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.

With a new year on the horizon, you may have started thinking about your New Year’s resolutions. Each year, people set unrealistic resolutions that they struggle to stick to, often including exercising and dieting. However, have you ever thought about setting a resolution to improve your home drainage system?

If you often experience issues with your drains, it may be time to make a change - and what better time than at the start of a new year? If your drains regularly need repairing or maintenance, it could be down to a number of factors. It may be that you’ve fallen into habits that are unhealthy for your pipes and drains, such as flushing wipes down the toilet or pouring cooking oil down the sink.

Below, we’ve put together three New Year’s resolutions to keep in mind for your drains.

Watch what you flush down the toilet

At the start of the new year, take the time to discuss with your family what can and can’t be flushed down the toilet. It’s pretty simple: only toilet roll should be going down there. Flushing other items down the toilet can lead to blockages and other problems, so it’s crucial you stress the importance of what should and shouldn’t be flushed to your family.

Rinse with hot water

Make it your mission to get into the habit of rinsing your sink with hot water after you’ve used it to wash plates. Running hot water down the sink after you’ve used it will ensure your pipes and drains remain clean and clear, helping to melt and destroy any grease that may have settled in your pipes.

Get your drains professionally cleaned

Get your year off to the best start possible by having your drains professionally cleaned. If you can’t remember the last time a professional had a look at your drains, the start of a new year is the perfect time to call up a reliable and reputable company to inspect and clean your drains for you.

At Drainage Consultants Ltd, our team of professionals are on hand to assist with all your drainage problems. We offer a 24 hour service to customers up and down the country and are always available to ensure your drains are in top condition. Visit our website to learn more about our services.

If you want to stop your drains from being blocked and maintain a healthy drainage system, it is very much the case that prevention is the key to success. Prevention tactics include being mindful of what you pour down your drains, and making sure that you flush your drains regularly with drain cleaners to stop a buildup of grease and debris. 

By using the following tips into your day-to-day cleaning routines, you can very much reduce the risk of having to tend to a blocked drain or have any drastic long-term problems.

Identify the source

The simplest way to start preventing fat from building up in your drains is to know where it comes from. Grease, oil and fat are common by-products of a vast amount of foods. An example being, meats, scraps, dairy, rice and plenty more. The best thing to do is to avoid food going down your sink or into your sink water at all costs - dispose of it in the bin or use a drain cover.

Where does the build-up start?

The kind of pipes which tend to clog up the easiest are those which are connected directly to the kitchen sink. Fat, oil and grease can easily flow down the sink combined with water, however as the pipe starts to lose temperature and becomes cold, the fat can solidify, eventually causing a blockage. The more fat, oil or grease that is making its way down the sink, the more likely a bad blockage is going to occur, stopping all water from flowing through and causing overflows.

How do I get rid of it?

A drain that has been completely clogged by fat or grease can be really hard to get clean out. You can use shop bought cleaning products that claim to remove fat and grease from a clogged drain. These tend to work by breaking down the grease and forcing it to move down the drain. Though shop bought cleaners can be good, you could even make a homemade cleaner that can work pretty well too. The most effective cleaner to make at home is a mixture of half warm water and half vinegar. You can also tip boiling hot water down your drain to help soften the fat and grease in your drains, helping it to push down the pipes.

If the fat and grease build-up is too much for removal by a commercial cleaner or boiling water flushes, you may need to call a professional for assistance.

Come prepared

As with any type of cleaning job which involves chemicals or bacteria, it is always best to come prepared. Rubber gloves will help you to protect your hands and make it much simpler to pick up clumps of hair and other nasty stuff. Protective glasses are also essential to prevent chemicals such as bleach or bacteria-filled water from getting into your eyes. 

Not all drains are created equally

You’ll have to check some drains in your home more frequently than others - for example your bathroom sink, shower as well as the bath. There are areas of your home where the hair from shaving and washing can build-up. Especially when combined with soap scum, grease or toothpaste. In most scenarios, drains will become blocked due to a mixture of soap scum, dirt and hair, but over the years some more unusual objects have been the cause of backed up drains and cause emergency drain cleaning jobs.

Use boiling water on your drains every week 

Boiling water is a highly simple but also highly effective natural drain cleaner as well as a great way to lower the buildup of fat, grease and oils in your drains. Just be careful while doing this not to burn yourself and be careful with the kettle of boiling water while transporting it to other areas of the house.

