We all know the devastation which heavy rainfall can cause, even if we’ve never been a victim of floods ourselves. The rising of rainwater around your doors can be a grave cause of concern for people and there is only devastation left behind in its wake.

The trouble stems from an outdated drainage system and the rapid growth of urban areas. By covering up a lot of our open spaces with impenetrable layers of concrete and tarmac, we prevent the rainwater which comes with heavy, flash floods from draining away. Where the ground would usually have soaked up the majority of the rain it now collects on our roads and cascades down the streets or sits, rising until it reaches our buildings.

Now, with flooding becoming more common in built-up areas the government have introduced SUDS – or Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems – for new developments. The following are a few of the key ways in which it’s hoped we can tackle heavy rainfall.

Green Roofs

You may have heard about green roofs and dismissed them as being the latest fad in the “green” community but, alongside the environmentally friendly advantages they pose, they also present a sustainable drainage solution in areas where there are mainly houses and no green spaces. A green roof, with its plants and soil will help to soak up far more water, preventing it from simply being flushed into the drains. Once installed there is little which needs doing and you will be providing nature with a new home.

Rainwater Harvesting

We generally tend to direct all out rainwater down the drains and away from our homes, but when it begins to slosh back up against our doors it might be time to re-think the way we use rainwater. By collecting the rainwater as it falls you can put a real dent in how much of it fills your drains. Once caught, you can use it for your gardening, car washing or even in your toilet and washing machine in the home.

Permeable surfaces

The rainwater needs somewhere to go as it can’t drain through tarmac. The alternative is to introduce permeable surfaces where water is allowed to get to the soil or earth underneath. By letting the ground naturally absorb the water through a gravelled surface we can reduce the amount which builds up in roads, streets and on our property.

Ponds, Ditches and Wetlands

By creating a range of ponds and ditches when planning any new developments we can help to divert the flow of water away from homes and prevent flood damage. Once the drainage systems have cleared enough to cope the water can then be released into the usual system.

For premier drainage services then simply contact us at 1^st Call Drain Clearance – our professional team will be happy to assist you with your drainage needs and provide everything from drain unblocking to drain excavation, ensuring your drains flow properly when you need them most.

Any home will encounter some kind of water issue at some point or another, there are so many appliances, pipes and sewage points on every property that it’s inevitable. When these instances arrive – whether it’s a leaking tap or a backed up toilet – you’ll need to know exactly who it is you need to call in to take care of the problem.

In this handy guide we’ll detail the situations in which you need a plumber and which require a drainage expert, helping you to save time and money by bringing in the right kind of expert.

Who can best deal with my wastewater problem?

If you have any issue relating to the water which flows out of your home then you will no doubt need the services of a drainage expert. Some of these problems will only first be noticed inside the home – such as a back up in your system bringing wastewater into your home – but the issue here lies in your drains with a blocked or leaking pipe somewhere in your system.

On the opposite end of this problem, if you have an issue with a dripping tap, or anything related to the internal pipes inside your home, then you’ll require the services of a plumber. A blocked drain in your bathtub or damaged radiator pipes is something a plumber offers as it deals with a problem inside your home.

Who deals with my sewer pipes outside?

Because the problem is external to your home, but still on your property, you will require a drainage expert if you have trouble with sewers and drains outside of your home. Plumbers are not usually equipped to handle your sewer pipes so professional drainage experts are the best people to call for sewer issues.

Who can provide me with a CCTV drain inspection?

On top of all the repairs and unlocking services provided by a drainage expert, you can also call upon specialist CCTV drain inspections. Through this surveillance and monitoring service you can get a better idea of any damage, ingress or blockages in your drains.

Typically this survey will be performed on your property but outside of your home and a drainage expert will make recommendations for any cleaning or repair works which might be needed. Drain jetting is also a service which is often exclusively provided by drainage experts, helping to keep your drains flowing freely in relation to water draining away from your house.

The rule of thumb is that your internal water issues will require a plumber, while a drainage expert specialises in your waste water and sewage pipes – although often the drainage issues can present problems internally, you should still call on the expertise of a drainage specialist.

