How to Unblock a Drain: Get Your House Ready for Summer

Here come the blue skies, so dust off the barbeque, grab some drinks and invite your loved ones over to celebrate in style.

Wait! One thing you probably have not considered occurring this summer is a drainage issue – but sadly, summer can be the most problematic time of year when it comes to the functionality of your pipes.

As trees and bushes grow during the warmer months, falling leaves and tree roots can quickly lead to blockages in your drains, resulting in foul odours and all sorts of other problems that can ruin your plans.

Whether you were looking forward to having friends over, or you are going out for some time away with the family, if your drains are blocked, you will need to deal with them as quickly as possible – regardless of your plans!

At Drain Doctor, we specialise in plumbing and drainage solutions, and know just how difficult it can be to cope with blocked drains during the summer months – so we have compiled a small list of things to consider to combat any potential issues.

Common Summer Drainage Issues

Slow-clearing drains are particularly common during the summer months, as tree roots can quickly grow within your outside pipes, preventing water from escaping as it should do. These roots can provide a trap for leaves and other debris that flows through your pipes and, therefore, increase the blockage's size until no water can escape at all. While blocked pipes are a headache at the best of times, they can be especially unpleasant during summer, as nasty smells are exacerbated by the heat.

While tree roots can limit the functionality of your outside pipes, even your inside pipes can be affected if they are not maintained correctly. Trips to the beach inevitably lead to sand and small pebbles finding their way back home with you, and if they are washed off into the shower they can be caught up in hair and other build-ups in your plug hole, blocking water from escaping.

While slow-clearing drains and horrible smells might seem minor inconveniences, the effects of blocked drains can soon escalate if not dealt with swiftly. Any slow-clearing drains should be investigated as the longer it is left, the more work that is likely to be needed to fix it – which means more money out of your pocket!

Preparation Tips

Turn the main water supply off:

If you’re going on a long-awaited holiday, you know to turn the lights off and make sure the door is locked before you go, but it’s just as important to remember to turn the main water supply off. This can be done very quickly and safeguards you and your home from the risk of flooding while you’re away – saving you the expense and inconvenience of major repair work being required.

Regularly check your drains:

Don’t wait until you’re experiencing problems to keep an eye on your drains – if you check your drains regularly, you can act quickly to prevent issues from deteriorating. Your bath and shower sinks need particular attention, as hair, shampoo, and shower gel can quickly congeal into blockages that need to be removed. Pre-emptively clearing your pipes regularly is a good way of avoiding problems further down the line.

Consider regular drain maintenance:

If you’re unsure of how to look after your drains, you may wish to invest in regular maintenance. A small initial outlay can save you money in the long run, as trusted drain cleaning companies like Drain Doctor will identify any blockages or damage in your pipes quickly and efficiently, avoiding the prospect of expensive repairs later.

Drain Doctor’s dedicated team use sophisticated drain clearance technology to clear your drains of blockages, tree roots, and encrustations and offer CCTV drain surveys that allow us to see inside your drains without the need for inconvenient and costly digging work. Our services offer a reliable and affordable way to keep your drains in full working order, so you can concentrate on sprucing up your garden or topping up your tan.

Whether you require routine sewer maintenance work or an emergency plumber, you’ve come to the right place – Drain Doctor’s qualified technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact our team today to find out how we can help.