Having Drainage Problems? Here's What to Do Next

Finding a reliable drainage company in London can be difficult, especially when you’re pushed for time. But don’t panic, here at Environ Drainage, we pride ourselves on our team’s ability to act swiftly and resolve drainage problems before they’ve had a chance to cause too much damage.

That being said, before contacting a London drainage company, there are a few steps you can take to assess the situation yourself, mitigating the risk of damage to your property and possessions.

Locate Regular Incidents

Once is bad luck. Twice is a coincidence. Three times is a pattern. At least, that’s how the rule usually goes.

When it comes to drainage incidents, even two similar occurrences close together should give you cause for concern. Even minor drainage issues have their cause and while that can be a one-off event - such as a freak weather incident - it’s important to make sure you know why something went wrong and take steps to prevent it happening again.

Take Care of Your Pipes

Speaking of prevention, there’s a lot you can do to keep your pipes in good condition. While it might sound obvious to some, basic rules like not pouring fat down the sink and not flushing wet wipes down the toilet are nonetheless very important to follow. If there are other people living in the house, it’s worth making sure that everybody knows these rules and is diligently following them.

You should also be diligent about property maintenance - particularly when it comes to cleaning out your gutters. Clogged-up gutters are a common problem in the Autumn and while it might seem like a chore, taking the time to clear them out once a year could save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

Keep a Plunger on Hand

Sometimes prevention simply isn’t enough, which is why it’s good to have a quick-fix method on hand. Some appliances - sinks and toilets in particular - can be prone to blockages for various reasons. Long term, your best option is to find out why and replace the appliance but if you’re not looking to spend that kind of money any time soon then it’s best to keep a plunger on hand for emergencies.

Of course, while all those steps are important, the best thing you can do in any emergency is contact a London drainage company as soon as possible. At Environ Drainage we’ll be with you as soon as we can and we won’t rest until your drains are back to normal. Get in touch by calling 020 3875 8207 or emailing us at drainage@environpropertyservices.co.uk.

A drainage issue isn’t something you can necessarily handle yourself. To avoid future problems, a contractor must address the underlying condition. This isn’t always easy, but the right drain experts will work with you to fix any issues as effectively and efficiently as possible. When choosing a drainage firm in London, here’s what to look for:

• A good contractor will have good references. You want a company with expertise that knows what it’s doing. Positive references are a good indication that your contractor will resolve the problem in the most suitable way, is courteous and easy to deal with, and follows through on their promises.
• Your contractor should offer a significant guarantee. This is a sign that they’re confident in the quality of their work, so watch out for any contractor who won’t.
• For drainage contractors, price isn’t always the best indicator of quality. Rely more on references, guarantees, and their expertise in the field. The cheapest quote could lead to an ineffective solution.
• As a customer, you should be completely at ease with your contractor. Your contractor should explain the problem with your drains clearly and suggest practical solutions. If you’re uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to change firms altogether.
• A scale drawing should be available. A good sewerage company in London must have general knowledge of construction and the relevant building regulations. The contractor should give you a clear, scale drawing of the project and sit down with you and explain everything in detail. It’s a good opportunity to air any worries you may have.

While there are some home remedies you can try to resolve problems with blockages, you will often end up searching Google for a ‘drainage company near me’ for professional help. Listed below are a few of the most common causes of clogged drains and the prescribed fixes for each of them:

• Hair: Plunging the drain is sometimes successful. You may be tempted to try a commercially available drain cleaner, but this can damage pipes if used frequently. Try and use a baking soda and vinegar solution on a regular basis to keep pipes clear, but if obstructions build-up, you may need a drainage contractor.
• Soap: The ideal method to remove soap accumulated in pipes is pressure cleaning by experts.
• Dirt: Using drain rods may work, but if you’re inexperienced, you could damage your pipework. Call in the professionals.
• Oil, Grease, and Fat: Try mixing some detergent with hot water in the sink bowl, and flush it away with hot water. This usually dissolves any hardened fat. Plunge the sink, but if the problem doesn’t resolve, contact an expert.
• Food Waste: Avoid flushing food waste down your drain. Clear dishes into the bin before washing them. Food waste may still accumulate over time, so if water runs sluggishly away when you remove the sink plug, you may need expert help to flush through your system with high-powered water.