At 1st Call Drain Clearance we are leading drainage experts for London and the surrounding areas. We provide services related to your sewer pipes and the drainage of wastewater away from you house, our expert team can even provide CCTV services and drain jetting to ensure your drains are in top condition.

When buying a home, the drains are not the first thing you might think about. They’recompletely hidden from your view and you’ll probably be more interested in the immediate condition of the house and your plans for a future there. However, the optimal function of your drains is key to your home and can be vital to any prospective purchase.

Spotting Potential Issues Before A Purchase

There are several ways in which your drains can be compromised, including through blockages, root ingress, cracked piping and collapsed drains. These are the kinds of things which would be a problem for anyone but for potential buyers it would be a nightmare to have to fix these problems if they are only discovered once the purchase is complete.

As such, many mortgage companies, in an effort to lend responsibly, will insist on a pre-purchase drain survey being performed so that they know the finances are being given out sensibly. Drainage works can be costly so for a newly purchased property it’s imperative that there aren’t any hidden costs for the purchaser which could force them to default on a mortgage.

What Does A Survey Involve?

A closed-circuit camera is inserted into the drains of the property when you arrange for a pre-purchase survey. This gives an image feed so that any damage or blockage can be found, if there is an area which is known to be causing problems then it can be easily targeted and surveyed to help calculate a more reasonable cost for repair work.

If a problem is discovered quickly through a survey then work can be carried out there and then to solve the issue, saving time and money for all parties. Most problems can be taken care of within the same visit if found quickly.

A CCTV survey will not cause the drains being inspected any more damage, with common faults uncovered mostly due to a build-up of fat, soap scum and hair. Cracks and collapses in joints can also be detected without causing further damage, giving you an idea of any work which needs to be done.

Why Are Drain Surveys Good?

There are many advantages to a pre-purchase drain survey, the main one being that it is mandatory in some cases for one to be carried out before a mortgage will be granted by a lender. The other obvious advantage is that the issue can be dealt with much better if it is identified early. This allows any work to be carried out in the specific area without further damage to drains and pipework being caused.

For insurance purposes, a DVD of the drain footage will be provided with a pre-purchase drain survey. This can also be useful if you wish to negotiate on the price of a property, using the evidence of work which is needed to agree a reasonable reduction.

If you require drain survey services then look no further than 1st Call Drain Clearance. Our professional and friendly team are always happy to help and will provide you with any evidence of issues in your drains and pipework.

The New Zealand has a reputation for being fairly rainy and cold, but when it comes to our capital city how rainy is it in reality? Well we’ve put together the stats, and if you’d like to visit London this helpful info-graphic can help you plan your trip!

SO, HOW MUCH RAIN FALLS IN AUCKLAND?

*figures from the met office

We are frequently asked what the most common elements or what the process of a CCTV drain survey entails. To help out with any questions you may have before you pick up the phone we’ve compiled these into a helpful infographic. For more in depth information you can also read our written guide found here.

1st Call Drain Clearance have just created an account with Reviews.co.uk – this means that if you’ve used our services in the past, you can let us know how we did. Whether we solved a simple drain blockage for you, or had to fully excavate or re-line your drains, then we’d love to hear your feedback. Likewise, if you have an ongoing maintenance service contract with us then it would be great to find out how satisfied you are with our service.

It’s really quick and easy, so why not leave us a review right now? Just click the big ‘Write A Review’ button. As we’ve just created our profile we haven’t received any reviews yet – will you be the first?

The winter months are now most certainly upon us and we’ll be seeing the temperature dropping below zero on a more frequent basis. During this time our pipes and drainage systems are all vulnerable so you’ll want to keep your system working to its optimum and ensure no faults occur. If you do have a fault it can be both costly and unpleasant, leaving you without the use of certain taps and systems in your house at the worst possible time.

To help you avoid common winter drainage problems we’ve got a few handy tips for you to take into consideration.

Have Your Drains Inspected

We all know that autumn and winter brings with it a lot of rainfall and snow, it’s also the time you’re most likely to find branches, leaves and other debris blocking your drains. This is a recipe for disaster and can be so costly when your system backs up or your drains overflow outside your property.

