drain properly. Many people prefer to add French drains to help remove the water from specific areas so it doesn’t form stagnant pools.

Alternatively, you can dig a small ditch and add gravel to it alongside the paths where the water can dribble into the ditch and drain away, without causing issues.

Broken Pipes

Older homes may have collapsed drains or broken pipes either inside the home or outside. You’ll likely notice that water is not draining well inside the house, or may even be returning in some cases, such as in lower sinks and showers, or even the laundry drains. These can be major issues and are likely to indicate the pipe needs to be fixed.

Other indications include water damage in the walls or ceiling of the home and the smell of sewage where the pipe has broken. There may be mould growing in areas where pipes have cracked, as well. You should be aware of these issues before purchasing, but if they show up after you have the house, you’ll need to move quickly to prevent further damage to your home.

How do you find these pipes and fix them? This is where you’ll need to call in the experts. They have the equipment necessary to check the pipes from the inside out and to determine where there may be some major issues. They are also able to fix the problem by replacing a section of pipe or by relining the pipe, depending on the severity of the situation.

Find the Right Drainage Company

There are plenty of plumbers who can come and snake out a drain, but if you have bigger drainage issues, like a broken or blocked pipe, then you will want a company that has the equipment to handle the issue. A quality drainage company will have everything needed to inspect the drain, including cameras and a way to get them through the pipe.

They will be able to map out your drains and provide you with a drainage plan once finished, so you never need to worry about cutting into a pipe while digging. There are too many things that can go wrong when you don’t know where your pies are or what condition they are in. Mapping all this out is essential when you get a new property.

Your drainage map should include the drainage layout, of course, with access points noted, as well as septic tanks and treatment plants, discharge points, and what the pipes are made of, as well as their size. You should also receive location, depth, and construction information on the map and invert level of any inspection chambers. This information will give you everything you need to continue with your construction plans.

In addition, a good drainage company is easy to work with and will offer multiple solutions to your problem. This may include pipe relining, pipe replacement, and more. They will be able to improve your current system and remove issues that could otherwise cause more difficult problems in the future.

Check the reviews of any drainage companies in your area and be sure to talk to them and find out what services they offer. You really want to have as many services in one place as possible, so you can use them for everything. This saves time and money over calling in different specialists for each job. This way, you can simply call one company and get all the help you need.

Are you looking for a good drainage company? Drainage Consultants Limited offers a wide range of services, including drain mapping and drain clearance, among others. Contact us today to get a quote on your project.

Soakaways are meant to prevent flooding and help reduce surface water right where it occurs. In some cases, people dig a canal to eliminate this water. However, a soakaway allows you to collect the water and direct it downwards where it will seep into the earth without causing pooling or marshy areas.

If you have an area where water tends to collect during a rainfall, or with pooling water for other reasons, a soakaway may be a good option for your home or business.

Soakaway Construction

This type of drainage is more than just a simple hole in the ground. It is a hole, but there will be soakaway crates or a specific type of rubble to allow for great drainage in the hole. Once it’s finished, there will be little to indicate you have a drainage area there.

To ensure the rainwater doesn’t pool, your downpipe from the roof of your home will run out to the soakaway where the water is permitted to drain into the hole. You will need a professional to determine just how large the soakaway will need to be, as one of the main reasons this type of drainage field fails is due to a lack of space.

Soakaway Regulations

According to regulation, a soakaway must be built to specific standards. These include the following:

Location: A soakaway must be more than five metres from any buildings and two and a half metres from any boundaries. It cannot reach the water table in depth, in order for the water collected to soak into the ground.

Capacity: The soakaway must be large enough to allow the water to seep away before the next big rainfall. A percolation test will tell you how much liquid the soil in the hole can absorb, which will allow you to calculate how much a certain size hole will dissipate in a few hours. There’s quite a bit of calculation to be done and it’s best left to the professionals.

Sewage: Soakaways are not to discharge foul drainage. For sewage, you need a drainage field, not a soakaway. These can only be used for rainwater or otherwise clean water.

You will also need to check that your property is not in a Groundwater Protection Zone and dig a test hole to see where the bedrock is and how far down the water table is. If you have a high water table, you won’t be able to have a soakaway.

Looking for drainage solutions? We’ve got them! Contact us today for more information.

How to Stop Drains Smelling in the Summer

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The warm summer weather means there’s a lot to be excited about; picnics in the park, barbecues and  trips to the beach. However, soaring temperatures can bring their downsides too and unpleasant smelling drains is one of them. You may have noticed nasty odours emerging from your drains during the summer heat, but what can be done to stop it?

Smelly drains are often caused by clogs or buildups of bacteria, but luckily there’s plenty you can do to stop those telltale odours emerging come summertime.

Regular maintenance

If you don’t want your drains to smell during the summer months, regular maintenance is important all year round. Use a natural drain unblocker regularly (even if you don’t suspect any clogs) to keep pipes clear and running smoothly. Even just pouring boiling water down your plugholes regularly will help to keep things moving.

Be careful what you dispose of

Keeping your drains clear and odour free starts with what you pour down the sink. Scrape plates into the bin first before rinsing to avoid buildups of food waste in your pipes. Food waste can become trapped and then it starts to produce bacteria, which leads to that telltale unpleasant smell. You should also avoid pouring any oil or grease down your sink; this is one of the fastest ways to create a clog! Let it cool first and then dispose of it in the bin.

Use a hair catcher

Hair is another culprit for clogging your drains, so use hair catchers over bath and shower plugholes. These guards will catch any loose hairs before they can go down your pipes and potentially start to smell. Avoid washing pets in the bath too if possible; do it outside or wash smaller animals in a plastic tub inside the bath.

Do your drains have a persistent bad smell or a clog that won’t shift? If you’re having drain issues, get in touch with the experts at Drainage Consultants Ltd. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive range of services, including drain unblocking, CCTV drain surveys, deep excavation, fat removal and much more. Whatever your drain issue, we’re confident we can help, so give us a call today or contact us online to find out more.

Three Exciting Bathroom Trends for 2021

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We could all do with some rest and relaxation after the past year and what better place to unwind than your bathroom? A relaxing soak in the bath or long shower is the perfect way to end the day, but it can be difficult to relax if your bathroom isn’t looking its best.

Many exciting bathroom trends have emerged for 2021 and you don’t need to break the bank to add some extra style to your space. If your bathroom could do with a makeover, see below for just three of our favourite bathroom trends this year.

Terrazzo

Terrazzo is a composite material featuring chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass or other coloured stones. The splatters of colour are playful but still elegant and terrazzo tiles can be used for your floor, walls or countertops. Solid terrazzo can be expensive, but you can purchase terrazzo-print tiles or wallpaper if you’re on a budget.

Modern country

‘Cottagecore’ is going nowhere and a modern country cottage style looks great in your bathroom. Pair rustic elements like exposed brick walls or wooden beams with stylish modern fixtures. Vintage furniture looks right at home too; search antique shops for a vintage dresser or cabinets for your bathroom storage.

Botanical prints

Plants have boomed in popularity over the last few years so add some foliage to your bathroom with botanical prints. Choose wallpaper for one feature wall or add patterned tiles to your shower or bath. Botanical prints add a beautiful pop of colour and help to create a lush tropical feel in your bathroom - even if it’s raining outside.

It’s difficult to enjoy a luxury new bathroom if you’re having drainage issues, so if you need domestic drain services in Stockport, get in touch with the experts at Drainage Consultants Limited. We’ve got everything you need to keep your drains running smoothly, including CCTV drain surveys, drain unblocking, excavations, drain repairs and more. We offer free quotations with no obligation and there’s no hidden fees to worry about, so give us a call today or contact us online to find out more.

Issues with your drains can range from being a minor inconvenience to a huge problem. In either case, no doubt one of the first things you are likely to do is have a quick look online or ask around for a local drainage specialist. Most of us will be faced with this at some point in our lives and it can certainly be overwhelming to deal with. Sadly once you’ve noticed a problem with your drainage system, there isn’t a great deal you can do, however, getting on the case and finding a reliable expert is key.

