Drainage disasters: Top tips for dealing with blocked drains this Autumn

The clocks have gone back and the cold, dark nights are setting firmly in.

Which can only mean one thing… Autumn is officially here.

Whether you love or loathe this time of year, prepping for what’s to come is incredibly important – from servicing your boiler to check it’s fully functioning in time for the plummeting temperatures to performing essential drain maintenance to keep your system running strong.

With all the fallen leaves and other seasonal debris, it can be difficult to keep your drainage system clear, and it isn’t uncommon to experience a blockage. 

Not to worry, though. Join our experts in this article as we walk you through all our top tips for dealing with autumn drain blockages and the steps you need to take to keep water flowing freely all year.

Why is seasonal debris such a big problem for drains?

When moss, leaves, and other autumnal debris are left to build up inside your drainage system, it can affect their ability to direct excess rainwater away from your property.

At first, it may only be a small blockage that leads to slower-than-usual drainage, but it takes a while for this debris – especially leaves – to break down, meaning they can build up easily and create a much bigger blockage.

This can lead to flooding around your property, water damage within your home that affects your contents, reduced water pressure, and long-term pipe damage. 

How can I keep my drains free from autumnal debris?

Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to avoid a blockage in your drainage system, including:

Rake up fallen leaves

Throughout November, before the sub-zero temperatures come into play, you should check raking up fallen leaves off your daily (yes, daily!) to-do list.

Gusts of autumn wind will constantly create new piles of leaves, that inevitably find their way to the drain.

 It’s an ongoing commitment, but it shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes to get rid of them all and all your hard work will most definitely pay off in the seasons to come.

Clear your drainpipes

Often, it can be hard to tell if there’s a build-up lingering in your drainpipes, which is why it’s a good idea to get the ladder out and get yourself up there (if you’re able) to take a look.

Scoop all the accumulated leaves and debris that you can see out from your drain pipes and guttering, using a sturdy pair of gloves and a trowel.

You should do this at least once a week throughout November to ensure your system stays clean and debris-free.

Make sure your drain covers are leaf-free

As we’ve mentioned previously, autumnal debris can build up quickly, which is why it’s so important to check for and remove any build-ups as often as you can.

Ideally, you should do this at least every other day to ensure your drain covers stay clear, and if you can, invest in a drawing guard cover to prevent leaves, twigs, moss and other matter from entering your drainage system altogether.

How can I tell if my drains are blocked?

There are several tell-tale signs that you’ve got a drain blockage on your hands and some of the most common include:

• Slow drainage - When there’s a blockage somewhere in your drainage system, water will drain from your sinks, bath, and shower much slower than usual.
• Unpleasant smells - When you’ve got a blockage on your hands, you may notice a sewage or rotten egg-like smell emitting from your drains.
• Strange sounds - You may hear gurgling or rattling sounds coming from your pipes, plug holes, drains, and toilet flushes.
• Raised water levels - Water levels may rise higher than usual when you flush your toilet.

How do I clear blocked drains?

Sometimes, blockages – especially during the ‘ber’ months – are unavoidable.

If you do happen to have clogged drains on your hands, luckily for you, 9 times out of 10 they are quick and straightforward to clear. 

For blockages caused by a build-up of seasonal debris, start by removing the drain cover and scraping off any sodden leaves, moss, mud, and twigs.

Once you’ve done this, place the cover aside and use a drain rod, inserting it into the drain to locate the blockage and break it up. 

Then, pour boiling water (for smaller blockages) or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and baking soda (if you have larger blockages) down the drain to clear the blockage. Repeat this step until the water running through your pipes is clean.

If you’re struggling to clear the blockage, be sure to get in touch with a professional who can help do it for you so as not to cause further damage to your pipes and overall system.

Need more expert advice?

Whether you’re in need of more drainage maintenance advice or are looking to upgrade your drainage system before the worst of the autumn and winter weather hits, we’re here for you.

Here at Total Pipes, we have all the drainage supplies you need to build an effective, long-lasting system and knowledge to help you keep it in the best possible condition for decades to come.

Contact our experts today by calling 01254 382 000 or emailing us at sales@totalpipes.co.uk and we’ll be in touch to answer your questions. 

Alternatively, you can browse and shop our range of supplies online for convenient home delivery.

Whether you’re in need of more drainage maintenance advice or are looking to upgrade your drainage system before the worst of the autumn and winter weather hits, we’re here for you.

Here at Total Pipes, we have all the drainage supplies you need to build an effective, long-lasting system and knowledge to help you keep it in the best possible condition for decades to come.

Contact our experts today by calling 01254 382 000 or emailing us at sales@totalpipes.co.uk and we’ll be in touch to answer your questions.

Alternatively, you can browse and shop our range of supplies online for convenient home delivery.