Call in the experts to give your drains an inspection this winter and ensure they are cleared and prepared for the heavy rainfall before it happens. This preemptive action can save you money in the long run.

Insulate Your Pipes

You might be forgiven for thinking that your pipes, being hidden away, will look after themselves, but it’s because they are hidden away that they are in a vulnerable position.

You don’t often think about your pipes but once they are exposed to the cold they can freeze. Not only does this mean you lose flow but it also adds the risk of your pipes bursting if they thaw too quickly.

To tackle this problem you can insulate your most at-risk pipes and keep them warm enough to function properly throughout winter. Use some foam around the pipes – this can be purchased at most DIY stores and is relatively simple to fit.

Fix Your Leaks And Drips

While you might have been able to ignore your dripping or leaking taps throughout the summer you should not do this once it gets to winter. It’s a waste of water which will cost you in your bills but it also leads to bigger problems further down the line.

Get a professional in to look at your leaking taps and pipes to help fix this problem if you’re not confident enough yourself. If you damage your faucets further it might be irreparable.

Gently Thaw Your Pipes

Should you be unfortunate enough to encounter frozen pipes on your property it’s important you don’t panic. Pouring hot water down the drains is not the solution, this will just encourage them to thaw quickly and the clash will probably result in a burst pipe.

To thaw your pipes you need to get a warm towel and carry out the process gently. This will clear away any frozen sections without a quick reaction inside the pipe, restoring your flow and avoiding damage.

If you need your drains inspecting this winter to ensure you have a free flowing system then call 1st Call Drain Clearance today – we can even respond in an emergency.

The short answer to that question is – when you have absolutely no other option! Drain excavation is a complex task, needs careful safety monitoring and can be costly, so it should be used only as a last resort and only if the drainage problem is so severe that other methods are not feasible or have failed.

WHAT IS DRAINAGE EXCAVATION AND WHY WOULD YOU NEED IT?

Drain excavation involves physically digging a hole or trench to the drainage in need of attention, with the possibility of damaging whatever is above the problem area. Sometimes a drainage problem is so severe that it really isn’t possible to fix it without digging right down to it. The drain might be old and in poor condition, with multiple leaks, or may have collapsed altogether. Even if it isn’t old, it could have been severely damaged or may have suffered from subsidence or flooding, it could also be completely blocked by tree roots.

HOW IS IT DONE?

There are a number of elements to a professional drain excavation job besides the actual excavation and repair work, including site assessment, health and safety considerations, storage of the excavated material and site reinstatement.

SITE ASSESSMENT

The last thing you want to do – as already mentioned – is dig a hole when you don’t actually have to. Having established that it’s unavoidable, you don’t want to dig it in the wrong place. Correct pre-excavation diagnosis and knowledge of the exact location of the problem is essential to planning cost-effective and efficient repairs. Additionally, drainage pipes are often in close proximity to other services such as gas, electricity and water, so these need to be located and included in your plan.

SAFETY

Trench work can be dangerous, both for the workers and any passers-by. Besides the various service connections mentioned above, there’s always a risk of subsidence if the ground is unstable and frequently wet. The deeper the trench, the worse these problems generally become, and for big excavations it’s essential to incorporate correct shoring mechanisms and barriers.

EXCAVATION

Although there are mini excavators available, digging by hand is generally the safest and least disruptive method of excavation, particularly when there are pipes carrying other services in the area.

STORAGE

If the excavated material can be used for backfilling, space needs to be made or found to store it safely and keep it dry, and if not the material must be disposed of responsibly.

REINSTATEMENT

The details of the post-repair reinstatement of the site would have formed part of the initial plan. The trench must be filled in such a manner that there won’t be later subsidence, while concrete, tiles and poles should be replaced in a “like for like” manner.

At 1st Call Drain Clearance we have many years of experience in all aspects of drainage, including full excavations. We have the know-how, equipment and personnel to assist you with any drainage problems you have with minimum disruption. If you really do need excavation – or would like to discuss any of your drainage problems or requirements, call us!

At Elite Drainun Blocking. we are dedicated to providing professional, safe and efficient services for all our customers. We always strive to achieve the best results in our work and part of that includes working to uphold standards set for the industry.

