A Very Draining Problem: Blocked Drains

A VERY DRAINING PROBLEM: BLOCKED DRAINS 55% There are approximately 200,000 sewer blockages throughout the UK every year, of which up to of sewer flooding are caused by blockages more than 75% 200,000 propérties are caused by fats, oil, and grease are flooded each year as a result BAD HOUSEKEEPING Usually the householder put things down the pan which really should have gone in the bin Tampons, Condoms, Toilet Bowl Mounted Deodorizers & Children's Toys DRAINAGE, GRIDS & GÚLLIES Failing to keep a drain's water trap clear can be a recipe for a blocked drain These can travel down the drainage system until getting lodged in a bend or caught on an internal burr in a pipe fitting or joint The following should not be flushed down the drain fats; oils kitchen wastes paints; solvents disposable nappies; wipes cotton buds; wool sanitary porducts bandages; dressings condoms Paper that has been flushed down the toilet BLOCKED TOILETS Most problems with the loo are caused by either a foreign object being flushed away. Don't put anything in the toilet that could block the pipe This is common where the drainage system has an inadequate amount of fall which allows the waste water to slowly get away leaving the solids and paper behind to dry out and harden GREASE AND FAT Drainage systems eventually lose some of their efficiency due to the build up of fat Solidified Grease Oils, fats and food scraps that have been washed down the drain. Body fats, oil, dirt and built up soap Scum can also cause this fype of blockage SINKS, BATHS & SHOWERS A build-up of hair can also pose a large problem for homeowners. Hair mixing with grease forms a surprisingly strong blockage Trees and Leaves Keeping the garden free from stray leaves and debris can help keep the issue of blocked drains at bay. Tree roots which are drawn to the nearest source of water can crack into the pipes over time, causing a blockage TREE ROOT INGRESS Tiny leaks in drains attract roots which can be surpris- ingly strong. They can get in through poorly aligned joints, cracks and flaws in inpection chambers Crushed or Broken Pipes Ground movement caused by external forces such as vehicular traffic, & recent excavation can lead to pipes being completely crushed or sheared off causing blockages SUBSEQUENT WORK Pipes that are installed without due care or are disturbed by subsequent works can create problems that take will become apparent overtime FATS OILS GREASE Slinks in as food topping Such as salad dressing, or when food is cooked in oil such as deepfrying; liquid at room temperature Sneaks in through meat and dairy foods; solid at room temperature Creeps in during cooking; starts as a liquid and then cools to a solid sources sources sources meat trimmings | uncooked poultry skin cheeses | ice cream peanut butter butter melted fat from meat e.g. bacon; sausage "skim" from boiled poultry e.g. chicken | gravy || mayonnaise fighting tip vegetable oil | canola oil | olive oil | oil-based salad dressing fighting tip Place directly in trash can%; garbage disposal only reduces fighting tip Pour liquid grease in container with lid and place in trash can once it has hardened; running hot water over greasy cookware in the sink only pushes it into the pipes where grease turns solid Pour into jar or can with lid before placing in trash can; oil can reform in pipes even if soap is used the size of fats PROPER MANAGEMENT DO DON'T OF WASTES Wipe and scrape plates, pans and utensils before washing Put cooking oil, fat or grease down the sink Collect waste oil in a suitable secure container Pour waste oil, fat or grease down the drain Arrange for oil to be collected by a licensed Put food scrapings into the sink waste contractor Sweep waste into floor drains Use strainers in sink plug holes Pour boiling hot water down the sink to try to dissolve fat and grease. It does not work! Maintain Grease Traps and Enzyme Dosing equipment regularly http://uktv.co.uk/home/item/aid/651536 http://www.water.org.uk/home/resources-and-links/snap/snap http://www.water.org.uk/home/resources-and-links/snap/snap/stopandthink.pdf http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/publicutilities/public_education/ FOG/images/FOG%20Broch%20Citizens.pdf DRAINWORKS DRainage www.drainworksblockeddrainssouthampton.co.uk