Category: Drain Unblocking

Can a Sluice System Really Stop Blocked Drain Flooding in London?

Posted on by Josh Paternoster

London homeowners face serious drainage challenges every year. Heavy rainfall often leads to flooded basements and backed-up drains. Many people wonder if a sluice system can actually prevent blocked drain flooding in London.

This question deserves a detailed answer. Through this, you will get a proper understanding of how these systems work. This will enable property owners to make informed decisions about protecting their homes.

blocked drain london flooding sluice

What are Sluice Systems?

A sluice gate acts as a controllable barrier in drainage systems. It slides up and down to manage water flow through pipes or channels. The mechanism is quite simple but effective.

Sluice gates install directly into drainage lines. When water levels rise dangerously, the gate can be closed to prevent backflow. Once the danger passes, the gate opens back up. Water then flows normally through your drains again.

People have used this design for hundreds of years to control water. Today’s versions use strong materials that handle dirty water and waste without breaking down.

The Connection of Sluice with Blocked Drain Flooding Problems

Blocked drain flooding happens for two main reasons. First, debris and waste create blockages inside the pipes. Second, external pressure forces water back into properties during heavy storms.

A sluice system addresses the second problem directly. When Thames Water’s main sewers reach capacity, pressure builds throughout the network. This pressure can push sewage and stormwater back through household drains.

The gate creates a physical barrier against this backflow. It stops external water from entering your property even when the main system gets overwhelmed. This protection proves valuable during London’s increasingly frequent heavy rainfall events.

Effectiveness of Sluice Systems

Evidence from commercial properties shows promising results. Buildings that have installed sluice gates report fewer drain flooding incidents during storms. The system provides reliable protection when properly installed and maintained.

London receives significant rainfall each year. The city’s ageing drainage infrastructure struggles to cope with modern demands. Properties near the Thames or in low-lying areas face the highest risk of backflow flooding.

A sluice gate offers a practical solution for these vulnerable locations. The system works passively without requiring electricity or complex controls. This simplicity means fewer things can go wrong during emergencies.

blocked drain london flooding sluice

The Capabilities and Applications of Sluice Systems

Clarity is important here. A sluice gate will not clear existing blockages inside your drains. If grease, tree roots, or debris block your pipes, you still need professional drain cleaning services.

The system prevents external water from flowing backwards into your property. It does not remove obstructions or improve drainage flow from your sinks and toilets. These are two separate issues that require different solutions.

Making the Right Decision

Every property faces different flooding risks. Check where your home sits on the map. Look at past drainage or blocked drain flooding problems. Think about what type of building you own. Has your property flooded before? Even once means it could happen again.

A sluice system stops backflow drain flooding really well. The technology works without fancy parts or constant repairs. But remember, it doesn’t clean blocked drain flooding and pipes or remove existing waste buildup.

Professional drainage engineers know which solution works best. They visit your property and check the drainage setup. Then they explain what protection your home actually needs.

How to Identify When a Drainage Needs Repair vs. Replacement

Posted on by Josh Paternoster

Every homeowner faces the issue of drain blockage. But how do you know if a simple fix will work or if the whole drainage needs replacing?

This question matters because making the wrong choice costs money. If it is too damaged, a repair may only save you a few months. If the drain needs quick fixes, then replacing it may not be right for you.

Let’s break down the signs that help you make the right decision.

Signs Your Drainage Needs a Simple Repair

A single blockage usually means debris has built up in one spot. Tree roots often push through small cracks.

Look for these repair-worthy signs:

  • Water drains slowly from sinks or toilets
  • One fixture backs up while others work fine
  • You hear gurgling sounds from a specific drain
  • Bad smells come from one area only.

A drain survey using a CCTV camera shows exactly what’s happening underground. The engineer spots the problem location quickly. If damage appears in just one section, repair usually works well.

Warning Signs That Replacement is Needed

Some situations go beyond quick fixes, and old pipes eventually collapse. When drain damage spreads across multiple sections, repairs become like very expensive plasters on an open wound!

Watch out for these red flags:

Multiple recurring blockages suggest the pipe structure has failed. You cab call someone to clear it, but the problem usually returns within weeks. This pattern indicates deeper issues.

The age of the system plays a huge role. Over decades, clay pipes in older homes shift and crack. Cast iron corrodes from the inside out. If your property was built before 1970, the drainage system might be living on borrowed time.

