Drains are the unsung heroes of our homes, washing away the unpleasantries we don’t want to handle ourselves. This is why we tend to notice issues with them rather quickly.
Noticing the signs early helps prevent greater damage from occurring further down the line. Let’s look at five of the most common problems to look out for and how to resolve them.
1. Blockages
Easily the most common drain issue – and the one people most commonly try to resolve with DIY methods – is a blocked drain. These are often caused by build-ups of fat, grease, food, or even soap. Be aware of what you should and shouldn’t put down your drains to help avoid this issue.
2. Foul smells
This can be caused by blockages in drains, creating a localised odour – such as in your kitchen – but can also happen when water seeps into the ground around your home. This is often caused by leaks or cracks in the pipes, which can cause you even greater problems long-term.
3. Slow draining
Similar to regular blockages, slow draining usually indicates a partial blockage. This is most commonly caused by build-ups of hair or soap, especially in sinks and showers.
4. Tree root intrusions
Trees naturally seek out moisture, and there is nothing more appealing to them than the constant flow of water through your piping system. As a result, tree roots can often displace or breach pipes, causing all sorts of draining issues for your home.
For all of these issues, your best bet is getting a CCTV drain survey – a camera inserted into the pipes – to assess which method is best for resolving the issue. You can find services for a CCTV drain survey Leicester online, such as Wilkinson Environmental.
5. Overflowing toilets
Outside of overly ambitious flushes, toilets can overflow due to problems below the ground, such as blockages in the main sewer line. This is probably the last receptacle in the house you want overflowing, so finding this issue early is in your best interest.