When you have a blockage, don't panic! Here's what to do and how our team can help.
Blockages in your wastewater system, pipes, or drains can soon escalate from a minor headache to a full-blown pain in the neck! Especially when they result in flooding.
Whether you’re a homeowner or you’re in a commercial property, the last thing you want is sewage overspilling onto your property. That’s why as soon as you suspect a blockage problem, it’s best to seek professional advice immediately.
Blockages in all wastewater systems tend to be caused by poor upkeep of assets, or by allowing the wrong things to go down toilets, plugholes, or drains.
The list below highlights some of the more common causes of blockages we come across. You’ll see that many of them are preventable:
- 1) Foliage, including autumn/winter leaves that get washed, blown, or swept down drains
- 2) Unwieldy tree roots that grow inside or around your wastewater system
- 3) Poor maintenance of septic tanks. For example, if you forget to empty or repair them
- 4) Capacity. You may have a septic tank that’s not the right size for your property’s needs
- 5) Bad toilet habits. Like flushing wet wipes, nappies, sanitary products, cotton buds, cotton wool products, or condoms down your toilet
- 6) Kitchen crimes. For example, allowing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) – or food waste – to go down your plughole
How do you know if you have blocked pipes or drains?
No matter what system you use to discharge your wastewater, there are some universal things to look out for that might point to a blockage. For example:
- 1) The water in your sink, bath, or shower trays may not drain away as fast as it normally does
- 2) Your toilet might not be flushing properly
- 3) There’s a foul smell from your pipes, drains, or septic tanks
- 4) There are bubbling or dripping sounds coming from pipes and drains
- 5) There are pools of water on your ground
- 6) There’s evidence of a sewer flood
If you notice any of these problems, it's important to call a professional company to have your drains unblocked as soon as possible. After all, trying to unblock drains yourself can be difficult and dangerous.
Whose responsibility is it to unblock a blockage?
Whether you’re in a business or a domestic premises – if you’re served by a water company – there are boundaries you should be aware of.
This is because you’re responsible for the private drains within your own boundary. In other words, the pipework in your property. So, if you experience a blockage within your own boundary, you’re expected to sort it out yourself.
Your water company is responsible for the shared public sewer. In other words, the sewer pipes – you share with neighbouring properties – that take your waste away and pump it to a treatment plant.
If you’re not connected to the public sewer, and you have your own private wastewater system – like a cesspool, septic tank, or treatment plant – then the buck stops with you.
How we unblock your drains
In many cases, the blockages we are called to require our high-pressure jetting services. This is an effective way to clean and clear your wastewater assets quickly and efficiently.
As its name ‘high-pressure jetting’ suggests, the water is blasted out at a very high speed, which helps to break up whatever’s causing the blockage.
The role of CCTV in unblocking drains
A CCTV drain survey is an important tool for diagnosing blockages and problems in the pipework. A small camera is inserted into your drains to inspect them for any issues.
While the camera is being deployed, an operator can see in real-time what’s causing the blockage and whether there’s any asset damage.
Once the survey is complete, recommendations can be made to rectify the situation.
Who to call when you have a blockage
When drains become blocked, it’s important to choose a company that can confidently diagnose and solve your problem.
Speed is of the essence too. So, you need to be able to reach the professionals and they need to be able to respond with a sense of urgency.
With so many drain-unblocking companies to choose from, you might want to do your research. One way to determine whether a company is reputable is to ask to see testimonials or speak to their customers.
A professional drain cleaning company will have the equipment and expertise to unblock your drains quickly and effectively. In most cases, they’ll also be able to provide you with advice on how to avoid future blockages.
Why choose Willpower Environmental?
- 1) We do what we say we’ll do. Ask our customers and they’ll corroborate this!
- 2) We’re available 24/7 and it’s easy to get hold of us when you have an emergency
- 3) The commercial jets we use distribute 12 gallons of water at 3,000 PSI, so you can rest assured we have the best tools for the job
- 4) We’re well into our second decade of trading, so we know what we’re doing
- 5) Our prices are highly competitive, our high-pressure jetting services start from just £119
For a quick and efficient drain unblocking service, call 0330 333 8178.