The first step to take to stop your outside drain from overflowing is to check for blockages. Common blockages include Fat, Mud, and Root ingress. If you think your blockage is due to these causes, you can clear it with a pressure hose. In some cases, you may need to call your local water partner.
Root ingress
Tree roots can cause a blockage in an outside drain. In many cases, you can repair this problem by cutting away the roots. However, this method can be costly. Fortunately, there are methods that can be much cheaper, and will not require any digging up. This method also works well for pipes that have partially collapsed or been cracked by root ingress.
If you are concerned that your outside drain is blocked, contact your water sewerage company or local authority. You’ll need to determine the exact location of the blockage in order to determine the best course of action. If it’s a DIY problem, you can try clearing it yourself with a pressure hose. If you are unable to clear the drain yourself, you can call a drainage company or your insurance provider.
Root ingress can also lead to broken pipes and joints. Tree roots can penetrate through open joints or cracks in pipes, so it’s important to address this problem promptly. A company that can repair pipes and replace them can help prevent future problems. They also have equipment that can perform root cutting in the event of a root ingress problem.
If you notice that your outside drain is overflowing, root ingress is a likely cause. Tree roots can grow through the smallest cracks in a drainage system, and if they have enough space, they can cause a blockage. If you are unsure of how to remove tree roots, it’s best to consult a professional.
Mud blockage
If you are having problems with an outside drain, you may need to call the water sewerage company that handles your area. Some examples include Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water, and Severn Trent. Before you call the water company, it’s important to understand the types of blockages that can occur and what you should do to solve the problem.
One of the first steps to take is to remove any mud or silt that has accumulated in your outside drain. A pressure hose is useful for this task as it can blast away mud and silt. After a few minutes of this, your outside drain should be clear.
If you are not comfortable trying to fix the problem yourself, call a plumber to take a look. In most cases, you can access the outside drain by removing the drain cover. It may be necessary to use a screwdriver for this purpose. If you find that you can handle the job, move on to step two. If not, you can move onto step six.
Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with this type of blockage. For smaller blockages, you can remove mud by hand. However, larger blockages may require a jet blaster. Regardless, you should get professional help as these professionals usually have all the necessary tools, and they often offer packages that include all the equipment you need to get the job done.
Fat blockage
One of the most common causes of outside drain overflowing in the UK is a blockage in the drain caused by fat and grease. These substances build up in pipes and can make them hard and clog them. In some cases, this can lead to a fatberg which can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear. In one case, a fatberg formed in Whitechapel, London, weighing 130 tons and measuring 250 metres long. Although this is an extreme example, it does happen occasionally.
When flushing the toilet, it’s important to remember that flushable wipes don’t break down like toilet paper and can end up in the drain. Flushable wipes should be disposed of in a waste bin. Also, wipes containing fats should never be flushed down the toilet. These fats solidify when in contact with fibrous materials. Fat bergs have even been found in the sewers of London, and were reported to be the size of double-decker buses.
If you’re having trouble with your outside drain, you may want to check with your water sewerage company or your local authority for help. Depending on where the blockage is located, you may be able to do the repair yourself or call a plumber. HomeServe insurance can also help with blocked drains.
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