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Earth Day - Our Planet, Our Future
Over recent years, man-made problems such as climate change, deforestation, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable agriculture and pollution have resulted in a dramatic reduction of plant and wildlife populations across the planet. Therefore, Earth Day's theme for 2019 is "protect our species."
We're making a good start. UK emissions are down 43% compared to in 1990, but most of these reductions came from closing down coal power stations and cleaning up heavy industry. Reducing emissions from transport, agriculture and buildings promises to be more difficult, as it will require us to become more energy efficient and switch to renewable or low-carbon fuels.
A truly successful response to climate change will require us not only to change our technology, but to change our whole way of living. It's time to raise awareness of the problem, and take individual actions.
So what can you do?
Here's ten ways you can help our planet, every day.
- Turn the lights off
- Recycle
- Plant a tree
Trees not only absorb carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gasses from the atmosphere, they also release oxygen and provide habitats and food for wildlife.
- Use both sides of the paper
- Eat less processed food
- Stop buying bottled water
Plastic bottles contribute to 14% of all rubbish in our rivers and oceans which kill one million birds and over 100,000 sea mammals every year.
- Drive less, walk more
Staying off the road just two days a week can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 721 kilograms each year!
- Turn off your appliances at night
- Use florescent bulbs
- Bring reusable shopping bags
Here's to a sustainable future.
Plastic Pollution - What's really in our waterways?
A recent study has revealed that drinks bottles have been found to be the most prevalent form of plastic litter in our waterways.
Plastic bottles now make up a massive 14% of all visible rubbish in European rivers and oceans. Food wrappers were next in line making up 12%, with cigarette butts, cotton buds and sanitary products such as wet wipes, following closely behind.
Plastic litter is dangerous to our environment and wildlife, as the material will not decompose on its own. It is estimated there are over 150 million tonnes of plastic in the world's oceans and every year one million birds and over 100,000 sea mammals die from eating and getting tangled in plastic waste.
Currently, plastic use shows no sign of stopping, with the amount of plastic found in waterways being set to treble by 2025.
How can we prevent this from happening?
Recent efforts have shown that plastic use can be prevented. The report shows that plastic bags were found to make up only 1% of plastic rubbish, a significantly reduced amount compared to a few years ago. This is likely due to the 5p charge the government implemented, which is soon to increase to 10p in 2020.
Last year, the EU parliament approved plans to ban single-use plastics, with items such as straws and plastic cutlery being banned by 2021.
So it can be done. We can decrease our plastic use!
What can you do to help?
Individual consumer choices are equally as important to make a dynamic change.
In the UK, the average person uses 150 plastic water bottles a year, 6.9% of which end up littering the environment. Simply by buying and using a reusable water bottle, you can help to prevent plastic pollution.
Refill stations are becoming more popular, with companies like Morrisons, Starbucks and John Lewis now providing free tap water refills for those with a reusable bottle. Not only are you helping to stop plastic pollution from entering our rivers and seas, but you'll save money with the added bonus of free refills! What's not to like?
World Health Day - The Struggle For Sanitation
April 2019
What do you think is humanity's greatest invention? The telephone? Aeroplanes? The internet? All things we're now dependent on, but that we should (with a few meltdowns along the way) be able to live without. However there's one invention that's an everyday necessity. That saves millions of lives around the world, yet is still overlooked. Modern plumbing.
Hygienic sanitation and effective plumbing systems are crucial for public health, yet 2.3 billion people still have no access to these facilities.
I'm sure you're thinking that a working toilet and sink are hardly impressive. But modern plumbing is the best solution to prevent the spread of disease in a country.
Without our plumbing systems, it wouldn't be possible for us to live in cities and towns without suffering from diseases like dysentery, cholera or typhoid, which are contracted from drinking contaminated water. Contrary to what you might have thought, these diseases are not forgotten, olden-day illnesses. People in developing countries still suffer, and sadly die, from these diseases every day.
Since 1990, the number of people gaining access to improved sanitation has risen from 54% to 68%, however 2.3 billion people still don't have access to a toilet or latrine. Of these, 892 million still defecate in the open, for example in street gutters, behind bushes or into open bodies of water.
According to the World Health Organisation, untreated sewage kills an estimated 1.4 million children each year. That's one child every 20 seconds, more than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.
In the UK and other developed countries, factors such as healthcare and vaccinations do play a critical role in preventing the spread of diseases. However, providing adequate plumbing, sanitation and access to clean drinking water is undoubtedly the best way to protect people from water borne, or waste related diseases.
In 2010, the UN General Assembly recognised access to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right, and called for international efforts to help countries to provide safe, clean, accessible and affordable drinking water and sanitation.
Despite progress, the 2015 Millennium Development Goal target to halve the proportion of the population without access to improved sanitation facilities was missed by almost 700 million people.
Now the World Health Organisation are implementing a global action plan for ending preventable child deaths from pneumonia and diarrhoea by 2025, by promoting universal access to drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene in health care facilities and homes by 2030.
Find out what you can do to help this World Health Day here, and take a moment to appreciate our sanitation and plumbing systems. Without them, our lives would be very different.
The Fight Against The Fatbergs
March 2019
If you've been living under a rock, or simply haven't been paying attention to any sewer-related news, you might have missed that fatbergs are now a thing.
Although fatbergs aren't a recent phenomenon, they have attracted increased attention in recent years as old sewerage systems are struggling to cope with the increased consumption and disposal of everyday products.
Just in case you're unfamiliar with the term, a fatberg is a congealed mass of fat and waste that builds up when people dispose of items such as cooking oil, feminine hygiene products and nappies down the drains, instead of putting them in the rubbish bin.
Adding to the frequency of fatbergs is the increased usage of wet wipes. But can flushing wet wipes really cause much damage?
Wet wipe warning
Unlike normal toilet paper, wet wipes take a long time to break down in our drainage pipes due to their high plastic content. Up to 93% of sewer blockages are caused by non-flushable wipes.
Fatbergs are soon becoming an epidemic in the UK, with water companies estimating 300,000 sewer blockages each year are caused solely by wet wipes. This costs the country around £100million a year to unblock, and that's without taking into consideration any expenses of negative environmental impacts, such as flooding. Think of all the better ways this money could be spent. There's no question about it. Flushing wipes for convenience, isn't worth it!
The fight against the fatbergs
Fortunately, manufacturers of wipes are now introducing the "fine to flush" symbol on their packaging, providing they pass Water UK's stringent tests. The logo aims to reassure consumers that the products they use do not contain plastic and will break down in the sewer system instead of clogging up sewers and contributing to fatbergs. Researchers have also developed a new method to recycle the greasy sewer blockages into green fuel. By adding hydrogen peroxide and heating the fatter, the organic matter can be broke n down. Bacteria are then used to break down the fatty acids, producing methane, which can be used as fuel to generate electricity. While turning fatbergs into fuel is a potential way to make some good out of a bad situation, the best solution would be to prevent these fatbergs from forming in the first place. How? Stop pouring grease down the kitchen sink and only flush the three 'p's – pee, poo and (toilet) paper. If you'd like more information on what you can do in the event of discovering a blocked drain, call us today on 0800 0180123. Alternatively you can contact us here.
Make Every Drop Count This World Water Day
March 2019
Everybody, everywhere, should have access to clean water, but more than two billion people around the world are still living without this necessity.
Every day, at least 700 children under five die from diseases linked to unsafe water and poor sanitation.Around 159 million people have to collect their drinking water from unsanitary surface ponds, and one in four primary schools worldwide still have no drinking water service.
By 2030, 700 million people worldwide will have to relocate due to limited water supplies, and the UK won't be far behind…
The UK's Water Shortages
The Environment Agency's chief executive, Sir James Bevan, has warned that England may run out of water in the next 25 years. Climate change and population growth are the main factors accelerating this growing crisis, which could see England short of water by 2040.
Water stress is already rated as serious in parts of the country, with environmental agencies now agreeing that unless we take immediate action to change things, we will not have enough water to supply our future needs.
But what can we, as individuals, do to help now?
- Fix leaking taps. A dripping tap can waste up to five gallons of water every day – that's 2082 gallons a year.
- Opt for a dual-flush toilet. Using the reduced flush option uses four litres of water each time- that's three times less than the 12 litres used every time you flush an old-style, single flush toilet.
- Shorten your showers. Reducing your daily shower from 10 to 4 minutes will save you more than 300 litres of water every week.
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth – this can save 6 litres of water per minute.
- Install a water butt to your drainpipe. A water butt can collect around 5000 litres a year, which can be used to water your plants, clean your car and wash your windows.
Together, we can end the water crisis.
Drainage Problems in Your Property – The Warning Signs to Watch For
March 2019
By making yourself aware of the early signs of internal drainage problems, you'll be able to take action to fix the problem quickly. Preventing further damage will save you time and money in the future.
But what are the warning signs to watch out for?
1) Slow drainage.
If your sink, bath, or shower begins draining slowly, this may indicate a possible obstruction. Your drain may be clogged or your septic tank may not be filtering wastewater fast enough. When the sewer line from a property becomes clogged, it can cause a backup in drains throughout the property.
2) Foul smells from drains.
Are the drains in your property emitting unpleasant odours? If your drain may need a repair. The smell usually means that the waste is not being removed and disposed of correctly, which can cause sewer gases to rise creating a strong and unpleasant smell.
3) Damp
A faulty drain pipe can leak in and around your property, maintaining a wet environment for damp and mould to thrive. This can be extremely damaging to the building and your health. If you have leaking drains it is essential you have them repaired or replaced.
4) Increase in water bill.
If your water bill begins to increase consistently, this could indicate a constant leak, which may then lead to damp or mould in your property.
5) Cracked walls or floors.
When drainage leaks occur from water lines or sewer lines, the moisture may migrate around or under a foundation. This may cause cracking to occur. If the leak has been going on over a long period of time, the damage could be greater.