Now, following a thorough assessment, we are proud to announce that we have continued our Safecontractor membership. This membership – which we have now held since 2010 – means we are part of an approved list of contractors for the drain clearance industry, providing you with peace of mind when looking for a safe, professional drainage company. Regardless of whether you’re seeking drain inspection or drain clearance, you can have complete confidence in our abilities.

There are hundreds of prestigious companies across the New-Zealand who utilise the Safecontractor register for maintenance, cleaning, refurbishment and other vital services.

Safecontractor was born under a different name in 1999 as a way of standardising the vetting of contractors. The idea took off very quickly and in 2003 it changed to become Safecontractor, helping contractors to prove their health and safety credentials, something which is extremely important for customers and clients when choosing a contractor.

The scheme is extremely useful for sectors where health and safety is vital, including the food, manufacturing and construction industries. Current health and safety standards are taken into account alongside the track record of the company in question, enabling them to be part of the online register.

Clients who then sign up will be able to view a list of Safecontractor approved companies and can then select the right company for the job, safe in the knowledge that they have been vetted before they are even on site.

This membership goes directly alongside our other credentials, including Contractor Plus and the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC). We already work with a large number of high profile clients, including all Auckland regions more. With our long standing involvement and approval from Safe contractor we hope to be able to work with a growing number of companies, as well as domestic clients.

Keep your eye on our blog page for more news and updates on our accreditations and memberships and how you can benefit from them.

If you’d like to learn more about what being a Safe contractor means, you can visit the official website here. For more information on our services, or to arrange for a professional engineer to visit your site, then simply contact us today and we’ll be happy to help.

If you live in an area with ‘hard’ water, the chances are you’ll already be aware of the signs. Whether you’ve noticed a white residue on the inside of your kettle, clothes that feel stiff or scratchy after washing or an unpleasant, sticky feeling on your skin after showering, hard water leaves visible evidence which can affect aspects of your daily life. However, what you are unable to see is the build-up of deposits inside your water pipes, drains and appliances which could, if left untreated, cause problems which will be costly to remedy in the future.

WHAT IS ‘HARD’ WATER?

Rainwater, as it begins to fall through the air, is essentially pure. As it trickles through the ground, however, it picks up common minerals such as calcium, magnesium, chalk and lime. Water which contains high levels of these minerals is described as ‘hard’. Some regions of England are more badly affected than others due to the type of rock in the ground, but London and South Eastern counties are particularly known for producing very hard water.

IS ‘HARD’ WATER A PROBLEM?

In terms of personal health, ‘hard’ water does not pose any risks and may be beneficial. The higher levels of calcium and magnesium in ‘hard’ water can contribute to providing the body with these essential minerals; scientific studies have also suggested that drinking ‘hard’ water may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in later life. Many people also prefer the taste of drinking water in ‘hard’ water areas.

‘Hard’ water, however, is a nuisance when carrying out everyday household cleaning and personal grooming as it can leave dishes and glasses covered in white spots, leaves a film on the surface of shower doors, sanitary ware and taps and makes hair sticky and lifeless. When washing clothes in an area with ‘hard’ water, it is also necessary to use more detergent and the lifespan of garments may be shorter due to the loss of bright colours and the rough feel that they tend to develop.

More significantly, ‘hard’ water can necessitate potentially costly repairs in the long term. Water pipes and drains can become clogged with mineral deposits within your home, reducing water flow; appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines may suffer mechanical problems as well as working less efficiently, thereby using more energy. ‘Hard’ water that has been heated, for example by your central heating boiler, accelerates the build-up of calcium and magnesium scale, meaning premature failure of the system is possible.

PREVENTING A BUILD-UP OF SCALE IN YOUR DRAINS

1st Call Drain Clearance can carry out annual drain maintenance to help to keep your home’s drains clear of the scale caused by ‘hard’ water, as well as other debris such as leaves, roots and fats.

By using a range of techniques, including high pressure water and rodding, our prompt and professional service for Central, North and West London will enable your drains to flow easily and without obstruction, thereby helping to overcome some of the problems caused by living in a ‘hard’ water area.