Keeping your drains maintained and healthy is very important. There are many different problems that can arise, ranging from mildly annoying to disruptive or even dangerous. Dealing with drains can be a confusing matter; drains are not easily accessible, often placed underground and signs of trouble may be difficult to see at first. We hope this guide can help to unravel some of the most common problems and how to diagnose them.
Drainage Problems – Symptoms
First things first, you should familiarise yourself with some of the symptoms that show something is wrong with your drains. This could include flooding or slow draining due to blockages, or bad odours within your house. It could also include leaks, or strange noises coming from your drainage systems. Regardless, drainage issues can seriously ruin your day and lead to expensive repairs. Read on to find out how you can prevent these problems from occurring.
Drainage Problems – Causes
The most obvious cause for a lot of drainage problems is a blockage. Blocked drains are likely to affect every homeowner at some point, and major blockages can often occur very gradually over time. A wide variety of things can cause blockages, but some of the most common causes are fats and oils, food, hair, or other debris. Fortunately, you can often predict a blockage in advance. As mentioned above, slow draining is a common symptom of a blockage in progress.
Drain pipes go through a lot of wear and tear, and fractures or cracks can form if pipes are not well looked after. These often occur close to joints but can happen anywhere if pipes are damaged. As well as leakages inside the home, pipe damage can also allow water or wastewater to seep into the ground. Blockages can also cause leakage by putting pressure on pipes. In some cases, damage can cause entire sections of pipe to break or collapse, which is a major issue. When wastewater gets into the ground of your property, it can cause dampness within your property, as well as weaken the ground. In some cases, it could even contribute to the creation of a sinkhole. It can also attract pests.
Another common form of damage to pipes is corrosion. As well as causing very serious damage or even failure of pipes, rust can release polluting chemicals into the drainage system or contribute to blockages through the release of material. Experts tend to suggest completely removing corroded sections of pipe if they are discovered.
Another potential cause of drainage problems is root ingress. Plant roots can run deep into the ground and infiltrate pipe systems. They are always looking for water and nutrients, which sewer pipes are rich in. Roots will penetrate any opening they can find and are likely to widen any existing fractures or damage. In some cases, they can even create a new hole within pipework. As well as allowing leakage, roots can also cause a blockage within the drain.
Diagnosis Drainage Problems using CCTV Drain Surveys
Some issues such as blockages can be fairly easy to diagnose and fix, but others are harder to identify. In this case, a diagnosis is often needed to work out the best course of action. CCTV surveys are a cost-effective way to effectively identify problems so they can be dealt with quickly. Maintain Drains uses high-quality survey cameras to build up an accurate image of your drainage system, and our equipment helps us to identify a wide range of potential issues. CCTV surveying involves sending a small camera down the drain, which provides a live video feed to engineers on the surface. The process is fast, and Maintain Drains can offer expert advice on how best to proceed once a problem is identified.
Get in touch
No matter what you’re dealing with, we recommend getting a professional drainage survey to ensure your drainage systems remain healthy. Whether you’ve recently bought a new property and want to check the pipes, or have just discovered a problem, Maintain Drains is available 24/7 to deal with any potential issues. Based in Poole, we are a well-established, reliable company offering obligation-free quotations and competitive prices. Get in touch with us to book your CCTV drain survey.
FAQs
What should I do if I have a blocked drain outside my property?
If you have a blocked drain outside your property, it’s essential to take prompt action to prevent further damage and inconvenience. Start by identifying the location of the blockage and assessing the severity of the issue. If the blockage is minor, you can attempt to clear it yourself. However, for more stubborn blockages or if you’re unsure of how to proceed, it’s best to contact a professional drainage service provider.
How can I unblock an outside drain pipe effectively?
Unblocking an outside drain pipe requires careful attention and the right tools to avoid causing damage to the pipe or surrounding area. Start by locating the drain access point and removing any debris or obstructions from the area.
What are the common causes of blocked drain pipes outside?
Blocked drain pipes outside can be caused by various factors, including the accumulation of leaves, debris, and dirt, as well as the intrusion of tree roots or the buildup of grease and oil. Additionally, external factors such as heavy rainfall or flooding can contribute to blockages by washing debris into the drains.