Blocked drains can be an unsightly and smelly problem at any time of year. It can be tempting to try to fix the problem yourself, but it’s best left to the experts. Here Gilson Environmental Services, who specialise in drain repair services in Ipswich, Suffolk and the rest of East Anglia, explain why.
The Difficulties Locating the Problem
It isn’t always easy to know where the issue is. If it’s an inside drain, such as under the kitchen sink, then there is no problem, but not everything is that simple.
It could be on your property, your neighbour’s property, or outside on the street. It is best to contact your water supply company if you aren’t sure. At Gilson, we may be able to help as we have plenty of experience in dealing with water and sewage authorities across East Anglia.
There’s also the problem of knowing how far down the drain or pipe the problem is. However deep it is, we should be able to remove the blockage.
Knowledge of the Tools…
You may be able to cure the problem by using your hands (always wear protective rubber gloves) to clear away any surface debris, such as leaves, as pictured above, or with a plunger. However if the blockage is a little deeper, some issues may be more problematic or difficult to solve.
Rodding, which we at Gilson can provide, involves inserting steel rods into the blocked drain. This technique is often enough to ensure that the water or sewage can flow freely. However, this method is best left to the experts as it is not just a question of how to use the equipment, but how deep to go.
Other methods include using drain ‘snakes’ or ‘eels’ (a coiled metal wire which can be rotated) or high-pressure water jets, but again these are best left to the professionals as you can damage the drain or pipe if you set the pressure too high.
…And of the Chemicals
There are other methods too which can cause problems in inexperienced hands. For instance, if you use caustic chemicals to clear a blockage then these can be not just unsafe to handle and store, but could also damage the drainage pipes – and not remove the blockage either.
Pouring boiling water down the drain isn’t always a solution either. Apart from the risk of scalding, it can also cause fat, soap and other debris to settle further along the pipe, which can be even more difficult to dislodge.
We’ll Get to the Root of the Problem
As well as unblocking the drains, we’ll also be able to trace the root cause. This means we won’t be back again in a few weeks or months’ time, adding to the expense and inconvenience if you have done it yourself.
The problem may be one of consumption. This is particularly true if you have a sewage treatment plant or septic tank, as putting too much strain on your system can cause it to fail. In such cases, we may be able to recommend a different, larger system. It may also be because you have been putting too much grease and other chemicals down your sinks and basins which prevent it from working effectively.
Sometimes the problem does not come from inside the home, but from nature, as tree roots can go through pipes causing blockages and leaks.
Drain Repair Services from Ipswich-based Gilson Environmental Services
At Gilson Environmental Services, we offer drain unblocking and rodding services in Ipswich, and across Suffolk, as well as in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Essex.
As specialists in off mains drainage services, we can also solve other sewage treatment plant and septic tank problems in Suffolk and across East Anglia. We are also partners with grease management and discharge concentrate specialists Biogreen UK who will be able to help with environmentally-friendly cleaning products.
If you would like to know more about our drain unblocking services, you can call us on 01473 741530 or email us at info@gilsonenviro.co.uk.
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