Signs your drains are blocked

A blocked drain can result in stress, unexpected and unwanted costs, and not forgetting… bad smells. In order to avoid these problems, our drainage company have put together a few early signs you can keep an eye out for. Identifying these problems as soon as possible can save you money in the long run.

Unpleasant smells

Blocked drains tend to emit foul smells and odours. This may be because of food and debris stuck in the pipes, this will slowly decay, creating a bad smell as it breaks down. This can often smell worse if the tap has been turned on.

Slow drainage

Customers often call out our drainage company reporting slow drainage in their homes. This happens due to a blockage in the pipe, which prevents the water from draining away quickly, as it has to filter through/ around the blockage.

Raised water

One easy way to tell your toilet is blocked is by checking how high the water raises as your flush it. If the water rises higher than usual when flushing, this means you could have a blockage. If it rises to the point of overflowing, this is a much more serious issue, and you should contact a drainage company as quickly as possible.

Gurgling sounds

Another sign of drain blockages is gurgling sounds coming from the drains or plug holes. These gurgling sounds indicate trapped air in the drain, and the noise is created by this escaping as you run the water.

Our drainage company has dealt with all kinds of blockages, we ensure a thorough survey is conducted to make sure we get to the root cause before we start our plan of action. If you think your drains may be blocked, get in touch to talk to us about a survey.

A drainage issue isn’t something you can necessarily handle yourself. To avoid future problems, a contractor must address the underlying condition. This isn’t always easy, but the right drain experts will work with you to fix any issues as effectively and efficiently as possible. When choosing a drainage firm in London, here’s what to look for:

• A good contractor will have good references. You want a company with expertise that knows what it’s doing. Positive references are a good indication that your contractor will resolve the problem in the most suitable way, is courteous and easy to deal with, and follows through on their promises.
• Your contractor should offer a significant guarantee. This is a sign that they’re confident in the quality of their work, so watch out for any contractor who won’t.
• For drainage contractors, price isn’t always the best indicator of quality. Rely more on references, guarantees, and their expertise in the field. The cheapest quote could lead to an ineffective solution.
• As a customer, you should be completely at ease with your contractor. Your contractor should explain the problem with your drains clearly and suggest practical solutions. If you’re uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to change firms altogether.
• A scale drawing should be available. A good sewerage company in London must have general knowledge of construction and the relevant building regulations. The contractor should give you a clear, scale drawing of the project and sit down with you and explain everything in detail. It’s a good opportunity to air any worries you may have.

While there are some home remedies you can try to resolve problems with blockages, you will often end up searching Google for a ‘drainage company near me’ for professional help. Listed below are a few of the most common causes of clogged drains and the prescribed fixes for each of them:

• Hair: Plunging the drain is sometimes successful. You may be tempted to try a commercially available drain cleaner, but this can damage pipes if used frequently. Try and use a baking soda and vinegar solution on a regular basis to keep pipes clear, but if obstructions build-up, you may need a drainage contractor.
• Soap: The ideal method to remove soap accumulated in pipes is pressure cleaning by experts.
• Dirt: Using drain rods may work, but if you’re inexperienced, you could damage your pipework. Call in the professionals.
• Oil, Grease, and Fat: Try mixing some detergent with hot water in the sink bowl, and flush it away with hot water. This usually dissolves any hardened fat. Plunge the sink, but if the problem doesn’t resolve, contact an expert.
• Food Waste: Avoid flushing food waste down your drain. Clear dishes into the bin before washing them. Food waste may still accumulate over time, so if water runs sluggishly away when you remove the sink plug, you may need expert help to flush through your system with high-powered water.