Freezing weather, snow and sleet are already hitting different part of the UK in the run-up to Christmas. If you are responsible for public facilities (such as a school or hospital) or for a large commercial premises, now is the time to make sure that your drainage systems, guttering and downpipes are ready to cope with bad or even freezing weather.
Otherwise, you might find yourself facing an emergency call-out in the middle of the holiday period.
Common problems in the run-up to Christmas 
When leaf mould is allowed to build up over the autumn it traps water in guttering, which can then freeze. It’s not unheard of for the weight of ice to bring down unmaintained guttering sections, causing a potential risk to people below. It also allows rainwater to seep down the outside of walls to damage window frames and flat roofs. Internal mould and damp problems can also arise.
Many establishments are also busy preparing large amounts of food for the Christmas period. So it’s tempting to take the convenient option and pour hot oils and fats down the drain. But the problem is that fatty substances quickly solidify in low temperatures, forming ‘fatbergs’ – large lumps of coagulated fat that block drains and sewers and cause all manner of nasty liquids and smells to back up into your food preparation area.
Winters are often very wet in the UK and drainage systems may have to deal with particularly large surges of water. If culverts or drains are blocked by organic material from the autumn, or dumped rubbish, run-off can’t escape and will collect and flood the grounds around buildings, blocking access and even getting inside. When standing water freezes it can also get into cracks in pipe linings, making them worse.
Five tips to check before you break for the festive holidays
In order to avoid problems over winter holiday periods there are some simple steps you can take:
- Clear leaves and any other debris from guttering, ensuring that water flows freely into downpipes.
- Wrap insulation around outside pipes and taps to prevent freezing.
- Check that drains, sewers and guttering downpipes are free from blockages and debris and that lining walls have no cracks or damage.
- Ensure that kitchen staff pour grease and fats into the correct containers for disposal, and not down sinks or drains.
- Find a maintenance partner to help you avoid blocked drains and gutters who can also come to your aid in an emergency – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – to minimise the damage done and business lost due to closure.
Drain and Sewer Services are there when you need us
The British weather is anything but predictable, but if you prepare for the worst, you can mitigate the effects of floods, leaks or blocked drainage systems.
At Drain and Sewer Services, based in Aldershot, we work with partners responsible for large-scale premises, some on multiple sites, to operate a regular maintenance programme that can reduce the probability of a problem occurring.
We use specialist equipment from Skyvac to clear gutterings up to 36ft from the ground, avoiding the need to work at height.
Our trained teams also use the latest remote-controlled camera equipment to survey drainpipes and sewers for damage which we can repair with minimal disruption, or blockages which we remove with our fleet of lorry-mounted jetting and tanker equipment to clear and remove blocked water.
We also offer a wider range of general and routine drainage services, including septic tank emptying and pumping station maintenance and cleaning.
Our NRSWA Streetworks Accredited teams also carry out a range of roadwork, returning road surfaces to pre-repair conditions safely and quickly.
If you would like to talk to Drains and Sewer Services about one of our maintenance contracts or our emergency call-out service, then call us today on 01252 312738 or email info@drainandsewer.co.uk to book a visit.
With us as your drain and sewer maintenance partner you can enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind, knowing that you won’t be called back to work to deal with a Christmas catastrophe.