Standing water in the garden can mean the underground pipe has collapsed or separated. Water cannot flow through anymore – it pools above ground instead.

Multiple fixtures backing up together show a main drain failure. When toilets, sinks, and baths all stop draining properly, the shared pipe underneath probably has some serious damage.

What a CCTV Survey Reveals About the Drainage System

Professional surveys remove the guesswork. A small camera travels through your drain system and records everything. The engineer watches live footage and creates a detailed report.

The survey shows pipe material condition, crack locations, root penetration depth, and collapse severity. This information guides the repair-or-replace decision. No digging required for diagnosis.

Making the Final Decision

Consider the pipe’s remaining lifespan. If there is a 15-year-old plastic pipe with minor damage, then you should go for repair. If you have a 100-year-old clay pipe with multiple cracks, then replacement makes more sense.

Think about future costs too. Repeated repairs add up quickly. If your drainage needs work every year, replacement becomes cheaper long-term.

The right choice depends on your specific situation. But armed with survey results and expert advice, homeowners can make informed decisions that save money and prevent future problems.

What Is Drain Jetting Service & When Should You Use It?

Posted on by Josh Paternoster

Blocked drains can turn your day upside down. Water is stuck and unable to go down. Bad smells fill your home. Sometimes basic drain cleaners just don’t work anymore.

This is where drain jetting Service comes to resolve all problems. It’s one of the most effective ways to clear stubborn blockages that other methods can’t handle. Here, we are going to understand what is drain jetting and how we can use it.

What Is Drain Jetting Service?

Drain jetting uses high-pressure water to blast through blockages in your pipes. Think of it like a power washer for your drains. The equipment shoots water at extremely high pressure through your drainage system.

A special hose goes into your drain. Water comes out at pressure levels up to 4000 PSI. This force can break apart almost any blockage in its path.

The process is also called high-pressure water jetting or hydro jetting. Professional drainage engineers use specialised equipment to do this safely.

How Does Drain Jetting Service Work?

The process starts with inserting a flexible hose into your blocked drain. This hose connects to a high-pressure water pump. Water shoots out through special nozzles at the end of the hose.

Different nozzles create different water patterns. Some spray forward to break blockages. Others spray backwards to pull debris toward the exit. The water pressure pushes everything through your pipes and into the main sewer.

The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. It depends on how bad the blockage is and how long your pipes are.

When to Use Drain Jetting

Recurring Blockages: Your drain keeps blocking up even after you’ve tried to clear it. This often means there’s a stubborn build-up deep in your pipes.

Grease and Fat Build-up: Kitchen drains often get clogged with cooking grease. This hardens inside pipes and creates tough blockages that regular drain cleaners can’t dissolve.

Commercial Properties: Restaurants and other businesses deal with heavy drainage use. Drain jetting helps maintain their systems properly.

Proven Advantages of Drain Jetting

Complete Cleaning: Unlike chemical drain cleaners, drain jetting cleans the entire pipe wall. It removes all build-up, not just the blockage.

Environmentally Safe: The process only uses water. No harmful chemicals go into your drainage system or the environment.

Works on All Pipe Types: Whether you have old clay pipes or modern plastic ones, drain jetting Service works safely on most drainage systems.

When Not to Use A Drain Jetting Service

Drain jetting isn’t suitable for every situation. Avoid it if your pipes are very old and fragile. The high pressure might damage weak or cracked pipes.

New installations with loose joints might also get damaged. Always have a professional drainage engineer to check your pipes first.

Less complicated techniques like drain snakes or plunging may be equally effective if the obstruction is only minor.

Final Thoughts

Drain jetting is a perfect solution for rigid and stubborn drainage problems. It offers long-lasting effects and complete cleaning.

You can consider drain jetting services when you face multiple blocked drains. Always use professional drain unblocking services like Quick Clear Drainage to ensure the job gets done safely and effectively. Contact us today!

Case Study: How We Helped A Busy London Restaurant Stop Reoccuring Blockages

Posted on by Josh Paternoster

Upper Street in Islington, North London is well known for the hustle & bustle of high street shops, bars, restaurants, and theatres. As well as carrying the A1, connecting London to the north of England. The road stretches for one mile between Highbury Corner and the junction with Liverpool Road at its southern end. Upper Street is also famous for the Granita Restaurant which is said to be the location in which Tony Blair and Gordon Brown made their deal on the future leadership of the Labor party.