With this in mind, whether it’s a blocked pipe, emergency drain clearance or drain cleaning services, here is our definitive checklist for finding a trained expert to support you with your urgent needs.

Asking Friends and Family

Simple but most certainly effective. If there is one source you can rely on it’s asking people you know and trust. Speaking to friends, family, neighbours or colleagues can be really helpful in finding a suitable team of drainage experts to support your needs. Doing so will allow you to rest assured that the quality of work is going to be of a high standard.

Explain the Issue in As Much Detail As Possible

When you begin the process of hiring an expert drainage consultant, try and be as thorough as possible when explaining to them the nature of your issue. This then allows them to be able to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about using their services. For example, what is the fee for a call-out and are there any additional costs to be aware of? In addition, it’s worth asking whether you will be charged for their travel or parking? These are all things it’s incredibly easy to forget about, so be mindful of this added information.

Are They Accredited?

Perhaps not an obvious point to consider - but are they accredited? The reason why this is useful to know is that it indicates that they have been vetted in some capacity and that it indicates they have the necessary skills for the job to be carried out well. These accreditations often work alongside Trading Standards or government-approved operators. This again is another factor that gives you the reassurance you are going to be receiving a good service.

Ask for Quotes

Any good company will happily offer you quotes for the service they carry out. No doubt, they will gladly discuss your requirements and needs in order to make sure that you are happy and assured about the fine details of their fees. In some cases, they may not be able to offer you an exact estimate until they visit your site or home. This is pretty common practice depending on the job you are having carried out and isn’t something which should put you off using their services.

Cost is, of course, a massive decisive factor for lots of people and being clear about the costs involved is really important. If a company isn’t being overtly clear with you about their specific rates, this is a red flag. The reason why this is so important is if you don’t receive information about the rates involved, you may end up paying a significantly larger amount than you anticipated. Getting a quote is standard professional practice so don’t feel worried about requesting one.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask for a Testimonial

If you want to have a bit more assurance about their work or services, you are totally within your right to ask for a reference or testimonial. This allows you to get specific information directly from those who have used their services and this is incredibly useful. This is a clear indication of the quality of their work and something that will no doubt, very reassuring for you!

Do They Offer Emergency Services?

The unfortunate reality is that you cannot predict when something is going to go wrong in life and the same certainly applies to your drains and plumbing. This is why it’s highly useful to know if the service provider you opt to use - offers an emergency 24-hour call-out service. This helps to ensure that your home or business is safe from drainage problems, at all times.

How Long Have They Been in the Business?

This one certainly isn’t a total dealbreaker but it’s very much reassuring when a company has been in business for a while. The reason why? It’s a clear indication of how reputable they are. This allows you to clearly see how much trade experience they have. An experienced drainage technician is going to be able to help you identify what the problem is quickly and this, of course, is going to work in your favour and allow you to get back to business as usual as soon as possible.

Customer Service

How a company interacts and treats its customers is a massive indication of what its service is going to be like. A way of measuring customer satisfaction is, how long do they take to respond. Are they contacting you back relatively quickly? In addition to this, if you are trying to decide between a couple of companies, why not give them a quick call with any queries and see how their demeanour is on the phone? If they have great customer service, this might be the factor that sways your decision to use their services.

Will You Receive a Guarantee?     

This is something to consider and it’s certainly wise to think about this prior to selecting a company. It’s useful because it assures you of the quality of work which is going to be carried out and ensures the reliability of the technicians. These are specific factors that are going to give you the added peace of mind you are using the services of a reliable company.

The Bottom Line

The experience of hiring someone to help assist you with your drain issue does not need to be stressful. Hopefully, with the help of this checklist, you will find the right company to support you throughout this process, from start to finish. Having just a little bit of an idea of what you are looking for can really go a long way and in the long term ensure that the service you are going to receive will run as smoothly as possible and give you the peace of mind - the job is going to be carried out well!

Drainage Consultants - Specialist Drainage Experts Here to Support Your Needs

Are you seeking a reliable and quality drainage expert? In that case, Drainage Consultants are here to help. With over 20 years of experience, Drainage Consultants Ltd is your go-to for all 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 work for the domestic, commercial and industrial markets. Our drain experts are based just outside Manchester, offering the perfect base to provide professional, nationwide coverage for Manchester, Stockport and the surrounding areas.

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. Contact us today and find out why we’re one of the best drainage companies on the market.

A blocked drain is sadly all too common for lots of people and can cause a plethora of problems. It's a natural reaction to want to wait and see if the issue improves over time, nevertheless, this may only make things worse. You need to take the necessary steps to rectify the original blockage and ensure that everything is in good shape. Using the services of a drainage consultant will give you the peace of mind that you’re getting the support you need!

With this in mind, in this blog, we are going to identify the key information you need to know relating to identifying a blocked drain and the necessary measures you need to take in order to sort the issue out. Read on to discover more!

What Causes a Blocked Drain?

Your drain can end up becoming blocked for so many reasons. In the bathroom, this can relate to waste products not breaking down sufficiently and in the kitchen, this can be due to a buildup of oil, grease and fat. In the case of outdoor drains, a blocked drain can be because of a build-up of leaves and general debris. Another issue for outdoor drains is tree roots which can grow into pipes and cause obstructions within the pipe. This can prevent water from flowing through the drain and potentially collapse the drain.

How Can You Tell if The Drain Is Blocked?   

There are many ways to ascertain if your drain is blocked, some more obvious than others but it’s certainly worth being aware of these indicators as catching an issue early on will certainly prevent further issues from developing and ultimately becoming exacerbated. Here are a few of the most common:

Unpleasant Odours

It is very often the case that an unpleasant smell will become overtly apparent. Often this unpleasant smell is a clear sign of an obstruction inside of the drain and this can happen prior to the drain becoming totally blocked.

Water isn’t Draining or is Taking a Long Time to Drain

If a drain appears to be blocked at home, a clear indicator is that it takes a long time for any water to drain. This could apply to any appliance such as the bath, the sink or even the toilet. In some cases, rather than the water draining slowly, it may not drain at all. As well as this, you may have water rising when you are using a different appliance.

 

Unusual Noises

A key indication of there being problems inside of your drain include strange noises coming from your drains. Quite often this will appear as an unfamiliar gurgling noise that appears when appliances are being used as well as when they are not.

What Are the Most Common Causes of a Blocked Drain?     

There are certainly usual suspects that pop up time and time again when blocked drains are being fixed, especially in the domestic sphere. Here we list the most common pesky culprits:

Fat and oil

As previously mentioned, this is a highly common culprit for blocked drains, especially in the domestic sphere. Cooking oil and fat is often poured down the drain in their liquid form and perhaps this leads people to believe it's fine to do so. Nevertheless, oil and fat are heavy forms and will not flow through a drain easily in the way that water will.

Instead, they sink and form a solid mass, this is referred to as a ‘fatberg.’ Once the fatberg solidifies it is the factor that can result in your drain becoming blocked. Recently, a fatberg as big as an Olympic-sized swimming pool was removed from a Plymouth sewer by specialist contractors, so this really goes to show the magnitude of fatbergs and how they can escalate. 

‘Flushable’ Wipes

Despite the fact that lots of bathroom and sanitary wipes are labelled as flushable, quite often this isn’t actually the case. They can actually be the cause of lots of drain problems down the line. Plenty  of these wipes aren’t actually biodegradable, in turn, they can quite feasibly clog up your drains. The same can be said for flushing feminine hygiene and sanitary products.

Coffee Filters and Grounds

This is becoming increasingly one of the most common causes of blocked drains - especially at home in the kitchen. Lots more people have been investing in at-home coffee filters and machines. In turn, people have begun disposing of their coffee waste - down the sink. Household drainage systems can’t break down this thick, grainy substance of the coffee. People often think that this substance will disintegrate, this is sadly not the case and will almost definitely trigger a blockage.

What if It Appears To Be a Collapsed Pipe?

