If one of your drains starts smelling foul or your wastewater is taking ages to drain away, it can be difficult to know how to deal with it. This guide to common drain problems explains what can go wrong and how you can fix it.
Blockages
The most common issue is a blockage, caused by things like food and congealed cooking fat going down sinks. You can prevent this from happening by using drain unblockers and flushing boiling water down your sinks once a week. With news that householders could be fined for clogging sewers, according to The Telegraph, it’s even more important to dispose of wastewater sensibly.
Cracked Drains
More serious is a cracked drain, caused by years of wear and tear. When drains are damaged over time, it can lead to fractures, which in turn lead to leaks.
Fortunately, you can prevent cracks from happening by installing drain lining, which sits inside your pipes and stops further damage. If you want advice on drain lining Oldbury, you could ask an expert firm such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/drain-repairs/oldbury/.
Silt and Mud
If it’s an outdoor drain that has an issue, it could be due to leaves, mud or silt building up in it. More common in autumn and winter, with the amount of wet weather we’ve been experiencing over recent months, it’s a good idea to check them.
Tree Roots
Another problem caused by nature is invasive tree roots, which can sometimes find their way through gaps in drains and cause a big gap as they continue to grow. In the worst case, they can break a whole pipe open.
Limescale and Rust
If you live in a hard water area, limescale can be a problem. It builds up over time, making the water flow restricted and narrowing the pipes internally. If your pipework is made of cast iron, the same thing can happen with rust.
Problem Signs
Watch out for bad smells, gurgling sounds, standing water in sinks and water overflowing from drains. These can be signs that you may have an issue with your drains.