Quick Clear Drainage received a call from a busy restaurant on Upper Street regarding lots of reoccurring drainage issues on their business premises. Including blocked drains. London restaurants often suffer from this in particular, as it can really have a negative effect on trading – so we were happy to help, and quick to respond!

How Quick Clear Drainage Responded

On our visit to the restaurant, we cleared the blockage which was the immediate issue so that the restaurant could get back to doing what it does best.

After clearing a blocked drain in London, we make it our priority to ensure that we have completed the job in hand to an excellent standard and that we can prevent any blockages in the future by inspecting the drain lines with our CCTV Drain Survey equipment.

What Happened Next?!

During our CCTV Inspection downstream of the drain line, we discovered that there was a buried manhole in the kitchen… Now, this might not always flag as an issue at first glance, but the restaurant had mentioned they were experiencing reoccurring blockages within their drains.

Our drainage engineers decided that the best course of action was to map the entire drain system using our drain tracing equipment, and dug down to expose the buried manhole.

We then carried out drain cleaning on the section and fed CCTV Drain Cameras downstream into the newly exposed drain line from the manhole. Following our camera inspection, we discovered a buried interceptor trap in the basement.

What Is An Interceptor Trap?

Interceptor traps were first introduced to properties in and around London in Victorian times. Drain interceptor traps were originally installed to stop the smells from sewers venting into properties. The design of the trap effectively prevented rodents and foul smells leaving the sewers and accessing properties. But they can often cause lots of drainage problems.

They are primarily made from vitreous clay, which means they suffer from root ingress and can be fractured with movement or settlement. A build-up of debris, grease, and fat within the trap itself will then cause severe blockages.

So, What Did Quick Clear Drainage Do?!

Our drainage engineer dug down the buried interceptor trap to expose it. He then proceeded to give this a full hydro scrub and clean. Once the trap was absolutely spick and spam, the drain lines were all inspected again using our CCTV Drain Camera equipment to ensure it was back to full bore and the drains were free-flowing.

To summarise, Quick Clear Drainage:

  1. Found and cleared the initial blockage in the restaurant’s drains.
  2. We then inspected the system to ensure peace of mind and traced the system using drain tracing equipment.
  3. We discovered a buried inspector trap which may have contributed to reoccurring blockages & foul smells.
  4. We cleared and fully cleaned the interceptor trap.

Our drainage engineer left details of the works carried out with the customer, and the restaurant went back to doing what they best without the disruption of drain blockages.

A successful visit, and a happy customer! All in a day’s work!

If you have a blocked drain, or any other drainage issue and would like some free advice, or you’d like to book in a visit from one of our engineers – call us on 0203 633 3897, or send us a message.

How Do You Know When Your Drains Are Blocked?!

Posted on by Josh Paternoster

Believe us, we’re the first to understand just how stressful drainage issues can be on your household or business. There’s no disruption and inconvenience quite like it once you’ve realised you have a blocked drain in London or any other area of the UK. So, what’s the solution? preventative measures and early detection. The sooner you detect a blockage issue, the less damage it is likely to cause to your day to day life.

Here’s 4 simple signs to look out for, when assessing whether your drains are clogged:

Unpleasant Smells

One of the most obvious, and unpleasant signs of a blockage in your drains is a foul smelling odour. One of the most common causes of drain blockages is food debris. This debris begins to slowly decompose, which, in turn, begins to produce a very bad smell! You may notice this more when your tap turns on, or you might catch the scent of sewage around your house or drain cover.

Water Draining Slowly

Again, a clear sign of drainage issues and blockages is water draining slower than usual in your toilet, sink, shower or bath. As well as a blocked drain, in some cases, water draining slowly can also be a sign of a  a collapsed pipe. Blockages are one thing, in the case of a collapsed pipe, you will need drain repairs done by a professional drainage company.

Blocked Drain Water Running Slowly London

Gurgling Sounds Coming From Drains

Any noises which sound different to normal, especially gurgling noises originating from drains, plug holes, toilet flushes and pipes are easy red flags to watch out for. When you run water, a gurgling sound is an indication that there is trapped air which is escaping. It’s common for dirt and grease to build up in your drains. This buildup can cause the water to drain slowly and as a result, the air bubbles can not go through the pipes and instead, travel through the nearest vent. That’s why you hear a gurgling noise. 