If you suspect that a pipe is collapsed, or perhaps know this for a fact, it is the case that the pipe will need to be replaced but a professional and is not something you can tend to rectify yourself. A collapsed pipe can be due to wastewater build-up. This can be caused by ageing pipework, tree roots or flooding.

This issue with a collapsed pipe is that wastewater is not going to be able to leave your property. If you are having suspicions about a collapsed pipe, have a look in your garden or surrounding outside areas of your home for areas that are saturated, especially those nearby trees or shrubs. The reason for doing this is because the roots can weaken the pipes causing the collapse.

How Should You Deal With a Blockage?

There are a few routes you can take in order to deal with a blockage. You can endeavour to deal with this yourself, however, for stubborn blockages, it is generally advised that you opt to use the services of a professional drainage consultant. A professional technician will have the correct equipment to suit your needs and be able to support you in avoiding any further damages. They are also going to be able to support you in removing swiftly and easily if you are desperately in need of additional support.

Although many may prefer to opt for a DIY approach, this isn’t necessarily going to be the best approach and when you do require specialist support, the Drainage Consultants are here to help and will do everything in their power to ensure the issue is resolved efficiently and effectively.

Drainage Consultants - Manchester's Expert Drainage Consultants

Have you got a blocked drain? If you have tried dealing with it yourself to no avail, it might be time to give the professionals a call for some support. With that being said, Drainage Consultants are here to help. Our drainage specialists provide a 24-hour service for customers up and down the country, making sure that homes and businesses are safe from drainage problems. Whether you’re in need of drain clearance or sewer repair, our drain experts are on call no matter the time of day or night to resolve your issue quickly, efficiently and to the highest possible 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. As well as this, 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 our services, please visit our website or contact us today, we'd be delighted to help with any enquiries and help you get back to business as usual - without the stress of a blocked drain!

Water is so crucial to our everyday lives. We would be unable to live without it and no doubt for many of us it is something we take for granted every day, having clean and fresh water is just a given for many of us. Nevertheless, no matter how much we may take water for granted or how commonplace it is for us to have it, it can still be tricky to access whether or not we have proper water flow systems. As well as this, we should always be safe in the knowledge that the water we consume is always going to be safe and clean.

What’s more, the need for clean, running water comes with the requirement for proper water flow systems. There are a few ways that you can check and manage water flow systems and pipes but one of the simplest to access this issue is by using tracing dyes.

This is one of the easiest and most straightforward ways of investigating issues relating to your drain, dye testing is an enduringly popular method for discovering issues such as leaking, water ingress, sub-floor areas and more.

It's carried out in a rather methodical manner, in some cases using several different dyes to test the various sections using a few colours to figure out which is the problem section. drain dye often comes in powder and tablet form and is environmentally friendly - one of the many reasons it’s proved to be so popular over the years.

With this in mind, here in this blog, we discover how drain dye testing works and how it may be of benefit to you. Read on to discover more!

What is drain dye testing?

Drain dye testing is a highly simple but also a very important measure for testing out your drains. It’s a pretty simple process that basically involves using a liquid, usually coloured, to follow the route of drainage water and sewage through the domestic or commercial pipework system.

The great thing about drain dye testing is that dyes that come in various shades can be used in order to inform you of what exactly is going on in your drains. Regardless of whether the dyes are in the form of tablets or powders, they will let you know what it is you need to do to rectify any issues with your drain and whether it needs to be repaired or possibly relined.

Drain dyes are used to carry out a vast range of tests that are used to gather information about a system of water flows. This information is then used from these tests to tell you anything from what the direction or speed of a water flow is to something more advanced such as if there are any leaks and the whereabouts of the leaks.

Here in the next section we explain the drain dye testing process in more detail and discuss its key benefits.

Mapping the flow from the source

The biggest advantage of drain dye testing is the knowledge it gives you. By using a drainage expert, they will be able to map the flow of any water from a source. Doing this will allow you to pinpoint where the issue may be situated and then carry out any repairs, replacement or relining.

Locating blockages

Drain dye testing is extremely useful for discovering damaged piping and blockages in the drainage system. In addition, using this process along with a CCTV drain survey is going to allow you to swiftly identify the cause of your blocked drain, or in the scenario of a broken drain, identify where the break is and then get it repaired.

Discovering any pollutants

Drain dye testing also makes it much simple to monitor, control and stop any potential pollution from your drainage system as well. Using the dye and letting it flow through your drainage system will allow you to discover and reveal where the source is of any pollutants potentially entering the system.

Can still work even with a complex draining system

Whatever the reason for the blockage, having a look at the potential cause of the blockage, having a look at the drains, particularly when underground can be a tricky procedure and this is for obvious reasons such as the system being hard to access, unclear or out of date. Moreover, drain dye testing is the perfect solution to this and it will follow the route of the system without being restricted by the drain structures or prevented by lack of access.

Adaptable with other services

Apart from seeing where wastewater and sewage are flowing towards, one of the other key advantages of drain dye tracing is that it easily will work well with other drainage repair and treatment services too. It will not only help trace leaks in drain pipes but also identify possible repairs and also help reveal the source of the issue entering the surface water system and locate drain blockages too.

Is using a drain dye test going to be safe?

By using drain dye testing, there is going to be a slight possibility for human consumption, however, research indicates that testing dyes are safe for humans and the environment due to the fact that they are created from 100% non-toxic materials and contain absolutely no harmful chemicals or toxic ingredients. As well as this, these dyes are approved by food standard agencies and are classified as biodegradable as well.

Testing dyes are available in lots of forms, for example, you can get them in sachets similar to a tea bag, powders, liquids or tablets. It’s really important to be aware of whether or not your water is safe to consume and clean. When in doubt, always consult a drainage specialist about a drain dye test.

 

Drainage Consultants - We Provide Quality Drain Dye Testing 

At Drainage Consultants, we are experts in taking a diversity of approaches to the major problems that affect drains. Our dedicated employees are trained to cope with a plethora of different circumstances and, whether the difficulty is large or small, we can be trusted to respond swiftly, assess the situation accurately and act decisively. One method that we deploy is dye testing, which allows us to discover precisely what is going wrong in complex cases.

 Drainage systems may demand dye testing for a range of reasons; it’s not just the fact that drains are underground that can make them tricky to investigate. If a drainage structure is complicated, then it might not be obvious where it drains to. The dilemma can be compounded if plans of the system are out-of-date, hard to access or unclear. Dye testing with a fluid, which is always neither staining nor toxic, can be a handy solution. To find out more about how we can help you, please feel free to contact us today, we’d be happy to help.

A commercial kitchen can certainly be a complicated place if you are unfamiliar with it, it's not the same as manoeuvring your kitchen at home. With the complex nature of this kind of set-up, one of the key things which are going to have to be cared for with due consideration is the plumbing fixtures in the kitchen.

Your kitchen drain is hardly the most glamorous topic in the world, however, it plays a crucial role in the day-to-day running of your kitchen and is essential for productivity. Plumbing engineers encounter the specific types of commercial kitchen fixtures all the time and will be familiar with how to rectify any issues with them. A commercial kitchen is an environment that is going to involve very specific plumbing fixtures and special equipment - especially concerning drains.

In this blog, we will outline to you some useful information that will be helpful to know relating to plumbing requirements for a commercial kitchen.

Ensuring efficient Kitchen drainage systems

A clear understanding of what makes a clean and safe draining system is crucial in a kitchen. You need to be aware of what liquid waste is safe to dispose of down the drain and which kind isn’t.

Taking into consideration the various types of liquid waste and their different attributes, here are a couple of the most common commercial kitchen liquids encountered:

Condensates - this is a specific fluid that comes from fridges, air conditioners, ice machines, drain pans, hoses, or cooling and plumbing lines.

Drained fluids - this is standard in all kitchens and comes from sinks and kitchen equipment.

Cooking by-products - a common example of this grease and oil, these are subject to laws relating to how they are disposed of.

Commercial kitchen equipment - this is often going to possess a direct or indirect waste connection, this will depend on the type of equipment it is.