6) Rust in water.
If the water from your taps looks brown or dirty when you turn them on in a morning, or after a period when they haven't been used, this may be a sign of pipe decay.
7) Having to call a plumber regularly.
Reoccuring plumbing problems aren't normal. Having to call a plumber should be an occasional necessity, not a regular occurrence. If you regularly have to call a plumber, this may be an indication there is a more serious issue within your drainage system. The signs of drainage problems are not always apparent to property owners. Sometimes a condition may only be confirmed through a professional inspection. Here at DrainsAid, we offer a range of CCTV investigations, including Push-Rod and SeeSnake surveys, which are well-suited for use within internal drainage systems.
Winter Drainage Issues
January 2019
By the very nature of drains, they have to take a lot of abuse on a day to day basis. This is the purpose they serve for us and our homes – to carry away our waste allowing us to live comfortably.
However, at certain times of year the system is under more strain than usual – winter is exactly one of those times. The cold weather and increase in precipitation can both put more stress on your drainage system, and in the worst of cases, cause it to fail.
How does winter affect my drains? As mentioned, there are two main ways in which winter can affect our drainage systems:
- Increased precipitation
This is not just in the form of rain, but in snow and fog as well. These all combine to create more water flowing through our drainage system. Surface water flowing into the sewers, and soaking through the ground, also puts strain on the pipes and junctions, exacerbating the chance of failure.
- Cold
It is one of the basic tenets of physics that as matter changes temperature it expands and contracts. If the ground that is saturated with water gets cold enough it will freeze. This will cause it to shift and change shape, and it will force the pipes that run through it to do the same. In some extreme circumstances the pipes in our homes can also freeze so water cannot flow through it.
So, what can you do?
One of the best things you can do to prepare your drains for winter applies to both commercial and domestic drains, and that is to simply keep them clean and flowing free. Inside your property you can keep things flowing with a regular dose of boiling water or drain cleaner.
However, the larger drains outside will likely need a CCTV inspection and, depending on the results, a professional clean and clearing. It may seem like a lot of expense, but the issues caused by a malfunctioning drain can cost a lot more to repair. As the old saying goes: prevention is better than the cure.
Drains Aid can help with drainage inspections and repairs – if you regularly suffer with your drains backing up and draining slowly, especially in winter time, then give us a call. Our team would be more than happy to come out and see how we can help. To find out more just call us on 0800 0180 123 or contact us here.
Drainage Surveys
December 2018
Whenever we speak to people outside of our industry they always assume that carrying out CCTV surveys in a drain must be a wholly unpleasant experience. And certainly, at times there can be aspects of that, however, in reality things are probably not what people imagine.
There is a lot more technology used while carrying out a survey of a drain than most people may realise. At DrainsAid we have varying pieces of technology for carrying out commercial drainage surveys. Each one has a distinct purpose and use so that we can cover any eventuality. Some of the methods we employ are listed below.
Mainline Crawler
A staple in our drainage inspection line-up, our mainline crawler offers a real time surveying package that increases the accuracy of the reporting within the pipelines whilst speeding up the process.
- Surveys can be compiled and finalised on site
- Client specific digitised paperwork
- Full pan and tilt with rotating camera
- 10x optical zoom including auto focus & LED lighting
- Survey up to 500 metres of unbroken pipework
- 360 degree viewing
- Option of having still photos
- CCTV survey up to 2.8 metres in diameter
Push Rod System The 100 metres fibreglass reinforced pushrod is able to inspect pipes ranging from 50mm to 225mm as well as negotiate multiple bends in very tight spaces with limited access. Most suited to domestic uses with low flow levels. The push rod system comes with full colour recording capabilities.
- 3 x Zoom function – live or recorded video
- Very lightweight
- High resolution TFT screen
- Internal memory size options – 16GB standard, expandable to 128GB
- SD/SDHC card and USB memory stick storage and transfer
Laser Profiling
The use of PVC pipes is much more commonplace in this day and age, often being used in place of clay and concrete pipes due to the reduced cost. However, they can be more susceptible to warping and deformation which will have a negative effect on the structural integrity of the pipes.
Our laser profiling technology uses a laser light to project a profile on to the surface of the pipe and feedback accurate data about the shape, capacity, pre and post lining assessments, ovality and deformation.
All this is done in conjunction with a normal CCTV survey and allows you to quantify information of the pipe which helps in analysis and decision making for refurbishment.
Laser profiling can detect up to 16 million measurements per hour, and can detect deformations greater than 1mm in pipes ranging from 150mm to over 1.2m in size. We also have the capability to undertake 500m of profiling from one access point.
DrainsAid provide CCTV surveys, as well as rehabilitation work, to both commercials and domestic properties all over the country. To find out more about CCTV surveys, or any of our services, simply call us on 0800 0180 123 or contact us here.
Thames Water to Turn Sewage to Drinking Water
November 2018
Current predictions show that in 25 years the population of London will have grown by a little over 2million people, which will ultimately leave a water shortfall of 351million litres a day. This comes at a time when the demands of people are ever increasing, against a background of natural resources decreasing due to climate change.
In a response to this, Thames Water want to open the country's first effluent "reuse" plant at the Deephams Sewage Treatment Works near Edmonton, to make sewage waste clean enough to drink. The plant is estimated to cost £160million, and is in intended to be used in times of projected or actual draught. Thames Water have also revived plans scrapped by the government to construct a £1.7billion reservoir in Oxfordshire from which they would ship water down the Thames to 'ensure taps keep flowing'. Along with this, the company currently has the UK's only de-salination plant, which is located in Beckton. This plant turns 150million litres of seawater to drinking water a day during draughts. Along with this, the company is also looking to repair leakages amongst its 20,000 miles of drains in order to improve efficiency and minimise waste. The proposed treatment centre would treat 45million litres of effluent a day, through a 2-stage process.
- The first step would see the effluent pass through a "desalination membrane" to clean it.
- It would then be mixed with reservoir water, before being treated again and then pumped into the network.
Of course a spokesman from Thames Water emphasised: 'We wouldn't consider reuse if we didn't think the water would be good enough.' Drains Aid are one of the leading suppliers of drain and sewage rehabilitation services in the UK. To find out more about any of our services simply contact us here or call us on 0800 0180 123.
Types of CIPP Liner
October 2018
Drains-Aid are one the leading installers of CIPP Liners in the country. We have carried out dozens, if not hundreds of liner installations: we'd hate to calculate the total distance of liner we've installed. With this in mind, we would certainly consider ourselves to be experts in CIPP Liners. However, we understand that not everyone shares our extensive knowledge. Therefore, we wanted to write a short post about the various CIPP liners available, and when they might be used.
For those who don't know, CIPP stands for Cured in Place Pipe. They are essentially an artificial pipe, typically made of some form of fibreglass or none woven polyester felt. This material is saturated with various types of resin, which, when cured sets rock hard and acts as a pipe within a pipe. Why Use CIPP Liner? The biggest advantage of CIPP liners are that they are a 'trenchless' technology. Meaning that if a sewer pipe needs repairing it does not need to excavated at great expense and inconvenience. CIPP Liners can simply be inserted down a manhole. Curing The biggest difference in CIPP Liners comes down to their curing method. This is the way that the resin is 'activated' and hardens, to turn it from fabric to functioning pipe.
- Hot water – in this process a further pipe is fed down the CIPP Liner and hot water is passed back and forth through it. The ambient heat that the hot water creates helps to set the epoxy.
- Steam – this is a very similar process to hot water, however due to the increased temperature it typically cures much quicker.
- UV – once in place, a specially made 'UV train' is fed through the pipe. The UV light then cures the epoxy. This technique is quickly becoming an industry favourite as it is quick and pollutant free. However, at the moment it is limited by the pipe diameter.
Brawoliner – This a revolutionary new product, of which Drains-Aid are one of the only authorised installers in the UK. Brawoliner was developed with smaller diameter pipes in mind. Because of this it has been developed to seamlessly go around multiples bends of up to 90 degree and can be cured by ambient temperature (but it cures quicker with hot water or steam). To find out more about our re-lining services simply call us on 0800 0180 123 or fill out this form.
How Tree Roots Can Damage Your Drains
October 2018
Most people have a natural appreciation for trees. In the city centre they help bring a touch of nature to our grey streets, as well as helping clean the air and in some cases offer us privacy. However, in the realm of drainage they are often a major source of problems.
Root ingress is a nation-wide issue, and is not something that is easily remedied. In its most simple terms, root ingress is the act of a tree root growing into a sewer pipe, which then has a detrimental effect on the normal flow of sewage and water.
However, root ingress can have several negative effects on a sewer system. So, in this post we would like to explore what they are, and what you can do about them. Over time, your sewage pipes can shift, or the old clay pipes can naturally corrode. If this happens then they will slowly start to leak water and waste. This in itself is an issue, as this leaking can cause pollution and be unsanitary.
If this leak takes place for long enough then tree roots, seeking out a good source of water, will start to grow closer to the leak, and eventually roots will grow through the gap into the pipe itself. Once roots have got into the pipe they will make any sort of leak worse, leading to further pollution. And, if left for long enough they will have a detrimental affect on the normal flow of water, creating a blockage which could in turn lead to waste backing up into your home or place of work.
So what can you do? Cutting the roots back will certainly allow for the free flowing of water, but is very much a bandage, not a cure, as the roots will ultimately grow back. Instead, root cutting ideally needs to be coupled with either patch repairs or drain re-lining.
Patch repairs will cover up the leaks, thus discouraging the roots from seeking further water and causing more damage. Re-lining will rehabilitate the drain as a whole, essentially adding a second skin, which should last anywhere up to 50 years, giving your drain and sewer a second life.
To find out how Drains Aid can help if you are suffering from root ingress, or offer an initial diagnoses through a CCTV survey, just call us on 0800 0180123 or contact us here.