Raised Water Levels

If you’re in a situation where you notice a rise in the water level of your toilet when flushed, it’s a clear sign that you have a blocked toilet. For any temporary or partial waste blockages, it may be easy to unblock with a plunger. However, for longer-lasting issues or where the water is at the point of overflowing – It’s time to call an emergency toilet unblocking service.

What To Do About Your Blocked Drains?!

Prevention is the ultimate solution for looking after your drains. Ensuring that you’re not flushing items which can cause blockages, pouring fatty oils and large amounts of food debris down the sink and so on.

However, if you have noticed any of the above signs – it is best to call a professional drainage contractor, as soon as possible. For rapid response, efficient results, and to prevent the risk of any further costly damage to your property, give Quick Clear Drainage London a call.

Quick Clear Drainage provides drain unblock services in London, and the surrounding areas.

A Brief History of London’s Drain Systems

Posted on by Josh Paternoster

London’s drainage system as we see it today is incredibly different from what it once was. A key part of the water infrastructure that serves the vast majority of Greater London and is operated by Thames Water, the sewage system was once the cause of disease and destruction as human waste was unloaded directly into the river.

Before it was redesigned by respected architect Joseph Balzagette, in the early 19th Century it resulted in 1000s of people across the capital contracting diseases such as cholera as the River Thames acted as an open sewer. An event also known as the Great Stink, the hot weather exacerbated the smell of human waste throughout the city, making it an unbearable place to live – no matter what class you were of.

The contamination of the water alongside proposals made in the early 1700s were some of the reasons as to why the need for it to be redesigned became so prevalent. It was, however, delayed until the influential Metropolitan Board of Works was created in 1856 due to the costs associated with the construction. The costs and proposals to modernise the drainage system, weren’t, however, agreed by parliament until after the horrific Great Stink of 1858.

As gravity resulted in the sewage flowing towards the east, located such as Deptford, Abbey Mills and Chelsea required an additional installation. Pumping stations were created to help provide sufficient flow and to raise water levels.

The Impact of Joseph Bazalgette

As mentioned above, Joseph Bazalegette was an architect who helped to redesign the London drainage system. But he was also the chief engineer in the Metropolitan Board of Works in the mid to late 19th Century and had an incredibly significant impact on the design and effect of the drainage system. Directly improving its appearance, as well as resulting in an improvement in the health of London’s residents, his actions are an important part of London’s history.

Joseph Bazalgette was elected as chief engineer, supervising public works in an extraordinary way across the city. By 1866, London’s drainage system was transformed to include a series of connected sewer networks which was devised by Bazalgette himself. Diverting the water from the underground rivers and sewers to low-level sewers built behind the embankments, before the waste ended up in the Thames Estuary, it was an incredible and drastic change that was much overdue.

In 1870, the Victoria and Albert Embankments were opened. These were designed to replace the Thames shore which was once only tidal mud with the reclaimed and supportive ground. Protecting the low-level sewers, underground railway and service subway, it was a welcome addition that kickstarted an array of other embankments being built – such as the Chelsea Embankment which was completed four years later.

London’s Drain System Today

We no longer have to worry as much about drainage as we once did. The chance of an event such as the Great Stink is, most likely, a thing of the past which won’t happen again. Throughout the 20th Century, major improvements to the drainage system continued to occur which in turn reduced the pollution that began to occur in the North Sea and the Thames Estuary.

Proposals for projects such as the Thames Tideway Scheme is underway to increase the capacity of London’s sewage system. As the population grows, as does the need for improvements to the structure. And this development is just one of the steps needed to keep up with the demand for an efficient and fully-functional sewerage system in the capital.

Now something that we take for granted, it is fascinating to discover the history of the drainage system and how it has transformed over the years thanks to innovative minds such as Joseph Bazalgette.

Blocked Drains London 

Even though blocked drains might not seem as big of a worry in the present day, it is something that still occurs. At Quick Clear Drainage we work on fixing any blocked drain issues that occur throughout the city. Experts in drainage London, we have years of experience with London drains and understand the need to effectively fix the issue as quickly as possible.