Plumbing vents - these are a crucial element of commercial kitchens and have waste pipes with an outdoor connection, often this is through the roof. The purpose of these types of pipes is to remove sewage gases and keep them away inside the building.

How blocked drains are caused in commercial kitchens?

If you tip fat, oil or grease into your drain, over an extended period, fatty deposits are going to build up and create something known as a fatberg, which is going to block the drain. Further down the drain, the fatbergs will, unfortunately, stop sewage from moving along the drainage system. In turn, this creates a backlog.

Some of the common signs of a fatberg issue are:

• An unpleasant odour around the drains or in that general area
• Flooding around your kitchen or outside of the premises

General flooding, even light flooding that smells bad can lead to unsanitary conditions, causing kitchens to shut down and pubs or restaurants to lose business while the cause is investigated and necessary action is carried out.

How not to deal with a commercial drain blockage

Tipping boiling water into the drain is something that lots of people think is going to help alleviate a blocked drain but this is sadly not the case. Doing so isn’t going to dissolve any fat or grease, all it is going to do is push the fat deposits further down the drain.

In turn, the fat, oil or grease might dissolve temporarily - however, it is still going to cause a blockage a little bit further down the line. This still has an impact on your business and your neighbours.

How to properly dispose of your food and cooking waste

One of the key things you need to do as a hospitality establishment is to ensure you dispose of your food waste safely and efficiently. Any fat, oil and grease which accumulates in your grease trap, needs to be collected and recycled by one of the Environment Agency approved waste carriers. 

Food safety

Food safety can be seriously compromised because of bad drainage. To achieve the required food safety standards for a commercial kitchen, a drain needs to safely remove any waste.

Health & safety

Lowering the overall risk of injury and providing optimum safety in the workplace is paramount in a commercial kitchen setting. Your facility must have a drainage system that improves health and safety conditions throughout the cleaning and emptying also while ensuring a high standard of hygiene.

There are several significant attributes that a safe drainage system needs to have to properly function and more significantly, prevent any harmful blockages:

• A debris filter located at the outlet
• Removable and clean non-slip gratings which have no sharp edges for optimum safety
• A removable foul air trap that is simple to remove and accessible
• Measures in place to prevent bacteria build-up
• Efficient volume capacity and size
• A proper waste disposal system
• A grease separator to remove fats and grease

Legal kitchen requirements

There are a few different laws in place which require catering businesses to manage the disposal of fat, oil and grease properly:

• Water Industry Act 1991
• Environmental Protection Act 1990 - Duty of Care
• Environmental Protection Act 1990 – Statutory nuisance
• Animal By-products Regulations EC 1974/2002 (ABPR)
• Building Act 1984
• Food Safety Act 1990

If you do not comply with these regulations, there is a possibility that you may be prosecuted further down the line.

The bottom line

Working in a commercial kitchen can certainly be stressful and this element of stress certainly isn’t going to be helped by drainage issues. If you do experience any significant drain problems it's important that you work professionals on any work which needs to be carried out.

As previously mentioned, health regulations are stringent and not adhering to them can bring serious, legal health consequences. It is also in your best interest to keep your drainage system healthy.

 

Drainage Consultants - Drain Services That Your Premises Can Rely On

Here at Drainage Consultants, our engineers cover all industry sectors and have particular expertise within the pub and restaurant trade with over 2000 public houses as customers. We understand these particular drains are under particular stress with high traffic usage as well as waste such as fat, oil, grease and food which can cause major issues. We will help keep your drainage system healthy - keeping contamination risks low and ensuring compliance with all regulations.

Along with maintenance packages which include vacuuming and high-pressure cleaning to keep unforeseen blockages at bay, our emergency team are on hand nationwide 24 hours a day 7 days a week should a blockage occur. Our drainage engineers will arrive promptly and will perform a thorough analysis using a CCTV drain survey to diagnose your problem.

We will recommend the best, most cost-effective solution to get your drains unblocked and flowing healthily straight away. We will complete repairs to get your pub running again. In the majority of cases, this can be done there and then. To find out more about our efficient and reliable services, contact us today. We’d be happy to help with any enquiries you may have.

Trees are amazing - but your drains probably don’t think so! Overgrown tree roots can wreak havoc on drainage systems by leaving them vulnerable to blockages and other damages. As a result, you may need tree root removal services from your local drainage company to eliminate the issue and get your drains running smoothly again. 

Tree root blockages are, unfortunately, more common than you might think. There's one very simple reason for this: trees need water! This means that roots tend to grow straight towards plentiful sources of moisture, with the damp ground surrounding drains acting as a beacon to thirsty plants.

Identifying this issue early on is crucial to prevent large-scale damage and costly repair services. Here are three of the most common signs that your drainage system needs tree root removal services.

Slow drainage

If your sinks and toilets are struggling to carry wastewater away from your property, you are likely dealing with a blocked drain. Drains can become blocked for many reasons, but tree root interference is a common problem! As the roots grow and intertwine with each other (alongside solid pieces of fat and grease that have been incorrectly flushed away), they start to expand and make it difficult for wastewater to flow normally.

If this issue isn’t dealt with quickly, your pipes will begin to struggle under the pressure. Over time, this can cause pipes to crack and collapse.

Sinks and toilets backing up

Another potential sign that you’re dealing with a tree root plumbing issue is that your wastewater is not only struggling to drain - but is actually backing up into your property. You might notice this when you flush the toilet and wastewater appears to travel back up from the pipe, or perhaps when you’re washing your hands and the sink starts to fill with water.

Again, this plumbing problem can occur when tree roots block the pipe to the point where water and toilet paper cannot pass through as normal.

An oversaturated lawn

An oversaturated lawn could be another sign of tree roots in your drainage system. A bog-like garden could become a problem if the roots have begun to cause cracks and holes to appear in your drains, as water will quickly start to flood into the soil.

You can usually spot this by looking for large puddles on the surface of your lawn (especially if they weren’t caused by heavy rainfall and don’t naturally drain away) or small sinkholes appearing in your garden.

For reliable tree root removal services, choose Drainage Consultants

Do you suspect a tree root-related drainage issue? Our team of drainage experts are here for you. We’re proud to offer a wide range of services to domestic and commercial customers - with everything from CCTV drain surveys to patch lining and fat removal - to keep our clients’ drains happy and healthy. To learn more about our tree root removal services or how else we could help you, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Making sure you give your sink and drain thoroughly clean, needs to be a part of your standard kitchen cleaning routine. It's an easy mistake because you use cleaning products, soap and water at the sink that it's going to be spotlessly clean and no doubt, working efficiently. Sadly, this isn’t necessarily the case.

With a mix of food debris and dirty dishwater, the kitchen sink and your drains can be pretty unhygienic without you actually even realising it.

So taking all of this into consideration, you might be thinking to yourself, how do I make sure my sink and drains are as clean as possible? With that in mind, we've created a handy guide with a few tips and tricks for you to try to make sure your kitchen is up to scratch!

Getting started

A blocked up sink or clogged drain can be pretty smelly and isn’t always going to be very hygienic to use. To make sure you keep a fresh smelling and clear sink, which is free of bacteria, you definitely need to try and keep a clear drain.

Cleaning a drain can be a lot more difficult than the process of cleaning the sink itself and this is probably pretty unsurprising. This is not just because your drain itself is difficult to reach but also because it's out of sight.

Thankfully there are quite a few ways in which you can keep your drain clean and clear - using some really simple household items. If you find that these methods are not working too well or there is still a problem, it's possible that there could be a more significant issue which may require the assistance of an expert to help.

Thankfully, these problems are often simple to rectify, whether you are trying to sort it yourself or with the help of a drainage specialist.

What you’ll need

These items may all seem pretty simple - but they are certainly effective for deep cleaning your kitchen sink and drain. You will need:

• A sponge or cloth
• Washing up liquid
• Baking soda
• Vinegar

Cleaning the drain

In this section, we’ll go into the specifics of what you need to do to give your drain a good clean.

