How does weather affect drain unblocking in Liverpool?

It is no secret that UK weather is unpredictable, and you never know what to expect with each new day. With wet and sometimes freezing winters, heavy rainfall in the spring and even heat waves in the summer, the adverse weather conditions that we see throughout the year can play havoc with your drainage system if you are not careful.

If you want to know how the weather will affect drain unblocking and your pipe system, then we have gathered all of the information you will need to know. Whether you are a construction professional or you are simply a curious homeowner, understanding how weather affects your drainage is crucial in preventing water damage and helping to maintain a safe environment.

Which weather can affect drain unblocking?

Heavy Rain

The most obvious weather condition that can affect your drainage system is heavy rain, and this is where you will typically see the most damage. October through to January in the UK traditionally sees the most rainfall in the year, and unfortunately, due to climate change, this is only becoming a longer rainy spell. Due to rising sea levels and storms becoming more unpredictable, we rarely
experience severe flooding a few times a year here in the UK, making it extremely difficult for local drain unblockers! Issues that arise from storms and heavy rainfall include:

Drain Blockages

Heavy rainfall often comes hand in hand with high winds, particularly during the stormy season. This means that a lot of debris, including mud, leaves, branches, dirt etc, will often get washed or blown into our drains. This prevents proper drainage and is only made worse in autumn and winter when the leaves cover the ground. If your drains are blocked, then the flow of water is disrupted which can lead to your drains becoming backed up or overflowing, both of which will eventually cause flooding.

Flooding

Flooding is extremely disruptive in itself, but it can also create a whole host of other problems, including:

• Serious harm or even death to living beings (humans, pets and wildlife)
• Cause damage to contents both inside and outside of your property
• Make your property temporarily uninhabitable
• Make buildings unstable and unsafe
• Cause pollution and spread diseases
• Causes subsidence (land gradually caving in or sinking) due to highly water-saturated soil
• Cause damage to your property itself (e.g. walls, electrical wiring, and flooring)

It is important that you keep both your outdoor and indoor drains well maintained so your system can cope with the heavy rainfall. Failing to ensure that your drainage system is not working correctly can lead to flooding and expensive repairs if you are not careful. Here at Mersey Rod, we can help by offering our regular drain maintenance services, which will help keep your drains and pipes free of obstructions so you don’t have to worry when the next storm is announced!

Septic Tank issues

Heavy rain can also mean trouble if you have a septic tank on your property instead of being connected to the sewer network. With the rain soaking into the ground, it may penetrate into the septic tank through any small cracks. If the soggy and unstable soil moves and shifts, then the tank could be dislodged from the correct position and pipe work may become loose.

Hot Weather

It’s a running joke that the UK doesn’t get much warm weather, however recently we have been getting more sunny spells and heat waves so it is important to understand how hot weather can affect drain unblocking. Hot weather can cause the soil around your home to expand which causes the ground to move. This can end up shifting the foundation of your home slightly, causing damage to your drainage system or even leading to a burst pipe! The same applies when the conditions become extremely dry – the lack of water can cause the ground to crack, which leads to problems in the soil surrounding your pipes, disrupting the usual contraction and expansion process of the pipes.

Not only that, but tree roots can always create a lot of problems during the dry summer months as they search for moisture. If they are unable to find a regular source of water in hot weather, tree roots will automatically start to grow towards the nearest water and nutrient source, which just happens to be your pipes! Try your best to keep the soil and ground surrounding your property as saturated as possible, particularly during those hot spells in the summer months. Look out for your garden plants and trees a little bit more than you would any other time of the year, and make sure you keep an eye on your drainage system to spot any potential problems before they turn into plumbing disasters.

Cold Weather

Cold weather can cause a whole host of problems, from icy and slippery pathways right through to fully-fledged snowstorms that keep you locked inside your house. Colder weather can be a nightmare for property owners as the sudden drop in temperatures can cause your pipes to freeze, which will cause a blockage that is perfect to help debris build-up while you are unaware. This means that once the ice has thawed, you will still be left with a potential problem on your hands.
A small amount of ice in your drainage system may only create an issue with your water flow, but a large amount of ice can block the entire pipe which will eventually lead to a burst pipe or even flooding. Frozen pipes are a nuisance, and can become a plumbing disaster if you don’t keep your eye on them. They can occur for several reasons, including insufficient insulation, leaving water to site in your pipes while on holiday, and if your drainage system is old.

If we are experiencing a cold winter, then it is important that you take steps to prevent your pipes from freezing or experiencing any other issues that relate to the cold weather. Insulate all of your pipes, paying particular attention to the colder areas of your property such as the attic. You should try and keep your property’s temperature above 12 degrees Celsius, even if you are not there. This should ensure that your pipes don’t freeze, and you don’t end up coming home to burst pipes or flooding!

Why choose Mersey Rod?

Mersey Rod can help to keep your drainage system in top shape, no matter what the weather. We offer a wide range of services from drain unblocking in Liverpool, right through to drain inspection and maintenance so you always know what state your pipes are in. Our experienced team of professionals are always on hand no matter how large or small the problem, from minor blockages and annoying clogged sinks to large-scale excavations or repairs. We aim to assess the problem and get you back up and running as quickly as possible. We know that money is always an additional worry when it comes to plumbing issues, and we offer prices to suit every budget so you can take that off your list. If you have any questions or require information on any of our services, then get in touch with our friendly team today.