Bath Not Draining Quick Enough? This is Why!
July 2018
We've all suffered from it; standing in the shower as the water slowly fills and starts to climb up your legs. The soapy warm water is simply not draining away quickly enough, and even when you're long out of the shower the water filters down far too slowly, being quite a nuisance.
But what is causing this to happen?
There are many reasons why your bath and shower water may be draining away slowly, but as drainage experts in Wakefield we have found there is usually a couple of likely culprits. Hair – unfortunately the most unpleasant is the most common. The hair that comes off us when we shower has got to go somewhere, and more often than not it ends up down the drain. Over time this builds and builds until there is a distinctly unpleasant hairball clogging up the drains. Soap – if you use soap, as opposed to shower gel or cream, then over time this can clump and gather in the drain and form a hard mass. This mass then grows and attracts more soap and the cycle continues until the drain is blocked. Unfortunately, this goes hand in hand with the above, with hair and soap clinging to each other and causing each other to grow. So, what can you do about it? Thankfully, if the two items mentioned above are the culprits then the remedy is simple, if slightly unpleasant. To shift the soap you can pour boiling water down the drain which should essentially melt the soap Hair is a slightly different story that may require you to don the marigolds. Simply reach as far down the drain as you can (using implements if necessary) and try and pull the hair out. Or you could go the other way, and using something like a drainage rod, try and force the clump further down into the main sewer, thus clearing the blockage that way. If you have tried both these methods and are still struggling then it might be time to call in the professionals. DrainsAid have years of experience in unblocking drains in Wakefield, and much further afield. We have worked with both commercial and domestic clients and can turn our hand to drainage jobs of any size – big or small. To find out more just give us a call on 0800 0180 123 or contact us here.
Blocked Drains to Blame for Flash Floods
July 2018
Following a series of flash floods in Northampton throughout the month of May, its been confirmed by officials that blocked drains are to partially to blame for the extensive flooding throughout the town.
An astonishing 16 drains were recorded as blocked, preventing the two-hour downpour from disappearing into sewers.
More than 70 homes were affected by the floods in the Far Cotton area of Northampton. Residents told the BBC many drains had been blocked for weeks and reported to Northamptonshire County Council.
Northamptonshire County Council, which is being run by government commissioners due to its financial problems, said a full investigation into the causes would be carried out.
The same area of the town (Far Cotton) was significantly impacted in the 1998 'Easter Floods' when thousands of homes were damaged by the River Nene bursting its banks. Many commercial properties were affected by the floods, with local shops having to close due to water damage. Bin bags left out by locals were also seen floating in the water – a messy situation for residents and property owners.
One family with three young children said they are "seriously thinking about leaving" the area, as insurance rates are significantly high due to the town's track record of flooding. "We know that that couldn't have been predicted, it was a freak of nature, the volume of the rain that came down. It's the same story as 20 years ago and people are scared to be in their own properties." Blocked drains can mean trouble for locals.
Not only do blocked drains give off unpleasant odours, they also prevent rain water and sewage from passing through the water system efficiently – leading to tragic floods such as the Northampton events.
If you'd like more information on what you can do in the event of discovering a blocked drain, call us today on 0800 0180123. Alternatively, you can contact us here.
Partnership Between Two Giants Set to Improve UK Drainage Infrastructure
June 2018
The future for drainage and water treatment companies could see frameworks being set to encourage guidelines in improving the status of the UK's wastewater infrastructure. In April of this year, design and engineering consultancy Atkins (a subsidiary of global infrastructural, energy and environment giants SNC-Lavalin) were chosen to team up with Water UK to make long-term advancements to the approaches of drainage and wastewater management schemes.
In May 2013, OfWat and the Environment Agency published the Drainage Strategy Framework; the partnership between Atkins and Water UK will see them build upon this framework, and the plans are to be released towards the back end of summer 2018.
Currently, water companies aren't required to state a long-term scheme for their future plans, however the UK and Welsh government along with OfWat, have highlighted the necessity for there to be improvements to long-term drainage and wastewater planning.
Speaking on behalf of Atkins, Project Director Brian Arkell stated: "Population growth, new development, urban creep and climate change are all putting increasing pressure on our drainage systems. A strategic and joined-up long-term strategy will be an essential part of how the industry strengthens its drainage resilience for generations to come."
It is hoped that the revised frameworks will improve the quality of services from wastewater companies, and ultimately improve the country's drainage status. As a leading provider of drainage services in Wakefield, DrainsAid welcome any initiatives that are set to improve the practice of wastewater and sewage maintenance.
From our HQ in Lofthouse, Wakefield, we serve residential and industrial sites throughout Leeds, Harrogate, Huddersfield and more. If you would like to get in touch with us whether it is a blocked drain, or for full sewage reworks, you can contact us on 0800 0180123.
All About CCTV Surveys
June 2018
CCTV surveys can sound complex to those with no drainage experience. However, they're not as daunting as they may sound and are quite simple to understand. CCTV surveys are used to investigate deep drains, to discover exactly what is causing drainage problems for the homeowner or council. The process is quite straightforward. Below is a talk-through of exactly what goes on when we carry out CCTV surveys, and what you can expect from hiring us to do so.
We begin by unloading a van load full of equipment, usually frightening the client with the number of tools we need to use; however, this is just standard procedure and is nothing to be apprehensive about. We use items such as waterproof cameras, access rods, crawlers and sonar units.
The first step we take is removing the manhole cover, which can let out quite the odour if the problem has been festering for some time. Common causes are tree roots ingress, dead animals, too much loo roll etc. nothing to worry about too much despite the unpleasant smell.
Our CCTV system is sent along the length of your drainage system, using rods and crawlers to record everything in sight so we can gather enough information to diagnose the issue.
Aside from rats and toilet paper, other causes of blocked drains include collapsed pipework – this is normally caused by aged pipework that has eroded and roots from nearby tree may have broken through. This creates a drop-in pipe-level at a connecting section which can cause a lip for waste to collect on and back up.
Once a diagnosis is clear, Drains Aid will then work out a solution, informing you exactly what needs to be done and allowing you access to the footage if needed.
We may need to return on a different day, depending on the severity of the problem. For more information or if you feel that you may need a CCTV survey, give us a call today on 0800 0180123 or contact us here.
No-Dig Live 2018
May 2018
This September, Drains Aid will be exhibiting at the popular No-Dig Live. Taking place on the 18th – 20th September, Drains Aid are excited to get involved in the 14th biennial trenchless technology exhibition and outdoor demonstrations.
The event will be held at the East of England Arena and Events Centre across three days in September. The facilities at the arena bring outdoor demonstrations closer to indoor exhibits, which was verbally appreciated by both visitors and exhibitors at their 2016 event.
The event highlights trenchless technology, a movement that is supported by the UK charity UKSTT who are involved greatly in the development and promotion of trenchless techniques.
Drains Aid are looking forward to getting involved with the event as trenchless technology provides many benefits for drainage alone. One of these benefits is that trenchless technology provides an easier approach to the fixing of pipes as it means that they can be repaired or replaced without having to carry out an excavation – a process which is expensive and time consuming for all involved.
The event offers a live, working environment and is the only forum in the UK in which manufacturers and suppliers can display and demonstrate products and services at an event focused solely on trenchless technology.
Drains Aid specialise in sewerage operations in around the Wakefield area, including dealing with blocked drains and damaged pipes. For more information on our services, give us a call on 0800 0180123 or contact us here.
How to Unclog Your Kitchen Sink
May 2018
It's important when you have a home of your own to maintain it and keep everything in working order to avoid having to pay out large chunks of money on repairs.
However, drainage issues are always common, despite how often you take care of your kitchen. One of the most common problems we meet at Drains Aid is a blocked kitchen sink or drain. This is usually caused by debris slowly building in the drain pipes of the sink.
Blocked sinks can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient for a household, so we've put together 2 simple steps you can take to unclog your sink, by yourself!
- Boiling Water – Most sink blockages are due to a combination of grease, soap residue and tepid water that become trapped in the drain, right below the opening. If you have metal pipes, you can try to loosen the clog with boiling water. Pouring boiling water directly down the drain may dissolve the residue, especially if it consists of soap scum or grease. Hot tap water won't do the trick—it has to be boiling water. If you have PVC Pipes, do not use this method.
- Plunger – The plunger that is best to use for clogged sinks is the cup plunger. Remove the basket strainer and fill the sink halfway full of water. Place the cup plunger over the drain opening, making sure it has a good, tight seal against the surface around the drain. Using quick, sharp plunges, pump up and down several times to attempt to clear the obstruction. Once cleared, let the tap run for several minutes.
If you find that neither of these methods work, it may be time to call a professional. It's important you don't take pipes apart yourself if you have no experience. The pipes may already be damaged and fiddling around with them could cause the problem to worsen. For more information on your blocked sinks, give us a call today on 0800 0180123 or contact us here.
Signs That Your Drains are Damaged
May 2018
A damaged drain can lead to severe problems for your home. From blocked sinks, toilets and pipes – damaged drains can be incredibly inconvenient to your everyday life, not to mention the hygiene problems you may encounter.
There are a few signs to look out for if you're beginning to suspect that you're having issues.
- Poor drainage and/or sewage backing up
The first warning of damage is more often than not a decline in the operation of the drain. Slow drainage may indicate a blockage, but it can also signify a collapsed pipe. As well as this, sewage backing up may also be a warning sign.
- Damp and mould
Drainpipe damage may obstruct the movement of water, so it starts to flow into the terrain around the pipe itself. If the drain has collapsed beneath your home this may lead to signs of damp and mould on the floor or walls of the property – never ignore these symptoms!
