The phrase ‘out of sight, out of mind’ is incredibly apt when it comes to our drainage systems. Only when we get a whiff of something foul or notice leakage do we really pay attention to them, but this is precisely the problem: we don’t take any notice until it is too late. Regular maintenance can prevent small, preventable issues from spiralling into costly collapses of your drains.
Steps to take
There are plenty of steps you can take before contacting professionals for inspections. Think of the most common drain issues – blockages, cracks, and slow drainage – and how you can prevent them from occurring . For blockages, try to keep larger substances from being washed away. You should also pay attention to subtler, more insidious blockage causes.
Fatbergs are accumulations of fat that can cause huge blockages, not only in your drains but also in sewer systems. Each time you pour hot grease down the drain, it will eventually cool and solidify. To avoid this, let it cool and solidify in the pan, then wipe it up and dispose of it in the bin.
Professional preventative measures
Although you can control what goes down your drain, you can’t control what goes on underground; for example, tree roots can displace pipes, animals such as rats can breach them, and erosion can gradually break pipes down.
In these instances, you can’t see into the pipes with your eyes; instead, CCTV drain surveys use a mini camera to assess these issues and enable potentially huge issues to be avoided. Experts such as www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/nottingham/ can complete a CCTV drain survey Nottingham.
Protecting your property
If an issue with your drains has already happened, it is important to monitor for other property damage that may arise; for example, leaks can affect your home’s foundations, garden, or even rooms inside.
Insurance companies often require proof of regular maintenance of your drainage systems before paying out. If you are not staying on top of your drainage system, not only is your property at risk but also it may not be covered by your insurance.