Take off the drain covering

If you use a drain covering over the drain, remove it. Get rid of any food excess that has been left from your washing up or any other cleaning detritus that has made its way into the sink and blocked the top of the drain. You must empty the sink before you begin.

Use boiling water

Boil up some water in a kettle and tip it down the drain before you begin anything else. This is going to work as an initial measure to flush out the drain. This is going to get rid of any small particles that have built up in the drain itself.

Baking soda and vinegar

Then, you’ll want to pour one half of a cup of baking soda into the drain. After this step, you will want to pour half a cup of white wine vinegar down the drain. Tip the vinegar over the baking soda, this causes a mild chemical reaction which causes the baking soda to fizz up and in turn, sanitize your drain. Don't be alarmed by this fizzing process and just leave it for around 10 minutes to work. 

The solution is going to make its way down the drain and work to get rid of potential debris and any sort of build-up.

One more time, tip boiling water down the drain in order to get rid of any remaining baking soda and vinegar residue in the sink. If you can still smell the odour from the vinegar and baking soda, you can flush some boiling water down the drain again to cleanse it.

Overnight bleach cleanse

It's not a bad idea to put bleach down the drain once or twice a week if you can. If you are going to do so, it's not a bad idea to do this in the evening and leave it overnight. Letting it sit for a few hours ensures the chemicals work to break down anything in the sink.

This process helps stop any bacterial build-up and prevents any unpleasant odours too. If you are not too keen on the chemical smell of bleach, using some baking soda after washing up can decrease any unpleasant scents.

Cleaning the sink

Give your sink a rinse

Perhaps an obvious starting point for anyone about to clean their sink but give it a good rinse before you start cleaning. You are going to want to finish off washing any dishes and then give the sink a thorough clean. Any food, liquids, or any other kitchen paraphernalia should be rinsed and put away prior to your cleaning. After you rinse everything, clear the drains as well as you can and you’re ready to get started.

If you own a stainless steel sink, acid and salt from food can damage the finish on the surface, for other kinds of sinks it can make stains more tricky to clean. Rinsing out the sink fully should be part of your nightly cleaning routine.

Sprinkle baking soda

Once you have rinsed your sink, give it a sprinkle with some baking soda. Use this plentifully and cover the whole sink. Once baking soda covers your entire sink, you can begin scrubbing it. To do this you can use some washing up liquid and a sponge for ease.

Make sure you scrub

Baking soda is known for its abrasive texture but it will not damage your sink. Give the sink a good scrub top to bottom and work your way inwards to the drain. Use circular motions and clean the whole surface area.

Anti bac

Once you have finished scrubbing your sink clean, it’s a good idea to sanitize it. Give the cleaned sink a proper rinse to ensure all of the cleaning products and any debris is washed down the drain.

Drainage Consultants - Emergency Drain Clearance 7 Days a Week

It’s great to keep on top of your kitchen maintenance and keeping your sink clean is crucial for ensuring that it works well. However, sometimes you may be experiencing issues which are out of your control. With this in mind, Drainage Consultants are here to help. At Drainage Consultants we thrive on customer service and satisfaction and understand that a blocked drain can cause a serious problem and headache for a commercial, private or domestic property.

Whatever the drainage problem, wherever the location and whatever the time, you can call Drainage Consultants and speak directly to a qualified member of staff who will quickly and effectively aim to give you a fast and easy solution to resolve your problem, with minimum fuss. From the moment you contact our office, we are able to give you a fixed price and arrange an estimated time of arrival for our experienced and qualified engineers, helping to put your mind at ease knowing your problem is in safe capable hands. To find out more, please contact us today, we’d be delighted to help with any enquiries you may have.

Drain odours are a common problem, but this doesn’t make them any less unpleasant to deal with. Most people will have experienced smelly drains at some point, but it can make your home unpleasant to be around, or worse, put off potential customers or clients if you run a business.

There are several possible causes behind unpleasant drain smells, from minor issues you can sort yourself, to more serious problems that require professional help. If you’ve noticed smelly drains in your home or business premises and want to know why, see below for some of the most common causes.

Bacteria buildup

It’s easy for bacteria and gunk to build up in your drains, especially when you consider how much we flush down there. Food, grease and hair can all become trapped in your pipes, leading to blockages and build ups of smelly bacteria. Try clearing your pipes first using a drain snake or liquid drain unblocker. If the smell persists, call in the professionals and let them clear the blockage.

A clogged pipe

If bacteria build up isn’t the issue, you may have a clogged pipe somewhere further down the system. Other telltale signs (apart from a bad smell) include slow drainage or water pooling in your sink or bath.

Sewer smells

Empty drain traps can cause bad smelling sewer gas to rise up through your drains. This is more common in drains that aren’t used very often and it’s a good idea to add a drain trap to any new sink or appliance that’s fitted. Sewer smells can also be caused by a natural gas leak, so it’s best to arrange an inspection from a professional.

Water issues

That telltale rotten egg smell is often caused by sulfates in the water. This occurs when sulfate reducing bacteria enters your hot water system and reacts with the sulfates present. In some rare cases, sewage may have contaminated your water supply, so call a drainage expert if the smell doesn’t disappear after flushing the pipes.

If you’re dealing with an unpleasant drain smell that won’t go away, get in touch with the experts at Drainage Consultants. We’ve got all the expertise and services you need to solve drainage issues, including CCTV surveys, drain cleaning, unblocking, fat removal, drain repairs and much more. We’ll carry out an assessment to find the source of those foul odours and then carry out any necessary repairs or maintenance to restore your drains to full working order. For more information about any of our services or to arrange an appointment, contact us today.

Drainage systems are essential to keep our homes and businesses safe, hygienic and free from flooding. Drain blockages can cause a lot of damage and they can occur for several reasons, including build ups of fat, foreign objects flushed down the drain, or build ups of tree roots.

Tree roots can sometimes start to grow within a drain, causing blockages and (in some severe cases), collapsed drains or damage to the pipes. If you suspect that roots have entered a drain, it’s important to deal with the issue sooner rather than later, so read on for our guide to root removal services.

Why do roots grow in drains?

Root growth in drains is a natural phenomenon (although inconvenient!). Plants and trees tend to grow towards water sources and their growth also thrives in damp areas. This means that they’ll be drawn to drain areas where water is present, but it’s important to remove the roots to prevent pipe damage.

The root removal process

First, a drainage consultant will need to conduct an assessment to locate the source of any root growth and see how serious it is. If the roots have left the pipe intact, then flailing equipment can be used to clear the blockage. This equipment is powered by high pressure water jets which cut through the roots from inside the drain, flushing them out.

If the roots have caused the drain to collapse then the process is more complicated, but the issue can be solved. In most cases, an excavation will need to be carried out, followed by replacement of the pipe, backfilling and reinstating the drain. Structural liners can also be added to make it harder for roots to re-enter and grow in the drain.

If you’re in need of professional root removal in Manchester, Stockport and the surrounding areas, get in touch with the experts at Drainage Consultants. We can conduct a thorough assessment of your drains and remove the roots before they can cause further damage. If your drains have collapsed, not to worry, we can repair the damage and use a structural liner to reduce the chances of roots returning. For more information about our root removal services or to book an assessment, give us a call today or contact us via the website.

Blocked drains can be more than just frustrating for commercial property owners. Clogged or malfunctioning drains can cause business downtime, threaten the health and safety of everyone within the building, and result in expensive pipe repair and maintenance services. Because of this, every commercial premise owner must pay close attention to their building’s drain health. This includes preventing anything that shouldn’t be disposed of via the drains from being poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet.

If you work in an environment that handles oil and grease, such as a pub or restaurant, disposing of these items properly is especially important. Otherwise, you will likely have to deal with one of the most common commercial drainage issues: fat build-ups. To resolve the problems caused by fat build-ups, often known as fatbergs, you will need to begin by sourcing fat removal services from trusted drain clearance professionals.

Here, let’s take a look at what fatbergs are, how they can damage your drains, how to prevent them, and everything you need to know about fat removal and drain cleansing services.