- Cracks, subsidence and structural damage
In cases where the damaged pipe lies beneath a building's structural points, it's possible for cracks to appear in the building in areas such as floors or in the walls. This is only likely to happen if a collapsed drain has not been dealt with for a significant amount of time. This can be very costly to fix. Make sure that you have properly looked into the problem before choosing to simply repair the cracks themselves. If the underlying problem with the drains is not tackled, the cracks will return. A collapsed pipe can make the ground surrounding it begin to sink or subside, which is why it's important to recognise the signs as soon as possible. If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, it may mean that you have a damaged drain. It's important you take quick action to avoid the issue worsening and burning a hole in your wallet. Drains Aid specialise in commercial and domestic drainage. For more information, call us today on 0800 0180123 of contact us here.
Drainage Advice For Homeowners Moving Into A New Home
May 2018
Moving into a new home is touted as one of the most stressful stages of life. With it comes worries from necessities such as conveyancing, to teething issues like redecorating.
However, one issue that can get unnoticed is the standard of your drains. If overlooked, this can bring about a series of long term problems affecting the functionality of your home.
The previous tenants or owners may have left the piping system in a state where repairs are necessary; this is worth checking prior to moving in so that you can alert it to the attention of a professional before it becomes a long-term issue.
Redecorating internal and external areas of the house can also result in the need for drain maintenance. Removing and reinstalling toilet or bathtub fixtures, in addition to any debris or dirt that makes its way into the drains can potentially lead to blockages or inconsistencies.
In this instance, if the you or the team carrying out the work aren't looking after the drains then additional repair or maintenance could be necessary.
Depending on your location, the Highways Agency, local council, and local water treatment provider are local for public drainage systems. It is down to the homeowner to take responsibility for the maintenance of their domestic drains.
In accordance with the 2011 Private Drains and Sewers regulations, the homeowner has to self-repair or maintain their domestic piping system or hire a professional to do it. This is the case for landlords too.
For situations where this occurs, Drains Aid respond to call outs for domestic drains throughout Yorkshire on a 24-hour basis. Based in Lofthouse, Wakefield, we also conduct commercial and industrial drain repairs. For more information regarding our services, you can contact us on 0800 0180123.
Blocked Drain Sparks Safety Concerns
April 2018
A blocked, flooded drain in a road in Watford has sparked concerns over the safety of pedestrians, this week. A drain, on the corner of Hatfield and St Albans Road, currently poses a threat to people.
The drain has become a slip hazard, says Councillor, Asif Khan, who represents Leggatt's Ward.
Asif says he has reported the blockage to Hertfordshire County Council three times over the past six months, but they have failed to respond to his concerns.
There is now there is a nasty smell developing due to the festering of the problem. "I'm worried the blocked drain is a slip hazard for pedestrians to get through, especially with the unreliable weather conditions."
Kevin Carrol, a divisional manager for a company that deals with highways maintenance in Hertfordshire – said the drain should be unblocked over the next three weeks. However, this may not soon enough.
Blocked drains, when left for lengthy periods of time can worsen and prove even more difficult to amend when the time comes. The company are aware of the drainage issues but are in no rush to fix it. They said that they visited the site on several occasions, including during their deep cleaning programme where a contractor has authority from the council to lift cars. "Regrettably, we were still unable to access the drains due to the volume of parked cars."
They are now in the process of getting authorisation to suspend the use of the two parking bays. This will allow them access to the blockage, to carry out a detailed inspection. It is also important that residents cooperate with them during the process.
Drainage issues can be extremely inconvenient for your home or street. Leaving the problem too long without calling professionals can lead to a messy situation. If you're experiencing issues with your drains, nip it in the bud today and give us a call on 0800 0180123 or contact us here.
Blocked Drains in Belfast Cost Around £800k a Year to Clear
March 2018
The cost of clearing built up drains in Belfast, Ireland has been revealed by NI Water this week and it's a staggering £800,000.
New figures from the utility company show over the course of one year in the Belfast area there were 5,500 blockages all of which racked up this astonishing bill. The new information comes as part of the long-running nationwide 'Bag it and Bin It' campaign, which urges customers to avoid flushing inappropriate material down the toilet.
By doing so, they hope to minimise drain blockages and Fatbergs – which are caused by non-flushable items such as wet wipes, nappies and certain food substances like oil. NI Water's Head of Wastewater, says that, "we have all seen the disgusting effects of an overflowing toilet in a home…
No one wants to see or smell it, but it happens regularly at a cost of millions each year." In the past 10 years NI Water has spent more than £1.5bn investing in water and wastewater infrastructure.
Being a government-owned company, this means that the cost of clearing drains come out taxpayers' pockets. The most common items of domestic waste which cause these issues are baby wipes, sanitary items and cotton buds. These items should never be flushed down the toilet or sink as they do not break down or dissolve, causing them to clump together, forming a Fatberg, which can be a big problem.
Recent research from Water UK has found 93% of the material causing issues in the country's sewers are advertised as non-flushable. Only 1% of blockages were found to be made up of items which were designed to be flushed – like toilet paper. The moral of this story is to always avoid flushing items described as non-flushable down your toilet.
A blocked toilet can offend many of your senses, from sight to smell, it's an unpleasant experience. If you're experiencing issues with your toilet or sink, please don't hesitate to call Drains Aid on 0800 0180123 or contact us here.
Yorkshire Water calls for wipe manufacturers to help with blockages
March 2018
Yorkshire Water is asking the manufacturers of wet wipe to do more to encourage customers not to flush used wipes down the drain. The company has reported being called to over 30,000 blockage incidents each year, with 40% of these case being as a result of wipes.
This is because they contain plastic which does not break down, causing sewer blockages throughout the county.
Indeed, this is a problem being experienced on a national scale at the moment. In December 2017 published research by the trade body Water UK found that 93% of the 54 sewer blockages they studied were caused by wipes.
The report also estimated that they were about 300,000 blockages in sewers each year, at a cost of £100 million to the country. As well as running a customer awareness campaign, which hopes to educate the public about the harm that flushing wipes down the toilet can cause, Yorkshire Water would also like the wipe industry to play more of a role in promoting their proper disposal.
Customer Service Manager, Tom Phillips has stated: "We would like wet wipe manufacturers to increase the prominence of the 'no flushing' symbol on their packaging and let their customers know that wipes can cause blockages." It is hoped that this, along with other initiatives being put in place, will help Yorkshire Water to meet their target of decreasing the number of people who experience sewer problems by 70%.
DrainsAid provide preventative and reactive drain repair services throughout Yorkshire and the rest of the UK. Our experienced team of technicians work at both commercial and domestic properties and offer a range of services including blockage clearance, CCTV services and re-lining. For more information or to arrange a call out please get in touch on 0800 0180123.
DrainsAid to attend No-Dig Exhibition
March 2018
DrainsAid will be one of many leading businesses in the UK attending this years No-Dig exhibition. No-Dig Live 2018 is an exhibition that that will take place between 18th-20th September at the East of England Arena & Events Centre in Peterborough.
The 3-day event is the UK's only exhibition dedicated to trenchless technology. It will feature indoor and outdoor product and service demonstrations, topical seminars and a wealth of networking opportunities. The event is not just an exhibition, but it is also a live and working environment where manufacturers and suppliers can display and demonstrate products at an event which is focused on trenchless technology.
As DrainsAid are a leading company in the UK and Yorkshire's drainage industry, we are always looking too improve how we use drainage technology to work more efficiently. We will be one of hundreds of top manufacturers and contactors attending this year's event, and we are looking forward to discussing new and innovate drainage solutions.
Fats that once blocked drains now being used for fuel
March 2018
Yorkshire Water has introduced an innovative new scheme in Bradford to try and reduce the amount of oil being poured down drains by residents. The 'Fats to Fuel' project was launched in a response to the high number of call-outs to unblock drains in the area.
It involves people storing their leftover oil rather than disposing of it down the sink, this is then collected on a four-weekly basis and taken away to be transformed into bio diesel.
As well as reduce the amount of oil being disposed of down the plug hole, the scheme is also hoping to educate local people. A build-up of fat within pipes is one of the main causes of blockages and can be because people do not realise that whilst oil is in liquid form in their kitchen, when it cools underground it can actually solidify, narrowing the width of the pipe and making it difficult for waste water to flow away.
A total of £20,000 has been spent on the initiative so far and the results look promising. In the last year and a half, there has only been one call out to a blocked drain in the area where it is being trialed – compared to 85 in a three year period previously. Duncan Woodhead, who works for Yorkshire Water believes the success is due to "the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from people living in the area. They have done a lot of the work by spreading the word and now we get people coming up to us on every collection asking for fat vats."
DrainsAid offers both preventative and reactive drains services throughout Yorkshire and the UK. We help both commercial and household clients with all drain related issues and provide a 24-hour blockage clearance, spray lining and re-ling, CCTV surveys, cleansing and desilting. For more information or to book an appointment with one of our skilled technicians please call us on 0800 0180123.
How to clear a clogged shower drain
February 2018
With over 40 years of experience in sewerage and drain services, DrainsAid has lots of advice to share about how to prevent and deal with blocked drains. Of course, the simplest solution is to call in the experts from DrainsAid, for prompt attention to your blocked drains, but if you want to try to clear a small blockage yourself, here are a few things you can try:
- Pour boiling water down the drain. This is the simplest method, and may clear blocked drains where blockages are caused by a small amount of soap preventing hair from being washed away.
- Try a plunger. This is a more aggressive method for clearing blocked drains, and will usually be effective if the blockage is not too severe. For a greater degree of suction, if there is not standing water in your shower tray caused by the blocked drains, run a little water in to form a better seal around the plunger.
- Put a cup of baking soda down your blocked drains, or a cup of vinegar, or try both, with a reasonable interval in between.
- Remove the drain cover. The cover might be secured by screws, or could be just sitting on the drain. Carefully insert a wire hook, which you can make from a coat hanger, into the drain to pull out any hair and debris that is the cause of your blocked drains. Be careful not to damage your pipes with the hook.
