This winter has brought four named storms, and while it’s not exactly been a record breaker, rainfall this season is 9% above average for the UK, so it’s been pretty wet. Some southern counties are on course for their second-wettest winter ever, while according to Met Office data until the end of February, the south has seen its seventh-wettest one since 1836, when records started.
Rainfall Impacting Drainage
One result of extensive rainfall to consider is its impact on commercial and domestic drainage systems. It can overwhelm them, with drains struggling to cope with sudden, large volumes of water that have nowhere to go if drains become clogged. This may result in water surface flooding, which can mean damp and structural damage.
Other potential problems can include:
- Drain blockages caused by debris, leading to overflowing water and a reduction in the system’s capacity. Water can flow over into gardens, driveways, or, in the worst-case scenarios, it can get into properties.
- Raw sewage may back up into loos, gulleys and sinks. Foul drains can also cause unpleasant smells or lead to hygiene issues.
- If soil becomes saturated, pipes may move, become misaligned, or break in the face of the increased pressure.
What can you do to Prevent Drain Problems in Heavy Rain?
There are quite a few things you can do through proactive maintenance to help keep some of the problems mentioned above at bay, including:
-
Frequent cleaning and upkeep
At least every six months (typically in autumn and spring), inspect and clean gutters and downpipes. This should keep out debris such as moss and leaves, preventing clogging and overflow. You should also keep external drain gullies clear, particularly from autumn leaves at the end of the year.
Flush out drains frequently using a hose or pressure washer to prevent build-up. If you have grease in your gullies, you can dissolve it with hot water.
The things NOT to do include pouring fat, grease, or oil down drains, using too many harsh chemical cleaning agents and doing anything that will block drain gullies, such as sweeping debris like soil, leaves, or garden waste into them.
Finally, drain guards or mesh covers can help by catching debris before it gets into the drainage system.
-
If you know severe weather is coming
Seen a weather forecast of a storm on its way? Check your drains to be sure that water is flowing freely. Clear any leaves from driveways and patios or around your property, so that they can’t enter the drainage system.
Additionally, during a period of sustained, extreme rain, it may be worth monitoring and reducing heavy water usage, for example from laundry and dishwashers, so that you don’t overload the combined sewer system.
-
Long-term modifications to your home in particularly vulnerable areas
You could consider adding water butts on downpipes to gather rainwater, meaning less liquid gets into the drainage system. Permeable rather than solid paving on driveways or patios lets water soak into the ground instead of flowing into drains. Gravel-filled trenches with perforated pipes also help by diverting water away from buildings.
And if you’re landscaping the ground around your property, ensure it slopes away from your home’s foundations to stop water from pooling. Additionally, if you’re in a high-risk area, you can add floodgates, rainwater soakaway systems or similar barriers.
Lastly, you may also want to dedicate a low-lying area of your garden to moisture-loving plants, which will soak up excess water.
-
The importance of regular professional inspection
A professional drainage specialist uses CCTV to inspect pipes for concealed issues, including root intrusion or cracks which become worse during extended rainfall.
-
Be aware of where responsibilities lie
In the UK, property owners are typically responsible for private drains, while water companies manage main sewers. If a public drain is blocked, inform your local council.
How Clear Drains 4 U can help
Here at family-run, Colchester-based Clear Drains 4 U, we’re your local drain specialists, with more than two decades’ experience of providing solutions to homes, businesses and others across Essex and Suffolk, including emergency work. So, talk to us whether you need a CCTV drain survey, cleaning and solutions to prevent blockages, or urgent services in the wake of flooding.
See the full list of services we offer and contact the team today on 01206 763353 or via our website.
