How to Stop Autumn Leaves From Causing a Blocked Drain
Can autumn leaves cause blocked drains? We know this question has an obvious answer, but many homeowners don’t fully understand the consequences of leaving fallen leaves until spring.
As the leaves start to transform into a mosaic of browns and yellows, this beautiful tapestry begins to fall, which can wreak havoc on your garden and pipes if left to build up. Outdoor drains are prone to blockages, and there’s nothing more frustrating than having to call in the professionals to fix something that could have been avoided with a little elbow grease.
The simple answer is that leaves will block drains. The next question then becomes, how can you stop autumn leaves from blocking your drainage system. Here are a few tips:
Check your drains
Breathe in the fresh autumn air and head outside for a quick inspection. This may seem like another obvious solution, but checking your gutters and pipes (where possible) for any fallen leaves and organic debris is a good way to ensure your plumbing system remains in tip-top shape when the heavy rains make an appearance. Simply grab a pair of gloves and scoop up any leaves. While you’re at it, make sure to clear any leaves in your garden. This can actually be a great preventative measure to keeping your outdoor drains unblocked.
Install drain guards to keep leaves out
Drain guards are protective covers or screens that stop leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering your drainage system. This stops clogs from forming and increasing the chances of your system backing up or flooding occurring. While drain guards are a sure-fire way to stop leaves from blocking your pipes, it’s important to remember that you’ll still have to clean the drain guard to ensure it’s able to adequately do its job.
Don’t ignore slow-draining water
A slow draining kitchen sink may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can be a tell-tale sign of something a bit more sinister. If water is taking longer to drain, there could be a blockage further down your drainage system. While a few leaves around the drain may be easy to remove, slow drainage can be a sign that leaves, dirt and other debris have made their way further into the pipe. Dealing with the problem early can help prevent the blockage from getting worse and reduce the risk of overflowing drains, standing water and potential damage to your property. In this instance, it may be a good idea to call the experts.
Invest in regular maintenance
The adage prevention is better than cure is often true when it comes to your plumbing system. Regular drain maintenance is important to keeping your drainage system in good working condition, particularly during autumn when fallen leaves can quickly build up and cause unnecessary blocks. Regularly cleaning your gutters and outdoor drains can help prevent small blockages, but regular drain maintenance can be a great way to boost the longevity of your pipes.
Taking a little time to maintain your drains throughout autumn and winter, as well as calling in the professionals to conduct a drain inspection, can help ensure water continues to flow freely and doesn’t cause damage to your property.
Who to call when your drain is blocked
Autumn leaves and winter rains can wreak havoc on your drainage system if the right preventative measures are not taken. Whether you notice foul smells emanating from your kitchen sink or water is overflowing in your garden, Clearpath Drainage is on hand to deliver the highest quality drainage solutions.
Our drainage services include preventative measures such as CCTV drain surveys and high-pressure drain jetting, as well as professional blocked drain services in Southampton.
If you’re searching for 24/7 peace of mind, speak to us today!
