Persistent drainage problems can drive you up the wall. Take the case of a blocked kitchen sink – it does not take long for the dirty dishes to pile up, and soon you are facing a crisis. Or the water stains in your cellar that refuse to go away no matter how much you clean and scrub.
Fortunately, help is at hand. Flo-Well Drainage and Plumbing is experienced in dealing with all manner of drainage issues. So, when you scour the web for a drain specialist London, you can count on the firm’s specialists to sort you out.
All the same, plumbing issues could be a sign of a more significant issue – a poor drainage system. And while DIY solutions may resolve an immediate problem, they may not adequately address the underlying cause. Let’s look at potential issues and approaches a plumber can take to resolve them:
- Grading
Sometimes, the slope of a drainage system is inadequate. This could be due to age or design. As we know, water follows the path of least resistance – a misaligned gradient could affect the flow. If rainwater pools around your home or doesn’t flow away, chances are your property’s topography is off. A specialist can help you figure out the right approach to solve this issue – this may mean resetting or replacing the drain lines.
Alternatively, you can reshape your landscape. And although it’s time-consuming, it could be more helpful than you think. A gentle incline away from your home should help. Remember to check with your local council and get the right permits.
Grading issues can also result in indoor flooding. If this is a concern, your plumber can install an underground drain. In so doing, you can fix the immediate drainage issue and improve the structural integrity of your property.
- Inspection
A professional plumbing specialist can use modern methods to examine your drain problems. Camera inspections – for instance – provide a quick and non-invasive solution to identify the source of the problem. Then, the plumber can recommend the right course of action.
For instance, tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture and can find their way into your drains. Some may not cause a blockage but could slow down the water flow.
Again, if your drainage system is aged or not set up correctly, it will be easier for the roots to penetrate. An inspection can reveal such an issue, in which case you may need to re-pitch your drains, uproot problematic trees, and replace damaged pipes.
- Pipe Cleaning
Obstructions in pipes can cause water pressure to build up, leading to overflows or blockages. If you notice that the water takes longer to drain or hear gurgling when you flush the toilets, it could point to an obstructed pipe.
Professional plumbers can clear clogs using approaches such as hydro-jetting or tools like augers. Hydro-jetting involves using high-pressure water to dislodge debris, while augers are designed to snag and remove the debris from your pipes. By removing the blockage, you can ensure your drainage system runs as it should.
Alternatively, your go-to plumbing professional can descale the pipes using chemicals or mechanical devices. This is an effective way to tackle the mineral deposits that accumulate in pipes over time.
- Excavation
If your pipes are blocked or damaged beyond repair, excavation and replacement would suffice. For instance, if your property has an old clay pipe system, you may need to upgrade to a plastic or metal one as it’s less prone to damage and blockages.
While excavation is laborious, it’s sometimes the only way to ensure your drainage system works properly. Your plumbing specialist can determine the right course of action and provide you with an estimate.
- Gutter Installation
Gutters play a crucial role in your drainage system. They help channel rainwater away from your home, preventing water from pooling around the foundation and cellar. An experienced plumbing specialist can inspect your current gutter setup and make necessary replacements or repairs.
For instance, if the gutters tend to overflow, the expert may recommend the installation of a French drain – a perforated pipe buried in gravel to collect and divert water away from an area. It is usually installed where water tends to collect and cause problems, such as near a building’s foundation or in a low-lying area. The gravel helps filter and redirect water away from the desired area. Typically, French drains work in conjunction with gutters and downspouts.
A professional plumbing specialist can identify the underlying cause of poor drainage in or around your property and provide an effective solution. That way, they can help safeguard your valuable investment. Hopefully, the approaches we’ve discussed can resolve the niggling problem of poor drainage once and for all.