As soon as you notice a drainage issue, whether it is within your business or home, get in contact with us and we will be on hand to help. If you have a blocked toilet or sink, we are your first port of call every time. Using our expertise and state-of-the-art technology, we offer a high-quality service that’s affordable and efficient. A trusted company that puts our customers first, we have an array of glowing reviews on Google.

Want to find out more about the drainage services we offer? Give us a call today on 0203 633 3897 or by email on [email protected].

Photo by Frank Albrecht on Unsplash.

5 Signs You May Have A Collapsed Drain

Posted on by Josh Paternoster

As a property owner, you want your drains to work all year without fail. The good news is that most do, taking waste and sewage from your home and depositing them at the treatment works. Unfortunately, however, drains don’t always work and, in some circumstances, can collapse, leading to drainage issues and backing up.

A collapsed drain is a potentially severe issue. Drains collapse either because of a lack of maintenance, or when the ground shifts. Both of these are liable to crack pipes and cause waste to flow into the surrounding ground. Collapsed drains not only create an inconvenience but are also a health hazard. Cracks make it easy for rodents and other sewer-dwelling creatures to enter your home. 

How can you tell if you have a collapsed drain? Let’s take a look. 

You Can Smell Sewage

Ordinarily, you should not be able to smell sewage. A combination of sealed piping and regular draining prevents smells from the sewage system from backing up into your home. Unfortunately, when you have a collapsed drain, there’s nothing to contain the sewage, and it begins to leach out into the surrounding ground. No matter where the breach is located, it’s a problem, but it’s particularly bad when the drain is leaking near your foundations or close to your home. 

If you smell sewage, then it’s unlikely the problem will go away. You need professionals to fix the issue as soon as possible. 

There Are Rodents And Other Unwanted Visitors In Your Property

Rodents love living in sewers because they are a great way to escape the threat of predation while also offering shelter against the elements. It’s not uncommon for sewer-dwelling creatures to raise entire litters of young in the sewers before venturing out into the wide-open world to find food. 

When you have a collapsed drain, however, it means that your defences against rodents are compromised. There’s nothing preventing rodents from climbing through cracks, out of drains, and up pipes into your home. If you suddenly find that you’re inundated with sewer-dwelling creatures, then it could be a collapsed drain. Rodent infestations require urgent attention.

Your Sinks, Baths And Toilets Drain Slowly

Often a collapsed drain leads to a blockage. The material around the pipe falls into the channel, preventing wastewater from flowing through and out into the rest of the sewage network. 

If you notice slow draining in all the sinks and toilets in your home, then you likely have a collapsed drain. Experiment with domestic drain unblocker products, but if the problem persists or you notice a smell, then you may require professional assistance. 

Professional blocked drains experts will first perform a CCTV survey using a camera on the end of a long pole to see whether there is damage or blockage in your drains. Professionals will then create a plan of action to repair the obstruction and order replacement parts. 

You Notice Persistent Damp Or Mold

Collapsed drains can prevent water from draining from your property. Instead of travelling through pipes and out into the sewage network, blocked drains, cause wastewater to back up and leach out into the surrounding ground. 

Sometimes, the collapsed area is near to your foundations. When sewage leaks out, it permeates the masonry and slowly works its way up until it becomes visible in the walls in your home. 

Damp is indicative of an issue, but it doesn’t create health problems by itself. Mould, however, does and can worsen asthma symptoms and lead to allergies. Where damp starts, mold usually follows, so if you have a collapsed drain, it’s in your best interest to deal with the issue sooner rather than later. 

Your Toilets And Sinks Keep Backing Up

When you flush a toilet or empty a sink, it releases a sudden rush of wastewater into the system. Under normal circumstances, your sewer pipes can handle all of this liquid passing through in one go. But when you have a collapsed drain, you may notice “backing up.” 

Toilets, for instance, may take a while to return to their normal water level after flushing, and sinks or baths may drain slowly. Check first that neither the pipes leading from the bath/sink or toilet are blocked and use regular domestic pipe unblocker. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, then, again, you may need the help of professionals. With a professional by your side, you can deal with the source of the problem and restore functional drainage in your home. 

Do you think that you may have a collapsed drain? Contact Quick Clear Drainage for CCTV Drain Surveys London to investigate whether you have collapsed drains in need of repair.

