Drainage Company in Bedford and Hertford | Seasonal Drain Maintenance Tips for Property Owners

Seasonal Drain Maintenance | Our Tips

Below, we have outlined our best tips to follow season by season to better care for your drainage systems.

Spring: Clearing Winter Debris and Preparing for Rain

Spring comes with challenges for your drainage system. Melting snow, slush, and increased rainfall can put a lot of pressure on your drains. We advise:

• Clear Out Gutters and Downspouts: Leaves, twigs, and other debris may have accumulated in your gutters and downspouts over the winter months, which can cause blockages and overflowing water.

• Inspect for Damage: Inspect your drainage system with the help of a professional drainage company that uses CCTV drain surveying technology. We identify and fix any damage which may have developed during the colder months.

• Install Drain Covers: Spring often brings more garden activity, and grass clippings or other debris can end up in your drains. Installing drain covers can help prevent this material from causing blockages.

Summer: Preventing Drought-Related Issues

Summer may bring hot and dry conditions that can impact your drainage system in different ways. It’s important to keep an eye on your drains even when rainfall is minimal.

• Check for Tree Root Intrusion: Tree roots grow aggressively during the summer in search of moisture, and they can infiltrate your underground pipes, causing blockages or damage.

• Watch Water Usage: Excessive water use can put stress on your drainage system. Avoid overloading your drains by spreading out activities that involve large amounts of water.

• Clean Outdoor Drains: Dust and debris can accumulate in outdoor drains during dry periods, leading to blockages when the next rain comes. Take some time to clean out any visible dirt to keep the drains clear.

Autumn: Managing Falling Leaves and Heavy Rainfall

Autumn is a critical time for drain maintenance as the weather starts to cool and leaves begin to fall. Our drainage company in the Bedford and Hertford areas suggests:

• Regularly Remove Leaves: Falling leaves can quickly accumulate in gutters, downspouts, and drains. Clear them out regularly to prevent blockages. Consider installing leaf guards to reduce the amount of debris entering your gutters.

• Inspect and Test Drains: Before winter sets in, inspect your drains and ensure they’re clear and functioning properly. Pour water into external drains to ensure they are flowing correctly and not blocked by leaves or dirt.

• Check for Pooling Water: After heavy autumn rains, check around your property for any areas of pooling water, which can indicate poor drainage. Address the issue to prevent structural damage or flooding.

Winter: Protecting Drains from Freezing Temperatures

Winter poses unique challenges for your drainage system, particularly the risk of frozen pipes, which can lead to blockages or burst pipes. So, we advise our clients to:

• Insulate Pipes: Insulate any exposed pipes to protect them from freezing temperatures. Pipe insulation sleeves are inexpensive and can help prevent costly damage.

• Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain: During the Christmas season, many homeowners make the mistake of pouring cooking grease down the drain, where it solidifies and causes stubborn blockages. Instead, dispose of grease in a container and throw it in the bin.

• Run Water Regularly: To prevent pipes from freezing, run water regularly through your drains, especially during very cold spells. Even a small trickle of water can help prevent ice from forming inside the pipes.