Struggling with overflowing pipes and standing water flooding your property? Then you’ve no doubt suffered as a result of the heavy rainfall we’ve been experiencing.
With rivers flowing at over two thirds higher and rainfall for the week commencing 6th– 12th November 2019 measuring at 52mm in the north west of England and 29mm in the east it’s meant our drainage systems are dealing with huge volumes of water that they’re struggling to cope with.
The problem with dealing with such a large volume of water falling within such a short time period is it highlights any underlying issues we’ve got going on underground such as hairline cracks in pipes now being exposed to large volumes of water pressure which in turn leads them to failing completely, the increased weight of the soaked ground bearing down on already weakened pipes leading to a complete drain collapse and all the leaves which fell from the trees at the start of Autumn being washed through surface drains and forming a stodgy blockage.
Heavy downpours can wreak havoc on your drainage systems, so if you’re noticing sinks starting to drain away much slower, toilets that won’t flush away waste or worse, are starting to back up and overflow, then you could be experiencing a partial or complete drain blockage.
Cracked & Damaged Drainage Pipes
Large rainfall like the ones we’ve been experiencing throughout October & November can cause a ruptured pipe do to the added weight of the water within the ground causing it to shift, which in turn puts an immense amount of pressure on the pipes laying underneath.
The trouble with sodden ground is that is not only becomes heavier, it also softens which allows rocks and the soil to shift around the pipe which makes it become increasingly unstable. Once a pipe has become crushed then dirt and debris can enter and eventually, completely block the pipe.
Blocked drains
After a huge downpour, surface drains, manholes and pipes can become completely blocked due to the sheer amount of leaves, dirt and debris that are washed into them. One of the most common issues our engineers face during months of heavy downpours are blockages.
Throughout the year things like moss in guttering and leaves on the ground can accumulate and when faced with a heavy downpour, are finally flushed away but straight into your drainage system. When faced with such a mass of debris and the force of the water being pushed into the drains, they simply can’t cope which leads to the build-up collecting inside the pipe and a blockage forms.
Basement or Crawl Space Flooding
A flooded crawl space or basement can create a lot of problems in your home. Whether your crawl space or basement has taken on an abundance of water due to heavy rain, a sewer backup, or broken and leaking pipes, the resulting standing water is a major problem that should be addressed.
Failing to address the problem of a flooded basement or crawl space can result in permanent damage to your home’s foundation. Standing water and excess moisture in a basement or crawl space can also create an attractive breeding ground for mould and even common crawl space pests like mice, rats and termites. Over time, the cost to repair your damaged home, and the risks to you and your family’s health can really add up.
You should remove the water as soon as possible with either a wet-vac or a sump-pump. These are typically the most effective methods.
Once the water is removed, you’ll want to dry out the basement or crawl space thoroughly. Never just let the space air dry, a significant amount of moisture will likely remain even after you have removed the puddles of water. A dehumidifier is extremely effective at removing excess moisture from a damp crawl space or basement. This will drastically reduce the chances of mould or mildew development.
Whether your noticing a large amount of standing water flooding your garden, experiencing an overflowing toilet or noticing foul smells from your waste pipes, our team have over 20 years’ experience within the drainage industry and are on hand to help you resolve your issues.
From high pressure drain jetting for stubborn blockages, patch lining to replace collapsed pipes or CCTV surveys to identify the location of an issue, we’ll carry out any repair works necessary and leave your drains free flowing and healthy once more.
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