How To Prevent Blocked Drains

Posted on by Josh Paternoster

Is there anything more frustrating than having a blocked drain? You can’t use the toilet for fear that it is going to overflow. You may even find that you can’t use water in any parts of your home, depending on the nature of the blockage. It can be very annoying, to say the least. But what makes matters worse is learning that the blockage could have been avoided. This is the case more often than you would realise. Mostly, blockages tend to occur because we act in ways we shouldn’t in terms of what we put down our toilets or sinks. Therefore, with a few little changes, you can go a long way to ensuring that your drains do not end up blocked. With that being said, let’s take a look at some important tips to follow to prevent blocked drains…

Some tips for the kitchen

Let’s begin by taking a look at some of the different things you can do with regards to your use of your kitchen sink in order to stop a blocked drain from occurring. When it relates to the kitchen, blockages usually occur because food has gotten down the sink.

This can be especially damaging if it is cooking oil, grease, or fat. This is because these liquids will solidify when they cool down, and this causes a pretty big blockage, which can be hard to remove by yourself. This is why you need to make sure that you never pour grease, fat, or cooking oil down the sink.

You should also make sure that you scrape any leftovers from your plate into the bin before you wash it in the sink. Another useful tip is to use a strainer in your sink plughole, emptying the contents into the bin. This will act as a barrier, ensuring food does not make it passed the plughole and into your drains. It’s always best to clean your sink properly to be absolutely sure you can prevent blocked drains.

Blockages in your own drains, as a result of clogging your pipes with fatty oils, grease, and leftover food, can cause a world of grief for your home. But there are also some more severe consequences. In the UK, “Fatbergs” have been an issue within London sewer systems since 2010, due to the rise in usage of “disposable” wet wipes.


BBC Earth Lab “Disgusting ‘Fatberg’ Found In London Sewer”

Fatbergs occur due to a combination of oils, fat and wet wipes, all combining into one large solid piece of matter. With that in mind, blockage prevention can be heavily influenced by what we flush down our toilets.

Some tips for the bathroom

Of course, aside from the kitchen, most of the mistakes happen in the bathroom when it comes to blocked drains. Did you know that one of the biggest causes of blocked drains in London and the UK, in general, is people trying to flush nappies down the toilet? You may think that this is something you can do because of the materials that modern nappies are made from. However, they have not been designed to be flushed down the toilet. This is one of the quickest ways to end up with a blockage because the nappy will end up stuck in the pipe, as it does not degrade in water.

Another big drain blocker is hair! If you have long or thick hair, this point is for you! It can be very difficult to avoid hair getting into the sink and shower plugholes. After all, you can’t help if strands of hair come out while you are washing! However, a good method for dealing with this is to get a trap or guard so that you can catch the hair before it is washed down the pipes.

Aside from nappies and hair, common blockages occur because of wipes and feminine products. With wipes, you need to throw them in the bin. They are not designed for toilets. Moreover, feminine products can range from cotton buds to sanitary pads, and these have not been designed to be flushed down the toilet either.

Whether it is food or a bathroom product, don’t have the attitude that now and again won’t make a difference. Little build-ups can easily result in big blockages.

Call Quick Clear Drainage London For Blocked Drains Emergencies!

If you do find that your drains are blocked, it is important to deal with the problem as soon as possible so that you can enjoy your home and the bill does not get bigger and bigger. After all, if you leave the blockage it may get worse, and this could mean that you have a more expensive plumbing service on your hands. Plus, who can really afford to leave a blockage as it is in any case? We all need water and to use the toilet! So, if you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. Quick Clear Drainage London is here to provide an emergency blocked drain unblocking service. It does not matter what time it is or what day of the week it is, we have got you covered. Simply give us a call on 0203 633 3897 to book an emergency appointment if you have a blocked drain London.

Blocked Drain Responsibility Explained

Posted on by Josh Paternoster

Our homes are connected to systems of drains and sewers, which function to carry away wastewater. If these pipes become blocked, we need to take steps to fix the issue and prevent ongoing problems. On encountering a blockage, what do you need to do and who is responsible for blocked drains? 

Drains on your property 

Drains within the boundary of your property are considered private drains. If a drain on your property becomes blocked, then it’s your responsibility to unblock it. You can attempt to unblock the drain yourself, or you can call a professional drainage company to do this for you. Taking out insurance is also an option to pay for fixing a private drain. 