- Visit your local hardware store, to purchase a plumbing tool similar to a long stick, with barbs on, with or without a mechanical winding device, that is designed to clear blocked drains.
- Put a drain cleaning chemical product down the blocked drains. Use these with care in a well ventilated room, as they contain strong chemicals.
- If all these methods fail, call in the professional drain cleaners from DrainsAid to clear your blocked drains quickly and efficiently.
The drainage experts from DrainsAid offer this further tip – to prevent blocked drains in the future, try a drain guard to collect hair and other debris in your shower.
How often should you clean your drains?
February 2018
Cleaning out your drains is part of a group of menial tasks that often get put on one side, however, to do so can be very costly. Not cleaning out your drains frequently can have serious consequences to your drains and other peoples.
What goes down your drain extends beyond liquids, there are bits of food, shavings of hair, soap and shampoo's, the list really does go on and on.
To make sure you know how frequently you should be cleaning out your drains, Drains Aid have been kind enough to put together a troubleshooter below. If you have any questions surrounding the article or about your drains in general, you should contact us on the details provided below.
To answer the question short and sweet, we recommend cleaning your drains every month. As a weekly job, it's something that will end up becoming a chore and slowly but surely get weaned off the weekly to-do-list. However quarterly is too long, and what normally happens is people forget to clean their drains, and leaving them for such long periods of time results in damage and potentially expensive repairs.
To avoid this we regard drain cleaning as a monthly job. If you're going to make a set schedule for when to be cleaning your drains, don't forget to stick to it, as forgetting to cleaning your drains may be one of the chores that is of the upmost importance, particularly if you have drains that are prone to clogging. We believe that doing a little bit of work regularly, saves you from having to do big work when you finally get round to doing it.
Monthly drain cleaning allows for you to maintain safe and properly functioning drains that only require your attention 12 times across the year. With such easy methods out there to ensure your drains are tip top such as vinegar and baking soda, and boiling water, sticking to a routine should help to prevent you from ever having to make any major repairs on your drains. If regular drain cleaning methods are not solving any problems which you are having, make sure to contact us immediately. At
Drains Aid we have been in the industry for 45 years and have built up an admirable reputation across Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford and the rest of Yorkshire. If you have any queries about the above article or would like to get in contact with us for any other reason, call us on: 0800 0180123
Trapped dog freed after 3 days in underground pipe
February 2018
A dog, which spent three days trapped in an underground pipe, has been freed. A black cocker spaniel entered the drain in Abingdon on Saturday and then travelled over 100m in the pipe before getting stuck under an artificial pitch as it was blocked at one end.
The dog had entered the drain in the pursuit of another animal and Firefighters and staff from Thames Water were required to free the hound. A spokesperson for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said Spencer was trapped in an old drainage pipe which was about 12 inches (30cm) in diameter.
Their equipment was not suitable for the rescue so others efforts to free the dog begun.
Ms Wallis told BBC Radio Oxford they had "thought the worst" during the effort to find Spencer. "We have had upwards of 30 or 40 people traipsing through fields on Sunday, people turning up in the middle of the night", she said. DrainsAid are delighted that the dog has been freed and would just like to remind people of the dangers of playing near drainage pipes. Not only are they unsanitary but they are also small and with blockages they can become a real hazard.
Who is responsible for your sewers and drains?
January 2018
It is never pleasant having to deal with problematic sewer or drain. Things can be made even worse when it is not clear who is responsible for resolving the issue which can prolong the amount of time it takes to get fixed.
Here is our guide to where responsibility lies, which usually depends on the location of the drain/sewer and the type of property in question: Sewers which belong to a public network are usually serviced by the water company in the area. This means that if any problems occur they would be the people to deal with them. Should an issue arise it is therefore important that you contact the local supplier and inform them of where exactly the problem is so that they are aware of it and can address it. Private sewers are found in places with several properties for example apartment blocks. If you own a property within a site like this, the cost of maintenance and any repair work falls with you, or jointly amongst other owners at the site is the sewer covers several properties within it. Property owners are responsible for the upkeep of the drains which lie within the boundaries of their home or business. This means that you are required to pay for any maintenance or repair work which is required. You are able to select the professional company that you wish to carry out this work if it is not covered by the building insurance you have. DrainsAid are based in Yorkshire and provide household and commercial drainage services throughout the UK. We are able to carry out CCTV surveys, re-lining, spray-lining, blockage clearances and planned preventative maintenance work. To arrange a callout or more information please get in touch with us by calling 0800 0180123.
Sewers which belong to a public network are usually serviced by the water company in the area. This means that if any problems occur they would be the people to deal with them. Should an issue arise it is therefore important that you contact the local supplier and inform them of where exactly the problem is so that they are aware of it and can address it.
Private sewers are found in places with several properties for example apartment blocks. If you own a property within a site like this, the cost of maintenance and any repair work falls with you, or jointly amongst other owners at the site is the sewer covers several properties within it.
Property owners are responsible for the upkeep of the drains which lie within the boundaries of their home or business. This means that you are required to pay for any maintenance or repair work which is required. You are able to select the professional company that you wish to carry out this work if it is not covered by the building insurance you have. DrainsAid are based in Yorkshire and provide household and commercial drainage services throughout the UK. We are able to carry out CCTV surveys, re-lining, spray-lining, blockage clearances and planned preventative maintenance work. To arrange a callout or more information please get in touch with us by calling 0800 0180123.
Easy ways to unblock your drain
January 2018
The warning signs that a drain is blocked are pretty obvious. The water takes that bit longer to go down the plughole, you end up showering with a small pool of water at your feet, and then there's that awful drain smell.
At DrainsAid we have been unblocking drains in the Wakefield and Leeds area for over 45 years, but to avoid you having to call out a plumber, we have made a small list of simple and cost effective solutions to unblock your drain. If the problem you are experiencing is not solved by these solutions below, then we would recommend seeking professional advice.
The simplest solution to a blocked drain is to boil a full kettle of water and slowly pour it down the drain. We recommend pouring it down in two or three stages, allowing time for the water to break down the blockage.
For a slightly tougher clog, mix together 1/3 cup of vinegar with 1/3 cup of baking soda into a larger measuring jug. The mixture will immediately start to fizz, so pour the mixture down the drain straight away as it is this fizzing of the chemicals mixing together that helps to break down the clog. Leave the mixture to sit in the drain for at least an hour, although the longer the better so overnight would be ideal, and then flush it down with hot or boiling water.
Caustic soda is a particularly strong chemical, so before attempting to do anything, ensure that you have rubber gloves and some protective eyewear as it can cause serious chemical burns if not used with caution. Pour around 3.5 litres of cold water into a mop bucket, or similar, and then add three cups of the caustic soda. Mix the soda and water together well which should cause it to fizz and heat up. Pour the mixture down the drain and leave it to work for half an hour, washing it away with boiling water once the 30 minutes are up.
Although it may seem like a dated method of unclogging a drain, using a bent wire hanger is actually one of the most effective ways of removing any grime or a hair ball. Begin by straightening out the hanger, ensuring the hook at the top remains bent over, and then insert it down the drain pipe and begin removing unwanted grime. It is important to make sure that you are pulling things out of the drain rather than pushing stuff further in. Once you had removed as much grime as possible, run boiling water down the drain to flush away any loose bits.
Here at DrainsAid we have been helping people in Wakefield and Leeds with their drain issues for 45 years, building an enviable reputation in that time. If the problem you are experiencing persists after attempting the above solutions then you should contact us directly on: 0800 0180123.
Common mistakes when installing drainage systems
January 2018
Whilst a house or commercial building's drainage system is rarely seen by buyers it is one of the most important parts of the property for obvious reasons. Its location means that when it is fitted, this needs to be done correctly as mistakes are difficult to fix once the system has been built upon. When laying drains it is therefore important that the following are taken into account to avoid common mistakes occurring:
This may sound straightforward, but it is surprising how often a mismatch occurs. Before installation there needs to be agreement over the necessary diameter of pipe to be fitted. This should then be double checked against the one which is actually laid underground. Incorrect sized pipes can lead to drainage problems as blockages are more likely to occur. In turn this can lead to a higher chance of structural failure. For drainage systems to work effectively they need to be able to drain water away. In order for this to happen without the use of a pumping system it is therefore essential that they are fitted at the correct fall (angle) – that is at a suitable gradient which will enable waste to be carried away rather than sit in the pipe and risk causing a blockage. This is incredibly important, but often something that is overlooked with problematic consequences. The trenches where pipes have been laid must be filled in properly to prevent pipes shifting out of place. This is because if pipes do move there is the risk that they will no longer carry away waste water properly. If movement does occur this is very expensive to fix as well as problematic if the pipe is not accessible due to having being built upon. DrainsAid provide a variety of preventative and reactive drainage services across the UK. These include: high pressure jet cleaning, CCTV inspection, re-lining, robotic cutting and excavation repairs. For more information or to arrange a call out please get in touch today by calling 0800 0180123.
This may sound straightforward, but it is surprising how often a mismatch occurs. Before installation there needs to be agreement over the necessary diameter of pipe to be fitted. This should then be double checked against the one which is actually laid underground. Incorrect sized pipes can lead to drainage problems as blockages are more likely to occur. In turn this can lead to a higher chance of structural failure.
For drainage systems to work effectively they need to be able to drain water away. In order for this to happen without the use of a pumping system it is therefore essential that they are fitted at the correct fall (angle) – that is at a suitable gradient which will enable waste to be carried away rather than sit in the pipe and risk causing a blockage.
This is incredibly important, but often something that is overlooked with problematic consequences. The trenches where pipes have been laid must be filled in properly to prevent pipes shifting out of place. This is because if pipes do move there is the risk that they will no longer carry away waste water properly. If movement does occur this is very expensive to fix as well as problematic if the pipe is not accessible due to having being built upon. DrainsAid provide a variety of preventative and reactive drainage services across the UK. These include: high pressure jet cleaning, CCTV inspection, re-lining, robotic cutting and excavation repairs. For more information or to arrange a call out please get in touch today by calling 0800 0180123.