How fatbergs cause drainage problems

First of all, what is a fatberg? Fatberg is the name given to a mass of waste that has clumped together inside a pipe and caused an obstruction. Typically, fatbergs are formed when items that shouldn’t be poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet, such as wet wipes, become stuck together. The glue? You guessed it: fat.

Fatbergs can cause significant damage if left untreated. They will simply keep growing until it’s almost impossible for other liquids to pass through. As you can imagine, this level of obstruction can cause significant drainage damage. Depending on how big the fatberg becomes, or how much the pipe struggles to allow efficient drainage, the undue pressure could lead to waste back-ups and cracked pipes.

There are some examples of large fatbergs that have even affected whole sewage systems, such as a 40-tonne fatberg found in London in 2019. In some areas, the mass of fat, wet wipes and other non-biodegradable items took up to 80% of the sewer’s capacity.

Although build-ups this large are caused by thousands of households and buildings, household and commercial building pipes aren’t immune to smaller fatbergs. Sometimes fat coats the internal lining of a pipe and slowly gets thicker and thicker, which will also restrict the pipe flow and cause many of the same issues as fat blockages.

How fatbergs cause business-related problems

As we’ve mentioned, fatbergs are often caused by items being improperly disposed of via drainage systems. This is common amongst homeowners who may deal with small fatbergs from putting vegetable peelings down the sink or failing to dispose of hardened cooking fat and simply washing it down the drain.

However, the problem is more likely to arise in commercial buildings with lots of staff members and employees using the bathrooms and sinks. For businesses, dealing with a drainage fat build-up could have severe consequences. These include:

• Further drainage issues: Dealing with slow-draining sinks is one thing, but repairing a cracked pipe is quite another! Regular drain maintenance is vital to preventing large-scale (and expensive) drain repairs, and a key part of this is making sure no fat or grease is poured down the sink.

• Business downtime: If your toilets start to back-up or your sinks are draining too slowly to work efficiently, you’ll struggle with business downtime. This might mean losing valuable employee working time or being forced to close your restaurant for a day to have the drains repaired.

• Health and safety issues: Whether you run a hotel or pub, the last thing you want is to compromise the health and safety of your employees and customers. However, fatbergs can cause unsanitary issues, such as toilet back-ups, that could lead to health-related problems.

As you can see, there are many reasons to make fatberg prevention part of your building maintenance routine. The easiest way to prevent fatbergs from forming is to make sure your staff know exactly what can and can’t be disposed of down the drain, and make sure a rule against flushing grease and oil is actively enforced.

Making sure your customers don’t flush unwanted items down the toilet can be more difficult, but it doesn’t hurt to put signage up to remind people what should be binned instead of flushed. If you notice that your toilets or sinks are draining more slowly than usual, this is a sign that it’s time to call your local drainage experts.

How fat removal services work

If you’ve spotted the telltale signs of a fatberg, then it’s time to call local drainage specialists to remove it for you.  They’ll do this by using fat removal drain clearance services, which require high-pressured tools to break the mass apart. It’s important to remember that these objects can be almost rock-solid, so no amount of pouring hot water down the sink is likely to budge a large fatberg.

So, how do fat removal services work? At Drainage Consultants, we have the high-tech equipment needed to remove fatbergs efficiently and without causing damage to the pipes. We start by identifying the location of the fat build-up and then using high-powered water jets to weaken the mass of fat and other items. By breaking it apart, we can make sure it doesn’t travel further down the pipe and become more difficult to resolve.

Once the fatberg has been broken apart, our drainage experts can then remove the pieces using the most appropriate technique. The technique we use will depend on the position of the mass; if we can do so manually, then we will. However, depending on the size of the remaining fat build-up, it may need to be excavated using vacuum technology.

Why fat removal services are so important

As we’ve discussed, fat-related blockages could be detrimental to your business - so it’s vital to deal with them as soon as possible. Fat removal services are more effective than any shop-bought drain cleaner, so it’s always best to hire drainage experts to take care of the issue professionally. Remember - trying to deal with the problem yourself (or ignoring it and hoping it will resolve itself) could cause severe pipe damage. On the other hand, your chosen drain specialists will be able to remove fat and any other unwanted items from your pipes safely.

At Drainage Consultants, we are proud to offer convenient and cost-effective fat removal services, but believe that prevention is better than any treatment. If we can prevent fat-related blockages from affecting your drains, then we’ll go above and beyond to try and make this happen. This includes recommending that you fit a grease separator, sometimes known as a grease trap, if you have a treatment plant or are preparing to install a treatment plant.

A grease separator does what the name suggests; it prevents grease and oil from being flushed down your pipes. If fat and oil are somehow washed down your sink, then the grease separator will trap them before they mix with the wastewater. This can prevent fat build-ups from blocking your septic tank or contaminating the wastewater further.

To learn more about our fat removal services or the many other drain maintenance services we offer to pubs, restaurants and other commercial establishments, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Drainage Consultants: Specialist fat removal services based in Stockport

If you are experiencing drainage problems, then you needn’t look further than Stockport-based Drainage Consultants for reliable and efficient solutions. Our drain experts work across the country providing highly-specialised drain maintenance and repair services to domestic and commercial clients, offering everything from emergency drain clearance to CCTV surveys, leak detection, sonar drain tracing and localised patch lining.

No matter your requirements, you can rely on Drainage Consultants for exceptional service. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today for further information or a free consultation. We look forward to working with you.

When something goes wrong with your drains, you undoubtedly want to get the issue sorted as quickly as possible. However, tackling it yourself could do more harm than good. To ensure that further problems don’t arise it’s always best to call a professional drainage team who will know exactly what needs to be done.

Here’s all you need to know about the benefits of hiring a drainage expert.

They can pinpoint the issue quickly

If you don’t know what you’re looking for then you’re going to have a hard time finding a solution. On the other hand, experienced drainage workers can diagnose issues fast so a resolution can be offered quickly and your drains will be back up and running in no time. This is especially important in commercial buildings where you may need to stay closed until your drains are back in working order.

Professional equipment

Not all problems can be identified from a quick look, but professionals use specially designed tools to investigate and drains and repair them in the right way. Attempting to do this yourself is not always the best idea as you could end up delaying the problem further. An experienced team has the resources needed to handle the job whether it’s unblocking drains or using CCTV to tackle recurring blockages.

Advice for the future

As well as giving practical help when it comes to sorting drainage problems, by hiring a professional team you can also learn how to prevent the issue. If you try and fix the problem yourself then you may find a short-term solution but without knowing what caused the initial problem, the likelihood of it recurring is high.

At Drainage Consultants we work across the UK providing expert drainage services that you need. From emergency drain clearance to investigations, our team is on hand to sort your problems quickly. Hire an experienced drainage company that you can trust today. Get in touch with us for more information.

Having a good sewage system is essential for your home or business. In cases where the main sewer sits on higher ground than the domestic sewage pipes, such as in low-lying areas, the waste needs to be transported in an alternative way. Pumping stations are a great solution but like regular systems, the tank needs professional maintenance to remain in good condition.

Here are some of the ways that a drainage company can help with your pump station.

Design and build

If you need a pump station in your domestic or commercial property or even an upgrade, a professional drainage company can help. Offering design and build services, means you can have a pump station installed that suits your needs and property exactly. Drainage experts are able to take a look at your current system to come up with a new design, install necessary pipework and electrical control systems.

Repairs

When your sewage system stops working you need an expert team who can get things sorted. A good drainage company can identify problems quickly and find the best solution for the issue, plus since they have relationships with suppliers getting hold of replacement parts isn’t a problem. It’s always best to go to a professional for repairs as you don’t want to cause further problems by attempting to do it yourself. Instead, having someone on standby is a sensible move.

Maintenance

Most sewage systems are trouble-free, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t require maintenance. To keep your pump station in check, engineers can carry out routine preventative maintenance as well as reactive maintenance on a full range of installations.