Lateral drains and sewers  

Lateral drains are located outside your property, generally underneath the road or pavement. Lateral drains are the pipes which function to carry wastewater away from your home and into a sewer. These are connected to your private drains, yet they are not considered your responsibility. Lateral drains are publicly owned. 

 Sewers function to collect the waste and water from the drains of several different properties. Most sewers are publicly owned; however, there are still some privately owned sewers. If you have a private sewer, you could be liable to fix it, and you will need to contact your local sewerage company to find out. 

When a drain or sewer is outside the boundaries of your property, it is the responsibility of the water company to fix the problem, at no cost to you. If you believe that a blockage has occurred in a lateral drain or sewer, you should call your water company. 

Shared drains

 If you have a drain that is shared with a neighbour, your local water company will be responsible for this drain. You will only be accountable for a private drain on your property that is not shared. For those who live in a block of flats, it is the management company who are liable for any repairs within the property boundary. The water company are again responsible for fixing the lateral drains that service the flats. 

Tenant or Landlord

Generally speaking, if you rent your property, then the landlord will be responsible for all of the maintenance and repairs, including the drains. Minor blockages in sinks or toilets can usually be fixed by the tenants themselves. With the use of plungers or drain cleaners, it should be straightforward to deal with these small incidents of blockage. 

Maintaining your drain

You must adequately maintain any drains that you own; blockages, cracks, or misconnected pipes can damage your drain and the surrounding areas of your home. Dirty water can end up in our rivers if any pipes are incorrectly attached or faulty. The environmental health department can instruct you to carry out maintenance on private drains should they see a problem, but you should try to keep on top of these issues yourself. 

When you are maintaining a private drain, you should look out for signs of minor issues. It’s preferable to spot any problems early before they get worse. You may notice, for instance, deterioration such as leaks, cracks, or eroding pipes. If you have a blockage, you may notice foul smells or that wastewater drains away slowly. 

Private sewers

 If your sewer is private and you own the property, then it is your responsibility to repair any blockages and to make the associated payments. If the private sewer is serving several properties, then all owners will be obligated to pay for the repairs. If you are unsure whether your sewer is public or private, you can check with your local sewerage company to get this information. 

Connect to a public sewer

According to the Water Industry Act 1991, the owner of a private sewer is entitled to have their sewer or drains connected to a public sewer. The owner or occupier of a premises in general, can also apply to connect to a public sewer. If you wish to apply, you can do this via an application form with your local water supplier. Here is the application form for the supplier Thames Water. 

Requesting a company to adopt your sewer

In 2010, the government stated that the majority of private sewers and lateral drains would soon have full ownership by sewerage companies. According to Thames Water, up to 10 million homeowners were previously responsible for private sewers, yet many did not realise this until there was an issue which they had to fix. As a repercussion of this, many private sewers were left in bad condition. These reasons informed the decision to transfer the ownership of private sewers; from individuals to sewerage companies. 

Any lateral drains or private sewers that were connected to a public sewer before 1st July 2011, were transferred in ownership on 1st October 2011. If you still own a lateral drain or sewer, that remained unaffected by this legislation, you can request that your local sewerage company adopt it from you. 

Off-mains drainage

When your property is in a rural location, you will likely have off- mains drainage. This type of drainage is a self-contained system connected to your property, or perhaps shared with your neighbours. There are three types of off-mains drainage; one is a cesspit, which is a holding tank that must be emptied approximately every eight weeks. Another is a septic tank; solid waste is kept in a tank and the liquid waste goes to a drainage field. Thirdly, sewage treatment plans involve compressed air that’s blown into a tank to break down waste. If you have a problem with any of these drainage systems you are responsible for the payments and repairs. 

Further information on blocked drain responsibility 

For further information on water and drainage services, you can look to Ofwat’s website. Ofwat is a water services regulation authority, responsible for the sewerage industry and the water sector. You can also take a look at the Water Industry Act if you would like to read more about water legislation, including the provision of sewerage services. 

The Real Consequences of a Drain Blockage for Homeowners

Posted on by Josh Paternoster

If the term “drain blockage” doesn’t give you pause when it comes to a problem in your home – well, you could have an actual problem on your hands!

