Consider these six drain repair FAQs to help keep your drains working smoothly.
When is a repair needed?
If your drain runs slowly, the toilet bubbles, there are unpleasant smells around the drains or sinks, or you see water pooling, you may need your drains repaired.
What causes blockages?
Common causes of blockages include grease and food waste, tree roots damaging pipes, deterioration of old pipes, and heavy rainfall overwhelming outdoor drains. Some issues can be identified before they cause major, more expensive problems with a CCTV drain survey. Use a relevant internet search to find someone who carries these out in your area. For example, CCTV drain survey Loughborough will give results like www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/loughborough/.
Do I need a professional repair?
You may be able to sort minor blockages yourself, using hot water or shop-bought drain cleaners. However, if the problem persists or you see signs that it is severe, such as multiple drains blocked or water backing up in sinks and toilets, then do not delay in calling a professional.
What happens if I do nothing?
Ignoring drain problems can be disastrous. A minor problem can cascade into bigger drain problems, damp and mould in the home, and flooding, causing costly damage to floors and walls.
How long does the repair take?
How long repairs take depends on the scale of the problem. A minor blockage might be cleared in less than an hour. Replacing pipes can take several days.
What is a drainage upgrade?
An upgrade will modernise your system, replacing old pipes for a long-term solution.