How do you know if you have a drainage problem
January 2018
At their best drainage problems are inconvenient, at their worst the damage they cause can be disruptive and expensive to fix. It is therefore really important to know how to spot the warning signs of a potential issue and how to act to prevent the issue escalating. Here are two common problems and what to do about them:
- Water draining too close to your property
- Overflowing gutters
If your gutters are overflowing then this is an obvious sign that something is amiss with your rooftop drainage system. Blockages are most commonly caused by a build-up of debris, particularly leaves, twigs and dirt. It is important to have a regular maintenance routine in place to decrease the likelihood of such clogging up occurring. You could carry this out yourself or get a professional company to carry out preventative work for you. If you drain are not blocked by any debris but they are still overflowing this could indicate another type of problem – that they are not pitched properly. This means that they have not been set at the correct angle and this will need rectifying by a professional in order for them to effectively be able to carry excess water away. DrainsAid provide preventative and reactive drain services throughout Yorkshire (Leeds, York, Wakefield) and the rest of the UK. We carry out drain cleaning, CCTV surveys, trenchless relining, robotic cutting manhole rehabilitation and excavation repairs. For more information or to book a callout please get in touch today on 0800 0180123.
Merry Christmas from Everyone at DrainsAid
December 2017
The team at DrainsAid would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2017 has been another good year for the business and we look forward to 2018. We would also like to remind our clients and potential customers that our emergency drainage offering will still be operations during the Christmas should you have an unexpected drainage issue. From everyone here, have a wonderful festive period and we look forward to working with you in 2018. We carry out works in York, Leeds, Wakefield and the rest of Yorkshire.
Shocking things found in UK drainage systems
December 2017
With it coming up to Christmas we thought we'd stay in a happy spirit and bring you some light-hearted news from the drainage industry. UK drainage systems, both commercial and domestic, have seen pretty much everything pass through them, including some outright astonishing items. Below are some of the shocking, wacky and wonderful things that have been found in drains and sewage systems in the UK. The team at DrainsAid have many years of collective experience working with drains and sewers in the UK. Whilst our team may have seen some pretty outrageous finds, none quite match up to a haul of expensive watches. The blockages can be wacky or funny, but on a serious note, large items can cause devastating damage to residential areas. If they block up the sewers and drainage system this can cause severe flooding after heavy rainfall. If you suspect you have a blockage then call the team at DrainsAid for an emergency response. We work across Leeds, Wakefield and York on a regular basis. Call us today on 0800 0180123.
The team at DrainsAid have many years of collective experience working with drains and sewers in the UK. Whilst our team may have seen some pretty outrageous finds, none quite match up to a haul of expensive watches. The blockages can be wacky or funny, but on a serious note, large items can cause devastating damage to residential areas. If they block up the sewers and drainage system this can cause severe flooding after heavy rainfall. If you suspect you have a blockage then call the team at DrainsAid for an emergency response. We work across Leeds, Wakefield and York on a regular basis. Call us today on 0800 0180123.
City of York has 900 permanently blocked drains
December 2017
According to a study in York to improve the drainage system, the council has found that 900 drains are so badly blocked that they cannot be cleared, adding risk of flooding on some streets, The Council are mid-way through a two-year examination, looking at all the 42,690 gullies in the city to work out areas of improvement.
So far, of the 38,000 they have checked, over half of them have had a blockage of some sort.
Some of these are caused by general over-use whilst others have been earmarked as not fit for purpose and a widening of the drains will be required to allow them to work again. Most of the drains have become blocked by debris from tree roots, litter, leaves and mud, whilst others have been damaged by utility works. The major part of this investigation has been brought about after the city had severe floods a few years ago and a report was released which highlighted that the city would be unable to cope with heavy rain. In a statement, Councilor Andrew Waller, who is in charge of the environmental matters said: "The investment is showing positive results and I will certainly be pushing for this to be funded again in the budget next year, as it is an issue we have got to get on top of." DrainsAid are committed to helping local councils in Leeds, Wakefield and Huddersfield improve the standards of the drainage network and have been working with many companies over the last few years improving the networks. If you would like to know more about the services we provide, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
Some ways to keep your drains cleaner
December 2017
Getting a blocked drain is something that many of us do not think about until it is too late, and we have a full-on problem. However, a bit of careful maintenance each day or week can help you reduce the likelihood of a blocked drain.
Below, our team of expert engineers have listed some of the easiest ways to keep your drains moving and prevent a full-on blockage.
Avoid drain problems around Christmas
December 2017
Drainage issues over Christmas are surprisingly frequent and incredibly unfortunate. The combination of cold weather and an increase in drains usage often causes or worsens any problems with drains, particularly older drains.
To help avoid coming into any drainage bother, we have listed below some things to be wary of over the Christmas months and some tips to help prevent any problems from occurring or getting worse.
Warning signs of a main sewer problem
November 2017
If you are experiencing sewer drainage problems you should deal with them urgently as the problem can escalate quickly and end up being very costly. A sewer drainage clog could lead to a raw sewage backup coming out of the drains which could be incredibly expensive and also very damaging, leading to further repairs needing to be done.
To avoid any costly damage to your home, below are a few warning signs that you should look out for. If the problem cannot be resolved easily (i.e. by using a plunger or similar method), we recommend seeking professional advice, as these types of problems can be very complicated and should not be attempted by anyone other than professionals.
Clogged toilets or drains
The signs that you have a sewer drainage problem are normally pretty obvious, if the water in your drain or toilet is backing up or making any gurgling sounds, it will mean that there is some sort of blockage in your pipes. It's important to remember that the pipes in your house are connected, so if there is a blockage it will affect more than one household appliance, for example, if the washing machine ends and the toilet starts to percolate there is probably something stuck in your pipes. If there is a blockage in the main pipe, this will affect all of the secondary pipes that come off it (i.e. the toilet, the sinks, the bathtub). However if the problem is isolated to a secondary pipe, it will only affect the appliance at the end of that pipe. That's does not go to say that it doesn't need fixing.
Tree roots
Often time's tree roots go deep into the surrounding ground and end up crushing older sewage pipes when they reach them. The older pipes get weaker with age and collapse and then the tree roots grow into their place, leaving a clogged pipe. If your toilet bowl starts to make a gurgling noise or you notice that your drains have started to run slower, the most likely cause of this is that tree roots have got into your pipes and you have a sewer drainage problem. Failure to deal with this immediately can result in a complete sewer line block.
Release the pressure
We recommend not turning to chemicals if it isn't necessary, instead, by filling your sink up to the top and letting it drain, the pressure of a full sink of water should help to dislodge any blockages or sediment build-ups. Do this a couple of times a month and your drains should remain clear.
Request a camera inspection
If you are experiencing any issues with your pipes that cannot be resolved by filling up your sink with water, you should ask a professional to see if they will perform a camera inspection – running a long cable through your pipes that as a camera at the end and can unsettle any blockages. Be wary of anyone offering a camera inspection before offering to clear the clog and use a different company. If you have any queries about this article or are experiencing any problems that haven't been mentioned, contact us on: 0800 0180 123
Avoid common winter problems
November 2017
With winter fast approaching, now is the time to check your drains to make sure they are in working order. Taking some time to inspect them now will help you to alleviate any small problems before they become big ones, saving you time and money in the long run. We recommend the following:
Identify at risk pipes
Cooler weather, especially freezing temperatures can mean that pipes are at risks of bursting if water within them freezes and then melts too quickly. A way to avoid this happening is to insulate pipes beforehand with foam. If you are not sure how to do this or which of your pipes might be vulnerable to freezing, contact a professional drainage company for help.
Check outside drains
It's also important to check outdoor drains to ensure that there is no debris in them which will stop water easily flowing away. Common culprits are leaves and twigs and these need to be removed. If you cannot reach or see all of your drains or guttering considering getting a professional to access these areas and remove any blockages for you.
Get any small problems checked now
Whatever the season, it's always a good idea to get any minor problems you're experiencing checked out sooner rather than later. Drips, cracks in pipes and leaks are all issues that are easier to deal with the earlier they are spotted. They also mean substantial damage to your property or belongings is more likely to be avoided. If you are not confident carrying out repair work yourself contact a drainage company to do it for you.
DrainsAid provide both reactive and preventative drains services. We can carry out CCTV inspections, trenchless relining, robotic cutting and manhole rehabilitation too. If you are experiencing a problem with your drain and need some expert help please get in touch today on 0800 0180123.
Three top reasons for blocked drains
November 2017
Blocked drains are incredibly common and inconvenient, but in a lot of cases could be avoided. Here are some of the reasons why they become blocked as well as tips for prevention.
If you have a problem with your drain and are unsure of the cause it's always best to ask an expert for help.
- The weather
Windy and wet weather can cause serious problems when it comes to blocked drains. A lot of rainfall often results in debris such as tree branches and leaves blocking pipes which means that water cannot flow away. This can lead to flooding and damage to property. It's important that you regularly check outdoor drains for any build-up and remove it immediately.
- Flushed away items
Items that should not be put down the plug hole or flushed away in the toilet are common culprits or drainage problems within the home. In the kitchen, oil and leftover food can do serious damage, reducing the amount of water that can flow away in the pipes. In the bathroom, tampons, nappies, cotton buds and wipes are all things which should be thrown away not disposed of in the toilet.
- Damaged pipes
Another cause of a blocked drain could be a damaged pipe. This might occur simply due to the age of the pipe or as a result of the way it has been fitted. Another reason for damage may be tree roots. In each case, it is important to identify the exact location of the problem and deal with it before more damage occurs. DrainsAid are based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire and provide preventative and reactive drain services across the UK. As well as unblocking drains we can carry out drainage surveys, trenchless relining, robotic cutting and manhole rehabilitation. For more information or to arrange a callout please get in touch with our experienced team today by calling 0800 0180123.