At Drainage Consultants, we have developed a full design, build, maintenance and repair service for waste water and storm water pumping stations. Keep your home or business running smoothly with help from a professional team across the UK. To see what we can do for you, call our specialist team for an initial assessment and hire a company that you can trust.

If you work for a housing association or you’re a landlord of a property, maintaining good sewage systems is essential. Even small problems can turn in to major issues which means your tenants may experience ongoing issues that aren’t their fault so hiring a professional service is always best.

Read on to learn more about the services and benefits of drainage services for housing associations.

What drainage services are available for housing associations?

Planned maintenance

To ensure that sewage systems remain in good working order, planned maintenance services are ideal for housing associations. High pressure cleaning, minor repairs and diagnostic services will keep the system in good condition so major issues do not go undetected. With the number of different tenants moving in and out of these properties, keeping on top of maintenance is key.

Emergency repairs

Tenants do not want to go days or even weeks with sewage-related issues. However, with emergency call-outs, a professional team can identify the problem, provide a quote and conduct the repairs quickly. Situations such as blocked drains can be dealt with efficiently.

What are the benefits of hiring a professional drainage service?

Maintain property value

A property that’s full of sewage problems is not good for property value. Whether you’re managing a group of flats or houses, hiring professional drainage services will guarantee high-quality work so sewage problems do not affect the value of the property.

Happy tenants

As a housing association, you should be doing everything you can to keep your tenants happy. They expect safe, comfortable and practical homes. Letting sewage issues get out of hand will leave them unsatisfied and could result in serious complaints.

Save on repair costs

Maintenance work little and often such as quarterly inspections or bi-annual maintenance will help you stay on top of repairs and save you money in the long run.

At Drainage Consultants, we work across the UK helping domestic and commercial clients take care of their drainage systems. Over the years our team has provided expert services to housing associates such as planned maintenance work and repairs to maintain the value and safety of the properties. Get in touch today to find how our team can provide a comprehensive package to protect and service your properties.

One of the leading causes of blocked drains in residential drainage systems is food clogging up the pipework. In the worse case scenarios, fat, oil and food debris can cause what is known as a ‘fatberg’. To prevent these from occurring, it’s vital to ensure that we all reduce the amount of food we put down the drain. Here, out drainage contractors provide advice to help you ensure that you keep food out of your drains.

Advice For Keeping Food Out Of Your Drains From Drainage Contractors

Always Scrape Food Into The Bin First

You must get into a good habit of always scraping waste food into the bin or food recycling container before doing any washing up. This may sound self-explanatory; however, it’s straightforward to slip back into bad habits and think: “well it’s only a bit of sauce, what harm could it do?” If the food you put down the drain is filled with fat or oil, the damage can be significant over time.

Be Particularly Wary of Grease, Fat and Oil

As mentioned above, fat, oil and grease are particularly damaging for drains. It’s imperative to reduce as much of that going down the drain as physically possible.

Invest in a Food Waste Disposer

Investing in a food waste disposer unit in your sink is an excellent way to reduce the hassle of getting rid of food waste while also protecting your drains. Usually located in your kitchen near the sink, these tools grind down any food waste and leave the remains in a holding area. Once filled, you can safely remove the food waste for disposal or recycling.

Drainage Consultants: Expert Drainage Contractors in Stockport

If you need advice about your drains, get in touch with Drainage Consultants. We are expert drainage contractors based in Stockport and can provide you with all of the services you need.

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.

In most cases, drainage issues can be rectified through cleaning and repair work after a thorough survey. However, if your drain has completely collapsed, you will likely require drain replacing services. Here, we take you through some of the signs that your drains may be beyond repair and require replacing.

Are There Consistently Foul Smells?

The foul smell of sewage is a sure-fire sign that there is something wrong with your drainage system. Although this can indicate a fixable issue, a strong and consistent smell of sewage - especially after a thorough cleaning - may indicate that there is something more serious to contend with. If the drain has collapsed, the smell of sewage can permeate throughout the whole system.

Are You Experiencing Rodent Infestations?

When drains collapse, the holes and cracks in the pipework provide excellent habitats for rodents like rats. Rats thrive in sewage systems and will get into holes wherever possible. If your building or area has been hit by a rat infestation, it may mean that the sewage pipe underneath you has collapsed and needs replacing. Have a survey completed to get a better understanding of the issue you are working with.

Slow Draining Even After Thorough Cleaning

Slow drains are a common issue and can often be fixed through a thorough cleaning programme and repair work. However, if drains remain slow even after these steps have been taken, you may have a collapsed drain. Following a CCTV survey, you may discover that the drainage system is beyond repair and requires complete replacement.

Looking For Drainage Contractors In Stockport? Look No Further Than Drainage Consultants

If you think your drains need replacing, get in touch with Drainage Consultants in Stockport. We’re the local expert drainage consultants and can provide you with all of the services you need.

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.

Drain specialists have to contend with a lot of unpleasant things at work. Working with sewage and drains is never a pleasant experience. However, some drainage catastrophes have completely taken the biscuit. To give you an idea of what drainage specialists have to contend with, we’ve listed just some of the worse drain catastrophes in history.

Edinburgh’s Sewage Treatment Plant Failure

When sewage pumps failed in Scotland’s Seafield sewage treatment plant, the results were catastrophic. A quarter of a million gallons of human waste erupted from the plant, entering the sea near the Leith area of Edinburgh. To prevent raw sewage from flooding the streets of the Scottish capital, the waste had to be redirected into the North Sea, which led to investigations from the environmental agency.

The Great Stink of London

The so-called ‘Great Stink’ of London is the reason for the construction of the Victorian sewage system that is still used to this very day. As the population in the city boomed, cesspits burst into the River Thames and caused a huge hygiene disaster for the city. As a result, Joseph Bazalgette designed a more sophisticated sewage system which was used for many decades afterwards and is still used today.

Westwater Treatment Plant, Seattle

Over in the US, the Westwater Treatment Plant in Seattle was exposed to a huge wastewater catastrophe. A combination of heavy rain, poor communication and a lack of training led to malfunctions in the treatment plant which nearly claimed the lives of the workers there. Survivors talk of rising brown water as they were trapped and huge panic. However, much of the waste was redirected to the nearby inlet of Puget Sound, however, this has had obvious environmental impacts for the sea life in that area.

For Drain Specialists in Stockport, Contact Drainage Consultants

Drainage Consultants are drain specialists based in Stockport. Whether you require a drain survey, CCTV drain inspection or a drain repair performed, we can provide you with the services you require.

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.

Dealing with a drainage problem on Christmas Day is the last thing you’ll need this year! Drainage problems can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive to resolve, so it’s important not to neglect your pipes - especially as the seasons change. Fluctuations in weather can put pressure on drainage pipes and cause a variety of frustrating problems, so as we move into winter and the cold weather it brings, it’s vitally important to consider how your drains might be affected.

Unfortunately, heavy rainfall, snow and ice can cause lots of problems at this time of year. To protect your pipes and prevent drainage problems from developing over the next few months, make sure you’re aware of the most common winter drainage problems and how to avoid them. Here are five to look out for.

Drain blockages caused by twigs and leaves

Autumn leaves may look beautiful when you’re strolling through the park, but they can wreak havoc on drainage systems throughout winter. If trees surround your property or you live close to a park, your home could be especially vulnerable.

As leaves and twigs fall and settle in gutters and downpipes, you may start to notice that water is draining more slowly than usual. Over days and weeks, as the leaves and twigs start to decompose and form a mulch, they will stop water from draining effectively through the pipes and drainage grates. This can cause water to back-up into your garden, which in turn could lead to flooding and an oversaturated lawn.

To prevent leaves and other debris from blocking your home’s drainage system, pay close attention to your gutters, downpipes and drainage grates. Sweep leaves away from any drains surrounding your property and garden and consider having your gutters cleared by the professionals. This could help to prevent your gutters from overflowing during periods of heavy rainfall!

