How to protect your drains in all weathers

Most of us don’t think too much about our drainage system until something goes wrong. During periods of extreme weather, drainage problems are usually much more common and by the time you realise there’s an issue, it could be too late. Therefore, it’s vital that you take the necessary steps to protect your drains and avoid frustrating (and expensive) damage at a later date.

To help you avoid common weather-related drainage problems we’ve got a few handy tips for you to take into consideration.

How does bad weather affect your drainage system?

• Heavy rainfall: Heavy rainfall can completely saturate the soil surrounding your pipes, putting them under extreme pressure. This can cause your pipes to shift, which can lead to damage such as cracks and punctures. During an especially heavy downpour, blocked drains are much more common as any loose debris such as leaves or twigs can be washed away down the drains.

• Hot weather: Extreme temperatures can cause your pipes to expand, subjecting them to additional pressure and making them more susceptible to leaks.

• Storms: Storms can cause excessive damage to both your property and the surrounding area, so you may find branches, leaves and other debris blocking your drains. This is a recipe for disaster and can be so costly when your system backs up or your drains overflow outside your property.

• Freezing temperatures: During the winter months, you’ll see the temperature dropping below zero on a more frequent basis, meaning your pipes and drainage systems are especially vulnerable. Without proper care, your pipes can freeze, which can lead to expensive damage later on.

How to protect your drainage system in winter

• Have your drains inspected: Winter is probably the time of year where your pipes are most susceptible to damage, so it’s vital to call in an expert like 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services. We can identify any problem areas and carry out immediate repairs to ensure everything is functioning as it should be.

• Dispose of oils and fats properly: While you shouldn’t be pouring oils and fats down the sink at any time of the year, this is especially important in the winter. The colder temperatures can increase the viscosity of these waste liquids, creating a thick, gluey mixture that clogs your pipes.

• • Insulate your pipes: Once your pipes are exposed to the cold they can freeze. Not only does this mean you lose flow but it also adds the risk of your pipes bursting if they thaw too quickly. To tackle this problem you should insulate your most at-risk pipes to keep them warm enough to function properly throughout winter. Use some foam around the pipes – this can be purchased at most DIY stores and is relatively simple to fit.

• Fix leaks: While you might have been able to ignore your dripping or leaking taps throughout the summer, you should not do this once it gets to winter. Not only is this a waste of water, but a leaking tap can cause your drains to freeze and overflow, creating costly damage.

• Turn off the water if you’re going away: If your property will be unoccupied for an extended period over the winter, it’s worth turning the water off to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. You can do this using the stopcock – just remember to drain the water in your system by running the taps and then turn them off again once you’re done.

How to protect your drainage system in summer

• Be vigilant: Summer often brings with it increased water usage as we all look for ways to stay cool. In turn, this increases the pressure on your drainage system, so you should be extra vigilant and keep an eye out for any issues, such as reduced water pressure, blocked drains and more.

• Insulate your pipes: You might think insulation is just for protecting your pipes in the winter, but it can be especially handy in the summer too, helping your pipes to withstand the effects of extreme temperatures.

• Have your drains inspected: A drain inspection is a preemptive action that can save you money in the long run by identifying potential problems before they have the chance to develop.

• Be mindful of water usage: You can ease some of the strain on your pipes by being more mindful of your water usage; for example, you could avoid running multiple appliances at once. 

What do if pipes have frozen

• Know the warning signs: It’s important you know what a frozen pipe looks and sounds like so that you can act immediately upon noticing the warning signs. Keep an eye out for unusual water pressure, gurgling sounds, misshapen pipes, your boiler not working and more.

• Turn the water off: To reduce the risk of a leak and prevent any further damage, turn your water supply off at the stopcock immediately.

• Gently thaw the pipes: Should you be unfortunate enough to encounter frozen pipes on your property it’s important you don’t panic. Pouring hot water down the drains is not the solution; this will just encourage them to thaw quickly, which will likely result in a burst pipe. To thaw your pipes you need to get a warm towel and carry out the process gently. This will clear away any frozen sections without a quick reaction inside the pipe, restoring your flow and avoiding damage.

• Call in an expert: If your pipes have frozen, this puts your drainage system at risk and means your property is much more susceptible to a leak. If you suspect this is the case, call in a drainage expert immediately. Here at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services, we offer an emergency service and can be with you in an instant if things go wrong.

Whatever the weather, the team here at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services offer a range of drainage services to ensure your drainage system is functioning as it should be. For more than 25 years, we’ve been serving customers across Central London, Harrow, Ealing and the surrounding areas – contact us to find out more.