How to Maintain Drainage Systems

Why regular maintenance matters

Drains are largely out of sight, which means problems can develop unnoticed until they cause a blockage, a smell or, in the worst cases, flooding. A simple maintenance routine catches these issues early, before they turn into an emergency call out.

This applies to homeowners, landlords managing multiple properties and commercial property managers responsible for busy sites with heavy drain usage.

Everyday habits that protect your drains

Most drainage problems come down to what goes into the system in the first place, so good daily habits make a real difference over time.

• Dispose of fats, oils and grease in the bin rather than the sink
• Only flush pee, poo and paper down the toilet
• Fit strainers over plugholes to catch hair and food scraps
• Keep outside gullies clear of leaves and debris
• Avoid planting trees with aggressive root systems too close to drainage runs

Scheduled professional checks

For homes and businesses with a history of drainage problems, or those on older pipework, a periodic CCTV drain survey provides an up to date picture of the system's condition without any need for digging. This is particularly valuable before buying a property or taking on a new commercial lease.

Regular high pressure jetting keeps pipework clear of the gradual build up that leads to blockages, and is often used as a preventative measure rather than waiting for a problem to appear.

Dealing with scale and grease build up

Older pipework in particular can suffer from limescale and hardened grease deposits that narrow the pipe over time. Drain descaling removes these deposits and restores the drain closer to its original capacity, reducing the likelihood of a blockage forming.

Managing larger drainage assets

Commercial sites with septic tanks, interceptors or grease traps need a clear schedule for emptying, usually managed through tanker services, to avoid a sudden failure that disrupts the business. Keeping records of previous visits helps to plan future maintenance and spot any changes in how quickly a tank fills.

Plan ahead with us

We can put together a maintenance schedule covering CCTV drain surveys, jetting, descaling and tanker services for properties across London and Essex, alongside 24 hour emergency call outs for anything unexpected. Call 020 3488 6280 or email info@rdrainage.co.uk.