At this time of year, we’re all keen to get out into the garden to make sure it’s at its best. There’s something very satisfying about getting rid of those weeds and tidying everything up. With the arrival of summer, it is the ideal time to ensure that your garden is well-maintained and flourishing. But what about those drains too. The flourishing greenery around us may be beautiful, but it can wreak havoc on drainpipes. So, here’s TWC Draincare’s top tips to keep your drains in tip top condition.
How to take care of your drains this summer
- Know your drains: Make sure you know where all the external drains and gullies are around your property. When you’re working in the garden, keep debris away from the drains as much as possible as this can cause issues. Soil, mud and gravel are all heavy and will gather in drainpipes, causing blockages.
- Install Drain Guards: Install drain guards to prevent debris from entering your drainage system.
- Regular Maintenance: Inspect drains regularly for blockages, debris, and signs of damage. If your drains are running more slowly than normal it may be time to consult an expert!
- Gradient: Most gardens are designed so that groundwater is channelled away from the property to prevent damp problems. This is good advice to follow, but it’s also important to check that there is adequate drainage for groundwater. If the ground isn’t draining correctly this can cause more problems.
- Take Care When Digging: Drainpipes aren’t as robust as you may think, and generally they are closer to the surface than expected. Be mindful of this when you’re digging, landscaping or putting up fences. If you’re not sure which directions your drain lines are running in one of our Look-See Surveys could help.
- Hardscaping, Consider Permeable Options: Patios and walkways add functionality and an aesthetic appeal to your garden, but they can also contribute to drainage issues if not properly designed. Non-permeable surfaces can increase runoff, which can overwhelm your drains.
- Tree Roots, The Hidden Threat: Trees can add beauty to your property, but their roots can be a hidden menace to your drainage systems as they naturally seek out water and nutrients, which makes your sewer pipes an attractive target. Roots can infiltrate small pipe cracks, leading to blockages, leaks, and bursts. Plant trees and large shrubs away from your drainage lines.
- Address Water logging: If you notice standing water or signs of water logging, address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to your drainage system by calling drainage professionals.
Make the right choices this summer
A well-maintained garden and an effective drainage system can be achieved with proper knowledge and precautions. By understanding how your maintenance and landscaping choices affect drains, you can take measures to prevent issues.
At TWC Draincare, we specialise in keeping your drainage systems running smoothly, no matter the time of year. If you are concerned about how your garden maintenance and landscaping might be affecting your drains then give us a call on 0333 305 2243, or fill out our online enquiry form.
