This week marked the official start of autumn, and with the nights drawing in there’s no getting away from the fact that winter will soon be on its way. Drainage problems such as blocked drains and flooding are particularly common in winter due to a combination of factors such as the cold and wet weather. However here we give a few handy hints and tips to help you avoid any drainage problems in your property this winter.
Use your heating
During the winter the pipes in your drains are at increased risk of bursting due to cold weather. This is because at very cold temperatures there is a chance that the water in your drainage pipes may freeze. When water freezes it expands, which can subsequently cause the pipes to burst. Burst pipes are a particularly nasty problem and can lead to water damage in your home. To help prevent this you should consider leaving your heating on at a low level even when you are not at home, as this will help to keep warm air circulating in your home, thus helping to prevent your drainage pipes from freezing.
Turn off the taps
Interestingly, dripping taps can also increase the chances of your pipes freezing this winter. This is because when water is moving slowly it is more likely to freeze. Hence it is important you make sure you turn your taps off completely.
Outside
It’s also important to clear your drains before the winter rain hits, as if there is an existing blockage then this can lead to flooding in the event of heavy rain. One of the major causes of blocked drains at this time of year is a build up of debris such as leaves and twigs, which can clog your drains and prevent water from running freely in outside drains. Hence it is important to clear any such debris from around your drains before it has time to build up.
Here at Inspect-A-Drain our knowledgeable experts have many years of experience of treating blocked drains in Sheffield. So if you’re having trouble with your drains please do not hesitate to contact us and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with your enquiries.