How to maintain your drains
November 2017
Lots of things make their way into our drains, some things more obscure than others, so to avoid blockages DrainsAid have written down a few tips that you can do at home to make drain maintenance easy.
To save you calling out an engineer we recommend weekly maintenance, which can be as simple as pouring boiling water down your drains.
Below is a step by step guide to tackling a clogged drain, however if the problem persists we recommend calling a professional and DO NOT advise customers to attempt to make a repair themselves as this can be hazardous to themselves and others.
- Before you start any cleaning, make sure you have the tools needed for the job:
- Kettle
- Baking soda
- Baking crystals
- White vinegar
- Protective gloves and eyewear
- Empty bottle to collect excess fat
- If boiling water isn't doing the trick, pour two tablespoons of baking soda down the drain, followed by approximately 300ml of white vinegar. The mixture will start to bubble and fizz, however do not worry as this chemical reaction is what will break down the grime in your drain.
- After leaving the mixture for approximately 10 minutes, rinse the drain with a kettle of water to help clear away the solution and rinse away any of the grime that has been broken down.
Alternatively, you can combine 300 – 500ml of boiling water with a cup of soda crystals and pour the solution directly into the plughole. This will help to get rid of any grease, fats or soap residue. To help reduce the clogging in your drains and to help improve the environment, we strongly encourage that any excess fats and oils left in cooking pans and trays be poured into a bottle and put in the bin. By being conscious of what you're putting down your drains and following these steps a few times a year, your drains should stay clear and clean. For more information and call outs in the Wakefield and greater Yorkshire, call us on: 0800 0180123
Householders warned about 'blocked drain fraud'
November 2017
Householders with blocked drains are being warned to think twice before they employ Claim Management Companies (CMCs) to process their claims. The insurance company Direct Line has reported that over half of all claims being made by CMS firms are "invalid, inflated or fraudulent"
Many homeowners have invested in cover for their blocked drains as part of their home insurance. But sometimes a CMC will offer to handle the claims, which results in a significant sum being incurred on the homeowner.
The report from direct line says that some people end up paying thousands of pounds to such companies when they could contact their insurance company for no extra charge.
How to prevent blocked drains in older homes
October 2017
Nobody wants a blocked drain. Not only can overflowing water cause considerable damage, it can also leave extremely unpleasant smells both inside you house and outside it too if the drains are blocked there. Luckily there are some preventative steps which can be taken to reduce the likelihood of blocked drains at your property.
In the kitchen
As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. This definitely applies in the kitchen, where only water should go down the plug hole. Drainage pipes are not designed to transport food waste or grease away and so this should always be disposed of in a bin instead.
In the bathroom
Again, it is possible to avoid problems in this part of the house by only flushing toilet paper down the toilet. Other items such as nappies and sanitary products should be thrown away in the bin as should face wipes and cotton buds. Regular removal of hair from the shower tray is also a good idea to avoid it clogging up the drain.
Outside the house
Taking time to inspect any drains outside is also advisable to prevent materials building up and causing blockages. Make time to remove items such as leaves and twigs which can easily accumulate in guttering and drains. Other foreign objects such as footballs on roofs can also cause problems – regular checks can make sure that small issues do not escalate into larger ones.
DrainsAids are based in Wakefield and operate throughout the Yorkshire region and beyond. As well as offering a 24-hour household drain blockage clearance service we can all carry out CCTV surveys, provide drain re-lining and create new sewer connections. For more information or to arrange an appointment with one of our experienced technicians please call us on 0800 0180 123.
Top reasons your water drains are blocked and what to do
October 2017
Blocked drains are very problematic. Not only do they disrupt water usage within the building, they can also smell really bad too. Luckily there are steps that can be taken to deal with blockages as well as to help prevent them in the first place:
- In the kitchen
Grease is a common culprit in blocked drains in the kitchen. Whilst it may go down the pipe in liquid form, it can solidify quickly on the inside of it, reducing the capacity for water to flow away. Instead of pouring oil or fat away down the sink, put it in a jar in the bin. Scrape plates before washing to ensure scraps of food are thrown away not washed away too.
- In the bathroom
Toilet blockages can occur when incorrect items are disposed of in the toilet. These can include things such as face wipes, nappies and sanitary products. Only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet with everything else thrown away in a waste bin. Shower drains can also become easily blocked in the bathroom due to hair clogging up the plug. Make sure you regularly remove this to stop it causing problems.
- Outside
In the garden, fallen leaves and other tree debris can often clog up outside drains leading to problems. Make checking and clearing drains and guttering part of a regular maintenance routine to avoid things building up over time. DrainsAid are based in Wakefield and provide commercial and domestic drainage services throughout Yorkshire and the whole of the UK. We carry out both reactive and preventative work including blockage clearing, CCTV surveys and drain repairs. If you are experiencing a problem and would like some expert help then please get in touch on 0800 0180 123.
Dealing with drains in autumn
October 2017
Autumn is the notorious season of blocked drains, more drain blockages occur during autumn than at any other time of year, and the culprit is falling autumn. As picturesque as autumn may be with the red, yellow and orange leaves, they can, however, be severely detrimental to our homes.
Drains are vital to your home or business because they carry waste water away from your home. Even a small blockage could cause unwanted problems but a seriously blocked system could force water back out, flooding the surrounding area or backing up your systems inside.
With this in mind, here are a few ways for you to defend against leaves this autumn.
Get stuck in The simplest solution is, unfortunately, to get messy and use a bit of elbow grease. By getting in the thick of it you can use your hands to pull out soggy clumps of leaves that clog your drains. Depending on how excessive the problem is, a shovel may even be needed. This may need to be repeated if you live in an area with lots of trees, but it is definitely one of the best techniques. Leaf blower Another effective method to prevent falling leaves clogging up your drain is to invest in a leaf blower. By blowing away huge piles of leaves before they get a chance to settle in your drains you can save a lot of more serious problems arising. Call a professional While proactive and reactive methods of clearing out leaves will help to avoid minor problems, unfortunately, it is impossible to stop all drainage issues, and blockages will inevitably occur. You cannot keep a 24-hour watch over your drains and while you're at work or asleep, leaves will inevitably get blown into your drains. In these situations, the best thing to do is to call a professional blocked drainage specialist such as DrainsAid. DrainsAid uses their experience and expertise to safely and efficiently unblock your drains no matter how serious the blockage. For more information on domestic or commercial drainage issues, call a member of our team now on 0800 0180123.
Signs you have a serious drainage problem
October 2017
DrainsAid encounters blocked drains on a daily basis, but many Yorkshire residents do not recognise signs there is a serious drainage problem. It is sensible to familiarise ourselves with common signs of problems with our drainage system, so we can call in the DrainsAid experts without delay, to avoid possible damage to other parts of our home or business.
Signs of damp around or inside the basement are a sure sign there is a drainage problem. Buildings are designed to channel water away from the walls, through guttering, drain pipes, and storm drains.
If these become blocked or damaged, then water may run in through the foundations, causing damage to your walls, and possessions in the basement.
If the source of this water seepage is not immediately obvious, then you should call in the drainage team at DrainsAid, for a prompt inspection and diagnosis of the problem.
If you are able to inspect your guttering, you may be able to identify a common cause of drainage problems. Guttering may become clogged with leaves and debris, and require regular clearing and maintenance. If you are not able to do this yourself, the experienced drainage team at DrainsAid will return your guttering to working order in no time. Another sign to look out for which may indicate a serious drainage problem, is standing water on the ground around your house. A sudden downpour may cause temporary pooling, but this should be quickly channelled away, and if standing water persists, this may indicate a blockage in your drainage system. To check if your drains are blocked, call in the drainage experts at DrainsAid for a prompt assessment of your drainage system. If you notice damp inside your home, or a musty odour, this could indicate you have a drainage problem, which may require the attention of DrainsAid without delay. DrainsAid's trained and experienced drainage team will carry out your drainage repairs promptly and efficiently, with minimum disruption to yourselves.
Top reasons your water drains are blocked and what to do
September 2017
Blocked drains are very problematic. Not only do they disrupt water usage within the building, they can also smell really bad too. Luckily there are steps that can be taken to deal with blockages as well as to help prevent them in the first place:
- In the kitchen
Grease is a common culprit in blocked drains in the kitchen. Whilst it may go down the pipe in liquid form, it can solidify quickly on the inside of it, reducing the capacity for water to flow away. Instead of pouring oil or fat away down the sink, put it in a jar in the bin. Scrape plates before washing to ensure scraps of food are thrown away not washed away too.
- In the bathroom
Toilet blockages can occur when incorrect items are disposed of in the toilet. These can include things such as face wipes, nappies and sanitary products. Only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet with everything else thrown away in a waste bin. Shower drains can also become easily blocked in the bathroom due to hair clogging up the plug. Make sure you regularly remove this to stop it causing problems.
- Outside
In the garden, fallen leaves and other tree debris can often clog up outside drains leading to problems. Make checking and clearing drains and guttering part of a regular maintenance routine to avoid things building up over time. DrainsAid are based in Wakefield and provide commercial and domestic drainage services throughout Yorkshire and the whole of the UK. We carry out both reactive and preventative work including blockage clearing, CCTV surveys and drain repairs. If you are experiencing a problem and would like some expert help then please get in touch on 0800 0180 123.
What is Sewer lining?
September 2017
Sewer lining is a method of rehabilitating sewers and drains. It is carried out by placing a resin coated liner into the pipe which will stick to the inside of it and harden, meaning that the function of the sewer or drain is regained. Here are the main steps in the sewer lining process:
- Cleaning
First of all the drain is cleaned. This is usually done using a Jet Vac.