Treat your drains with biological cleaner

A biological cleaner contains enzymes and this is the best drain cleaner for hair and a great way to treat a build-up of fats, bacteria, mould and other organic build up. They are also far better for the environment than harsher chemicals such as bleach or acidic products. You can also purchase an enzymatic drain cleaner from most DIY shops for a reasonable fee. You need to be sure to follow the instructions on the packet when using the product on your drains. 

Flush your drains with baking soda and white vinegar

If you would rather use a baking soda and white vinegar can be used as an alternative to a biological cleaner. You can also use bicarbonate of soda rather than baking powder. With a bit of luck, you may even already have these items in your kitchen cupboards.

Pour fat into a container

Prevention is always the best option, so you’ll want to always be sure that excess fat from your cooking ends up in a container rather than down the drain. One of the most likely causes of blocked kitchen drains is specifically the accumulation of congealed oil from deep fat fryers, mixed with other debris such as food and plastics.  

Brush your hair before you get in the bath or shower

Brushing your hair before a bath or shower will help to remove the majority of loose hairs before they end up down the plug, most likely, clogging your drain up. 

Wash your pets outside

If you wash your pets inside the bath you need to bear in mind that they shed even more hair people do, particularly during moulting seasons. If at all possible, you need to wash your cat, dog or rabbit outdoors, or cover the drain in your bath with a cloth to collect any hairs shed during washing.  

 

When in doubt never flush the following down your drains

Here are some household items that you should never flush:

• Plastic
• Cigarettes and ash
• Food
• Sanitary products
• Kitchen roll and regular paper
• Cardboard packaging
• Harsh chemicals such as acid

In most scenarios, the tips we have listed here should be more than enough to keep your drains working properly. However, if you need further guidance on keeping your drains clear, or help with getting them unblocked, a friendly local drain cleaning service will just be a call away.

Drainage Consultants - Fat Removal Drain Cleansing

Diverse industries put different amounts of strain upon their drains. Our experience shows that some operations generate much more waste than others. For example, a factory that produces large quantities of meat will potentially have more of an issue with grease than the average retirement home. This means that a stricter drain cleaning regime may be required in the case of the factory. Nevertheless, we believe that the majority of businesses should take drain maintenance much more seriously than they currently do.

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

Winter is just around the corner, which means it’s more important than ever to start ticking tasks off your winter maintenance checklist. If you own or manage a commercial or industrial building, whether it’s a supermarket or a warehouse, paying particular attention to your roof is especially important at this time of year. After all, your commercial roof is what protects your building - and everything and everyone within it - against the harsh winter elements. With this in mind, it’s clear why it’s so essential to maintain your commercial roof this winter.

Conduct regular roof inspections

Inspecting your commercial roof regularly is essential, especially during the winter months. In fact, we’d recommend inspecting your roof before we reach the depths of winter. This way, you can identify issues and nip them in the bud. If they are left to develop, you will have much more complicated (and therefore costly) building problems to resolve. Inspect your commercial roof regularly to make sure issues don’t go unnoticed and take care of these before the weather turns.

Inspecting your roof regularly will also make it easier to maintain the appearance of your commercial building over the years. This is an important part of running a professional business, so make taking care of roof maintenance a priority at least every six months.

Unblock your gutters

Throughout the autumn, it’s not uncommon for gutters to become clogged with fallen leaves and debris. It’s no secret that nearby trees can cause lots of damage to buildings (including drains), and this problem escalates as the seasons change. If your gutters have become clogged, it’s essential to have these cleaned as soon as possible. This is because clogged gutters are very vulnerable to damage; as they struggle to cope with heavy rainfall and blocked passages, they can become weak and eventually split. Over time, this will cause roof leaks and moisture build-ups within the building.

Remove debris from your roof

It’s not just your gutters that need regular cleaning throughout the winter months. You should also have your commercial roof cleared as the seasons change. Over the months, roofs can collect debris, including fallen leaves, twigs and even dead animals, such as birds. If your commercial building has a flat roof, pooling water could also become a significant problem as rainfall levels increase.

Puddles and debris can put additional pressure on your building’s roof, which will eventually weaken and crack. This can lead to water leaks, which can cause the development of mould and affect the electrics in your building. With this in mind, you should have any debris removed from your roof by high-level cleaning experts before winter sets in.

If you’re looking for high-level cleaning experts with the expertise and equipment to maintain your commercial roof, then you needn’t look further than the Drainage Consultants team. We specialise in gutter cleaning, window cleaning, rooftop cleaning and much more, in addition to our comprehensive range of drain maintenance and repair services.