Drain blockages for homeowners are things that shouldn’t be taken lightly. When a drain blockage is ignored, it could lead to several negative (and potentially dangerous) consequences. Not only will ignoring the blockage lead to bigger problems for your home, but it will also end up costing more to get things back to normal. 

Still not convinced?

Let’s take a look at some of the potential consequences of a drain blockage, why it’s important to pay attention, and what you can do if you know your drain is blocked. 

What Are the Signs of a Drain Blockage?

Before we get into those consequences, it’s important to know if you have a potential drain blockage in your main sewer line. Thankfully, there are a few key signs you can look for, including: 

  • Problems with the plumbing in your home (frequent clogs)
  • Slow draining in your sinks and tub
  • Gurgling sounds from the interior drains and toilet
  • Toilet clogs
  • Overflow in the sewer cleanout (home exterior)

If you notice even one of these signs, it could be a sign of a blocked drain, and it should be looked into right away. A drain blockage is nothing to ignore for any length of time, as it will only continue to get worse unless the blockage is cleared. 

Knowing the signs is only half the battle when it comes to the urgency of repair. Knowing the potential consequences can move you to get the problem fixed faster, too. So, what are they?

Unpleasant Odors

One of the first things you’re likely to notice when you have a drain blockage is an unpleasant smell. This should come as no surprise since most drain blockages are caused by waste accumulating in the pipes. 

A blockage also causes water to get “stuck” in the pipes, and that water can become stagnant. That also contributes to the foul smell and may end up impacting your entire home. 

The unpleasant smells will continue to get worse since clogs will cause your pipes to dry out. The smell will not be “soaked up” by the pipes, which can cause it to become worse and spread faster throughout your homes. It can become so bad that it might even cause you to develop a headache or become nauseous. 

Health Risks

Speaking of unpleasant physical ailments, a little nausea isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to a drain blockage. When water and waste aren’t moving through the pipes, it gives bacteria a chance to form. 

When that bacteria filters into the air in your home, it can lead to adverse health problems. When the water and waste from the pipes actually flow back into the drains and comes up in the sinks, you’re at an even greater risk of bacterial exposure. 

This bacteria can cause everything from viruses and diseases to skin irritation and respiratory issues. They can be especially harmful to anyone in your household who already struggles with things like asthma or allergies. 

Clogged drains are simply unhygienic, and you never know what the bacteria lingering on that waste can do. 

Insects, Pests, and Mold

Have you ever seen a stagnant pond somewhere? Chances are, you also saw a variety of different critters surrounding it. Stagnant water and waste is an ideal environment for some critters you don’t want in your home, including mosquitos, gnats, and other insects. 

Additionally, another “intruder” that can occur from a drain blockage is mould. Mould growth on your pipes or in the drain itself can be harmful to your health and cause a variety of different conditions. You don’t want unwanted guests of any kind due to a drain blockage, whether it’s an animal or a plant!

Water Contamination

Every household deserves clean, fresh drinking water. Unfortunately, letting a blocked drain in London go for too long can contaminate your water supply. If a pipe becomes block due to waste, water won’t be able to flow freely through it. As a result, it will flow backwards.

That water then becomes “dirty” and can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses. That’s the water your family drinks, bathes with, brushes their teeth with, etc. Every time it touches your skin or you ingest it, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk. If your drinking water starts to look cloudy or has a bad smell to it, it’s important to stop drinking it immediately!

Thankfully, there are plenty of other signs you’re likely to notice before the water gets to this point. But, it just goes to show you the importance of taking care of a drain blockage quickly. 

Damage to Your Home

Finally, a drain blockage can cause structural damage to your home if it goes on for too long. When stagnant water starts to flow back into the drains, the moisture can cause problems with the foundation of your house, causing it to essentially “rot” away. Water causes everything to weaken, and could potentially cause parts of the house to cave in. 

If the blocked drain becomes a major problem, it could even cause flooding within your home, leading to water damage that needs to get cleaned up by a professional. Of course, if the structure of your home starts to weaken or collapse, you’re going to face major repairs (and costs), too. 

As you can see, there are too many consequences of a drain blockage to ignore. If you’ve noticed any of the signs of a blocked drain in your London home, don’t wait to contact Quick Clear Drainage. As skilled drain engineers, we can take care of your blockage quickly, safely, and effectively, so you can feel comfortable in your own home without having to worry about the potential dangers that could impact the integrity of your house or the health of your family.