Buying your first home is an exciting time, from deciding on furniture and colours of the walls to buying appliances. One thing that puts a damper on things is when you start experiencing unexpected issues; this could include anything from block Drains to funny smells coming from your kitchen sink.

Over the years, we have gathered a list of the most common drainage issues you might experience.

We’ve spoken to our engineers to give you the best ways to answer your drainage questions from “why is my sink blocked?” to “why do my drains smell?”.

1. Blocked drains

‘Why is my sink blocked?‘ is a common question that homeowners will wonder at some point. If you have slow-draining sinks, clogged drains, or your toilet bowl isn’t draining correctly, these are some signs of blocked drains. Blockages in drains can take years to become noticeable, with the most common causes including hair, coffee grounds, wet wipes and fat.

How to fix a blocked drain:

If you know it’s a minor issue, e.g. you poured kitchen leftovers down the drain, a drain snake can provide relief from a blockage. If you aren’t sure what the problem is or suspect it’s a bigger issue, it is best to hire a professional drainage company. They will quickly diagnose the issue and let you know the solution to get your pipes flowing freely.

2. Fractured or cracked drains

Have you noticed cracks appear in your floor, or your sinks are draining slower than usual? This could be a sign of cracked or fractured drains. Drain pipes can fracture due to extreme temperature changes or excessive wear and tear. Most often, the cracks are found at pipe joints, but they can also be found further down the pipe. When there are cracks or fractures in the pipework, wastewater can leak into surrounding areas, weakening the ground and flooding your garden.

How do you fix cracked drains:

This is a more severe issue that requires a professional drainage company to carry out a CCTV Drain Survey. This means a CCTV camera is sent down the pipes to investigate and find the location of the problem. Drainage professionals like Express Clear Solutions can repair the affected area if there is a fracture or crack in the drain pipe.

3. Smelly Drains

You may think it is pretty common for drains to have a little smell, but this is not the case. Over time, debris such as soap and food particles can fix themselves to the drain lining, causing a build-up of residue. A smelly drain can also be a sign of a larger issue, such as drain clogs. 

How to fix a smelly drain:

Initially, a simple way to solve the question, ‘how do you fix smelly drains‘ is with vinegar! Bring a pot of white vinegar almost to a boil and pour it slowly down the drain. Wait for a few minutes, then rinse the pipe with hot water – this will help liquify any gunk lingering in your drain. If you think there might be a more serious issue or the smell does not go away, contact drainage professionals, who can come and inspect your drains and fix the problem for you.

4. Collapsed Drains

Can you smell a foul odour around your property? This is a sign that wastewater isn’t being disposed of properly and is seeping out into the surrounding areas. Collapsed drains can create other issues, such as sinkholes in your garden, pests or dampness spreading through the inside of your new house!

How do you fix a collapsed drain:

If you suspect a collapsed pipe, call a drainage professional, like Express Clear Solutions, immediately! The quicker the drainage solution is carried out, the less likely your new house will be damaged.

When you have bought a new house, drainage problems should be the last thing on your mind. But, if the unexpected should arise, contact the team at Express Clear Solutions today, who can come and fix the issue for you. 

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