We’re proud to offer our efficient and cost-effective drain and roof cleaning services throughout Manchester and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more today.

If you’ve spotted the telltale signs of a water leak in your property, your first instinct might be to call a plumber. However, before the issue can be fixed, the root of the problem must be found. This is where leak detection specialists come in. Leak detection experts use non-invasive methods to source the cause of the leak, before offering professional guidance on the best ways to resolve the issue. For this reason, leak detection is an extremely useful and important service for building owners! Here are just some of the main benefits of leak detection to consider.

Leak detection services use non-invasive methods

Cosmetic and structural damage are two major issues caused by water leaks. No matter how minor the leak might first appear to be, it’s no secret that moisture and water build-ups can weaken structures, damage electricals and much more. With this in mind, the last thing you want is for more damage to be caused while the leak is being fixed. However, this can be a very real risk if you don’t know where the leak is coming from.

This is what leak detection services aim to avoid. By using non-invasive technology, leak detection engineers can find the source of leaks quickly and efficiently - without causing more damage to your home.

Detection services speed up the leak fixing process

By making it easier to find the root cause of the leak in question, leak detection services also speed up the fixing process. This minimises disruption to your schedule, whether the leak has sprung in your house or place of work. This also helps to minimise the damage caused to your property.

Once your chosen leak detection engineers have identified where the leak is coming from, they can either fix the problem at hand or advise plumbing experts on the location and severity of the issue. With leak detection, you don’t need to worry about trial and error.

Leak detection services can save you money

By speeding up the leak repair process and preventing more damage to your property, leak detection services can save you a significant amount of money. You may be tempted to take a shortcut and skip this part of the process, but spending the extra time and upfront fees on hiring specialist leak detection experts can be extremely cost-effective.

After all, a property’s pipework can be complicated, so it’s not always obvious where a leak is coming from. Leak detection technology can pinpoint the root cause quickly and conveniently, meaning your property won’t need to be dug up for the leak to be fixed.

If you require specialist leak detection services in Manchester and the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact us at Drainage Consultants today. We offer a comprehensive range of drainage services for domestic and commercial clients, including leak detection, CCTV drain surveys, drain mapping and much more.

If you don’t use your basement regularly, there are likely some maintenance issues that have gone undetected and untreated over the years. One of the most common issues is water ingress. This is where water and moisture have built-up in places where they shouldn’t have, and have caused issues such as damp and the development of mould.

Damp in your basement is something you need to take care of as soon as you’ve spotted the telltale signs of an issue; if left untreated, damp can weaken the structural integrity of your basement and potentially cause health issues. Wondering if your basement has developed a damp problem? Here are four common signs to look out for.

A damp odour in the basement

The smell of damp is a noticeable one. If damp and mould have developed in your basement, their unpleasant odour is something you will recognise as soon as you step inside the room. If you’ve noticed this odour, it’s important that you don’t ignore it; the stronger the smell, the more serious the issue. If the damp has developed as a result of drainage issues, you may also notice foul odours caused by blockages and leaks.

Walls that are wet to touch

Walls that are wet to touch are a clear symptom of a water ingress problem. If your basement’s walls are wet, it is likely that moisture has penetrated the brickwork and can no longer be retained. This could be as a result of poor damp proofing or a drainage issue, such as drains leaking within the walls. Wet walls are one of the most obvious signs of a moisture build-up, but you should also look out for water pooling on the floor.

Rotting skirting boards and other wooden fixtures

If you’ve noticed that the wooden fixtures and furnishings within your basement have started to rot, then you can probably hold a water ingress problem responsible. Moisture build-ups, such as damp, can weaken wooden structures and leave them vulnerable to issues like wet rot. If you’ve spotted the telltale signs of rotting skirting boards, joists and wooden frames, then it’s time to act.

Cosmetic damage

One of the main reasons why it’s so difficult to identify damp issues in basements is because they are often left undecorated. For instance, you may just use your basement as a storage room. However, if you have converted and decorated your basement, cosmetic issues like raised wallpaper may alert you to the presence of a damp issue. Blistering paint and water-stained carpets may also be caused by damp in your basement.

If you’ve spotted the telltale signs of water ingress, including damp-related issues, in your basement, then it’s time to call the experts at Drainage Consultants. We are well-equipped to conduct a comprehensive drainage inspection of your property to identify where the problem could be coming from. To learn more about our specialist drainage services throughout Manchester and the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact us today.