- Issues located
Using CCTV the inside of the sewer or drain pipe is examined in order to locate the problematic area(s). At this point, the junctions and connections in the pipe are also determined so that that can be reopened after the liner has been inserted.
- Insert liner
Once the CCTV survey has been carried out the resin coated liner is inserted into the pipe. The resin will stick to the pipe and become hard, allowing the 'curing' of the defective part(s) of the pipe.
- Reopen junctions and connections
The junctions and connections that were identified are reopened using a robotic device.
- CCTV check
After the four steps above have been completed a further CCTV survey is carried to make sure than the liner has been inserted correctly and that all openings are clear. DrainsAid provide a range of drainage and sewer management services to both domestic and commercial clients. Whether you require reactive or preventative work, our team of skilled engineers will make sure the issue is dealt with quickly and effectively. For more information please give us a call on 0800 0180 123.
Dealing with drains in autumn
September 2017
Autumn is the notorious season of blocked drains, more drain blockages occur during autumn than at any other time of year, and the culprit is, of course, falling autumn leaves. As picturesque as autumn may be with the red, yellow and orange leaves, they can, however, be severely detrimental to our homes.
Drains are vital to your home or business because they carry waste water away from you home. Even a small blockage could cause unwanted problems but a seriously blocked system could force water back out, flooding the surrounding area or backing up your systems inside.
With this in mind, here are a few ways for you to defend against leaves this autumn.
Common causes of blocked drains
September 2017
Domestic drainage systems are notorious for blockages, most homeowners will experience a blocked drain on their street at some point in their life. This is widely as a result of people flushing common household items down the drains oblivious to the damage they can cause.
Why is drain maintenance important?
August 2017
Whether you are a home owner or manage a commercial property, it is equally important that you take the steps needed to look after your drain. Drainage problems can not only be expensive to repair but can also cause problems in terms of property damage and interrupting staff working time. Regular drain maintenance is important, whatever the building size or type, for these reasons:
- Prevents possible future problems
Prevention really is better than cure. Taking simple steps such as regularly cleaning the inside of kitchen pipes can help avoid the build-up of problematic substances such as oil and fat.
- You will be able to notice when something is amiss
If you know what your drain looks like normally, when something out of the ordinary occurs such as an unusual damp patch or a longer than usual drainage time then you will be able to recognise the difference immediately.
- Spotting problems early could save money later on
Knowing the signs to look for means there is more chance of noticing a problem earlier rather than later, which could stop it developing in something worse. Spotting an issue in good time means is can be dealt with quickly there and then rather than it escalating and the damage spreading further or having more serious implications on the property, your family or employees. DrainsAid are able to provide contracted maintenance services to businesses as well as domestic properties throughout the Yorkshire region and the rest of the UK. If you would like to learn more about these regular checks or any of the other services we provide, please contact us today by calling 0800 0180123.
£5.6 million pledged to help Lancashire roads
August 2017
At DrainsAid we like to keep up-to-date with all the latest industry news and development. This week we were pleased to hear that Lancashire County Council have pledged £5.6million towards helping to improve roads in Lancashire. The money, which is part of the revised 2017-2018 council budget, will be spent on several different projects. This includes £1 million to be put towards pothole repairs, which will be carried out not only to the affected area, but the surrounding road too. This should decrease the likelihood of repeat repairs being necessary in the long run. Another £1 million has also been earmarked for small road repairs, with the aim of ensuring these are carried out quickly and efficiently and before they escalate into larger, more expensive maintenance work in the long term. In addition, £3 million has been allocated for highways maintenance and in particular the maintenance of residential roads. Lancashire County Councillor Keith Iddon has recognised the importance of the work stating:
Early signs of a blocked drain
August 2017
Having a blocked drain is not a pleasant experience and can lead to long-term problems and damage if not dealt with swiftly. If you notice any of the tell-tale signs of a blockage such as bad smells, gurgling, leaks or water taking longer than normal to drain away in the shower or sink than it's important to act quickly. We recommend the following steps:
- Try and identify where the blockage is
If possible, try and locate the blockage itself. In the case of the bathroom, this could be in the toilet pan itself or in shower tray – a build-up of long hair in the plug hole is a common culprit of slow water drainage. Outside, leaves or small branches could be blocking drains and guttering.
- Try and remove the blockage
The ease of doing this will depend on the type and whereabouts of the blockage. Using gloves may be the best idea rather than touching the debris itself. If you don't have any rods, a wire hanger makes a good improvisation. A plunger will also come in handy, particularly for sinks and toilets.
- Seek the help of a professional
If you have not been able to locate the blockage or successfully alleviate it, at this point it is probably best to seek professional help. Companies specialising in drainage issues will be able to identify where exactly the problem is, what the best course of action is and what preventative measures can be put in place to reduce the likelihood of it occurring again. DrainsAid specialise in sewerage work including proactive and reactive repairs. From our base in Wakefield, West Yorkshire we undertake drainage operations throughout the UK. If you have a blocked drain and would like the help of an expert technician to resolve the issue please get in touch today on 0800 0180123.
How to unblock your toilet
July 2017
A blocked toilet is a fairly common problem in households, but can be dealt with quite easily if the following steps are taken. If however, you are unsure where the blockage is, or are not confident in trying to tackle it on your own then it may be best to ask a specialist for help.
- Remove any visible items causing the blockage
If you know what is causing the blockage and can see it, then removing it by hand is the best option if this is possible. Wear a pair of rubber gloves when doing this.
- Identify where the blockage is if possible
If you can't see where the problem is, then you can try to resolve any issues in the pipe using drain rods or a wire coat hanger. You can also try using a plunger to ensure that the right pressure and vacuum is in place to work against the blockage.
- Try dissolving the blockage
If the toilet is still blocked you could try dissolving the blockage. Using hot water is one way of doing this, but something stronger, such as caustic soda may be needed if this is not successful.
- Ongoing issues
If you are frequently having issues flushing your toilet then it may be beneficial to get the system checked. It's also important that only toilet paper is flushed away as other items such as face wipes, cotton buds and sanitary items will continue to cause blockages. DrainsAid are based in Wakefield and offer commercial and domestic drainage services across Yorkshire and the UK. We provide a 24-hour blockage clearance service as well as carrying out surveys, relining and planned preventative work. If you are experiencing problems in your home or business please get in contact today on 0800 0180 123 to find out how we can help.
How to prevent blocked drains
June 2017
Nobody wants a blocked drain. Not only do they cause a lot of hassle when they become clogged up, but they often smell very unpleasant too. Luckily there are several steps that you can take to avoid drains become blocked up in the first place. In the kitchen It's really important to be wary of what you flush away down your sink in the kitchen. For example instead of flushing coffee grounds away, it is better to put them in the bin or add them to compost.
Top reasons why drains get blocked
April 2017
No-one wants a blocked drain. If left untreated problems can escalate and blockages or leaks can cause damage to your property or business as well as cause unpleasant smells. The longer an issue is left undealt with, the more difficult or costly it can be to fix too.
Over the years DrainsAid have helped many customers in the Yorkshire area with both their domestic and commercial drainage concerns. We have spotted some common reasons for blocked drains during this time.
Here we list some of the most frequent causes as well as the steps you can take to try and avoid them.
Bathroom and toilet drains
Problems with drainage in the bathroom are most like to be caused by incorrect items being flushed away. These objects include face wipes, nappy wipes, cotton buds and sanitary products. Hair can also be a problem in showers where it clogs up the drain and obstructs the flow of water. To avoid blockages in the toilet it is important only to flush toilet paper away. All other items should be disposed of in a bin. It is also advisable to regularly check the shower tray for strands of hair and make sure these are removed and put in the bin too.
Kitchen drains
Blockages in a kitchen sink are generally caused by two different factors. Firstly, problems occur when grease or oil is poured down the drain. This can stick to the inside of the pipe and make it difficult for water to flow away. The second culprit is food debris. Here, small food items that are washed away can become attached to the pipe wall, limiting the capacity it has to carry waste water away.
To help prevent drainage problems in the kitchen, dispose of cooled oil in a container in the bin as well as take care not get food in the sink – scrape plates carefully before washing them. For help with your commercial or domestic blocked drains please contact us on 0800 0180123.
Problems with roadside drainage
April 2017
A recent poll carried out by leading motor organization, the AA has suggested that drainage on both main and local roads up and down the UK is a problem throughout the whole year – an issue that could be down to a lack of maintenance, said our Yorkshire drainage team.
According to AA members who took part in a recent Populus poll, many believed that road drainage was no better in the summer than it was during bad storms in the winter, with over flooding causing puddles that are a threat to drivers all year round.
- Surveys – we offer regular maintenance checks that capture and record in a detailed report, with DVD feedback, providing a visual and accurate assessment on the state of the drains looked at.
- Push Rod System – If we find that there is an area of a drain particularly hard to check, we use our advanced push rod system, which is a 100 metre CCTV fiberglass which is able to inspect pipes range from 50mm to 225mm, as well as negotiate multiple bends in very tight spaces.
- Main Line Crawler – DrainsAid have invested in a main line crawler surveying CCTV camera that allows CCTV surveying in pipes up to 2.8 metres in diameter. It offers 360 degree viewing and allows for 600 metres of unbroken pipework to be surveyed in one go. Furthermore, the full pan, titl and rotating camera produces superb images of the pipework.
- Trenchless Re-Lining – We are an industry leader when it comes to repairing damaged drains without the need for excavation thanks to our innovative trenchless re-lining technology. For more information please see our website here.
If you are a local council or authority, and you would like the expert advice of our Yorkshire drainage and blocked drains experts, please call 0800 018 0123 for more information on our flexible maintenance contracts. Our drainage team is able to offer tailored contracts that meet your requirements, with monthly or annual site visits, either in working hours or out of them to work around any site restrictions.