Everything You Need to Know About Drains
A clear guide to how household drains work, common problems and when to call in a professional, for London and Essex properties. Call us on 020 3488 6280.
Drains are easy to ignore until something goes wrong. Understanding the basics of how your system works helps you spot problems early and know when to call in help.
How a household drainage system works
Waste water from sinks, baths, toilets and appliances flows through internal pipework into a network of drains beneath the property. These connect to a larger sewer, either shared with neighbouring properties or a private system, before reaching the main sewer network.
Gullies collect rainwater and outside waste water, while gradients built into the pipework rely on gravity to keep everything moving in the right direction.
Common causes of drain problems
Blockages are usually caused by a build up of fat, wipes, hair or food waste. Structural problems, such as cracked joints, collapsed sections or tree root ingress, tend to develop over years and are harder to spot without a proper inspection.
- Fat, oil and grease build up
- Wipes and sanitary items
- Root ingress from nearby trees
- Cracked or collapsed pipework
- Scale build up in older pipes
Diagnosing a problem properly
A CCTV drain survey is the most reliable way to see exactly what is happening inside a pipe without digging it up. This is particularly useful for recurring blockages, unexplained smells or as part of a property purchase survey.
Clearing and maintaining drains
Drain unblocking deals with immediate blockages, while high pressure jetting and drain descaling clear built up debris and scale along the full length of a pipe rather than just the accessible section. For larger jobs, tanker services and pump services handle waste removal and flooding.
Ask the experts
Rapid Drainage Services covers London and Essex with the full range of drainage work, including 24 hour emergency call outs. Call 020 3488 6280 or email info@rdrainage.co.uk with any questions about your drains.