Drain blockages caused by fat and oil

With the festive season just around the corner, now is the time when families start using more oil and grease in their cooking. When you’re celebrating Christmas or New Years, you may not be thinking about your drains at all - but just a few simple mistakes could cost you a lot more than your roast potatoes might be worth! Pouring oil or grease down the sink can cause difficult-to-shift blockages and fat build-ups that will need to be broken down and removed by drain clearance professionals.

Luckily, it’s easy to prevent this kind of drain blockage throughout the winter. You simply need to make sure that any leftover cooking oil is disposed of properly, instead of being poured down the sink. This may seem like the easiest way to get rid of it, but doing so will cause problems that no one wants to deal with on Christmas Day! If you do require fat removal and drainage cleansing services, don’t hesitate to contact your local drain experts as soon as possible.

It’s not just fat and oil that can cause problems; you should also be careful not to wash food leftovers down the sink! This is essential all year round, but especially during the winter months when you spend more time cooking at home.

Drain blockages caused by overuse

In the winter, we tend to spend more time at home than usual. Instead of dining out or travelling around, many people choose to spend the colder months at home with the heating on and a hot dinner in the oven! This is wonderful for many reasons, but for drainage systems, this sudden surge in usage can lead to several problems. All of a sudden, the whole country needs hot water and better outdoor drainage - so you can imagine the extra strain put on drainage systems across the UK.

To avoid running into drain-related issues throughout the winter months, take the time to inspect any exposed pipes and look out for signs of wear and tear. Even small cracks could leave your pipes vulnerable to leaks during periods of heavy rainfall, so make sure any issues you spot are taken care of as soon as possible!

It’s also important to keep up your pipe maintenance throughout winter. This may seem like the last thing you want to do while celebrating Christmas, but a little can go a long way. For instance, you should inspect your stopcock for signs of corrosion over the colder months. If a leak springs, you’ll rely on your stopcock to turn the mains water supply off and prevent the leak from developing.

Frozen and burst pipes

Snow may be rare in the UK, but we can often expect ice throughout the winter months. For your pipes and drains, freezing temperatures can be catastrophic - so it’s especially important to look out for the telltale signs of frozen pipes as the seasons change. For instance, if your pipes freeze, you may not be able to access hot water. Throughout the coldest months of the year, this could leave your property vulnerable to damp-related issues and also affect your health.

Not only this, but freezing temperatures can also cause your pipes to burst. Burst pipes are potentially one of the most dangerous plumbing issues that property owners face, as they can cause extremely high levels of damage to your drainage system, home and neighbouring buildings.

It can be easy to forget about your pipes or ignore the possibility of frozen pipes affecting your property, but this is a surprisingly common issue that can be stressful and expensive to resolve. To prevent your pipes from freezing or bursting this winter, consider insulating your pipes. You can do this by wrapping foam or pipe wrap around exposed pipes to provide an extra protective layer.

Protecting underground pipes against freezing temperatures can be more difficult. You won’t be able to access them easily, so you will need to call your local drainage experts if you think your pipes are at risk of freezing. It’s also extremely important to make sure that your drains aren’t blocked; if the ice in your pipes begins to melt but can’t escape, the pressure may be what causes your pipes to burst.

Oversaturated lawns

Generally, lawns are capable of draining rainwater away from their surface and absorbing moisture into the soil. However, heavy rain and snowfall throughout the winter months can put extra pressure on your lawn. Once it stops being able to drain itself effectively, water will start to pool and the grass will begin to oversaturate. This problem will often resolve in a couple of days as the soil dries out, but for some property owners, it’s a recurring issue that causes long-term damage to their home and garden area.

Again, one of the most effective ways to prevent your lawn from flooding this winter is to make sure that your drains are unaffected by leaves and debris. If rain or thawing snow can’t drain away properly, water back-ups could leave your lawn vulnerable to flooding.

However, if the problem is ongoing, you may need to install a land drainage system. If you live in the UK, a land drainage system will benefit you all year round! It will be particularly important throughout the winter, so consider discussing this with your local drainage experts.

Keep your drains in good condition all year round with Drainage Consultants Ltd

No matter what time of year it is, you can rely on the drainage experts at Drainage Consultants Ltd to protect your pipes and offer specialist support whenever it’s needed. With over 20 years of experience, our team of drainage specialists have the skills, expertise and tools necessary to cope with domestic and commercial drain issues of all sizes! Whether you require emergency drain clearance services or localised patch lining, make our Stockport-based experts your first port of call.

We also offer a range of other services, including root removal, leak detection and high-level cleaning solutions. To discuss these or any of our drainage services, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We offer all potential customers a free consultation and will go above and beyond to discuss your specific requirements in detail.

With the festive season just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing your home for the festive fun ahead. This likely means decorating, planning your Christmas dinner and finding a secret spot to hide all of your gifts from the family. One thing that probably hasn’t crossed your mind is your drains - and why would they?

You may be surprised to learn that with all the festive cheer comes an increased risk of blocked drains. Fat and cooking oils from our favourite festive dishes along with a whole range of other products can lead to all sorts of problems for our drains. The last thing you want is to find yourself with a blocked drain on Christmas day, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent blockages where possible.

Below, we share our top tips!

Avoid putting leftover cooking oil down the sink

Oils and cooking fats are key ingredients in many of our favourite festive dishes, but these ingredients don’t quite do so well in our drains. This Christmas, make sure you dispose of leftover cooking oil and other similar ingredients correctly - and this means not down the drain. Make sure everyone getting stuck into cooking this Christmas knows that the oil goes in the bin and not down the sink to ensure your drains stay clear.

Dispose of food correctly

Who doesn’t love honey glazed parsnips or soft, fluffy roast potatoes at Christmas? When peeling the veg for your Christmas dinner, make sure you dispose of the peelings correctly. Peelings can become soft and squishy if sat in water; however, this doesn’t mean they’re safe for your drains. Always make sure vegetable peelings go in the food waste bin and don’t accidentally make it into your drains as they can cause blockages and problems.

Regularly maintain your drains

We understand you don’t want to be working or carrying out maintenance over the festive season - and don’t worry, you don’t have to! If you’re worried about your drains, it’s worth finding a reliable drain maintenance company to schedule some maintenance in with. They can inspect your drains and pipes to ensure they’re in top working condition and make sure there are no problems. They’re also on hand in case you need emergency drain repairs!

At Drainage Consultants Ltd, our skilled and experienced team is dedicated to ensuring that homes and businesses are safe from drainage problems this year. Visit our website for more information about our drainage services.

There’s nothing worse than drains that smell. Not only is it embarrassing when you have guests over, but it’s extremely unpleasant for everyone living in your home too. Whether you’re met with a horrible smell after using the kitchen sink or the dreaded smell creeps into your bathroom after you’ve had a shower, living with drains that smell is far from nice.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your drains odour free. In fact, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can get your drains smelling as fresh as daisies in no time. However, it’s important to note that if you do experience smelly drains regularly, it’s wise to call in a reliable drainage company to get to the root of the problem for you.

Baking soda

Baking soda is one of those things everyone should have in their cupboard. It’s good for just about anything - cleaning the washing machine, brightening white shoes, baking… the list goes on, so it’s no surprise that baking soda can also help with your drains too. Baking soda has odour absorbing properties, so sprinkling it down your drain can help stop that dreaded drain smell from emerging.

Hot water

Perhaps the simplest method of all, you may be surprised to learn that boiling water can help clean away some of the grunk and grime that may be making your drains smell. All you need to do is pour boiling water down your drains; the boiling water should soften and clear anything sticking in your drains.

Lemon juice

Combining lemon juice with baking soda and hot water makes for a good citrus cleanse. All you need to do is sprinkle some baking powder down the drain, followed by lemon juice. When the two come into contact, they should create a bubbling reaction. Leave them to bubble away for a while, then flush the mixture down through your drains with boiling water. Not only will your drains be clean and clear, but they’ll smell fresh and citrusy too!

If you have drainage problems at your home or in your commercial building, the team at Drainage Consultants Ltd can help. Our drain maintenance and drain cleaning services are available to both public and private clients. Visit our website for more information.