Blocked Drains Chichester

In Chichester and other towns and cities in England, the responsibility for repairing drains and sewers is divided between property owners and the sewerage company. Generally, property owners are responsible for maintaining drains within the boundaries of their property, which are known as private drains. This includes any domestic or commercial pipes that drain water and waste from the building and other structures on the property.

A local council is responsible for maintaining lateral drains and sewers. Lateral drains are pipes that carry wastewater away from individual properties to the main sewer. They are usually located outside the property boundaries, often under public pavements or roads. If you share a sewer with your neighbour, the lateral drain might run under your property.

If you experience any issues with your private drains, you have the freedom to choose a company to carry out the necessary repairs, and you may also consider taking out insurance to cover the costs. It’s important to check with your building insurance company to determine if insurance for the drain is required.

To determine if your property is connected to a public sewer or a private one, you can check with Totally Blocked LTD, review the deeds of your property, consult a sewer map provided by the sewerage company upon request, or contact your local authority.

Drains can sometimes unblock themselves, but it depends on the cause of the blockage. For instance, if the drain is blocked due to tree root ingress, it will not be able to unblock itself and will require the assistance of a professional drainage engineer at Totally Blocked Ltd. However, if the blockage is caused by flushing too much toilet paper down the toilet, the drain may be able to clear itself because toilet paper is designed to disintegrate over time in water.

Whether it’s a collapsed drain, severe root ingress, or any other type of blockage, our experienced team can conduct CCTV drain surveys to identify the problem accurately and recommend appropriate solutions. Why not give us a call?

Yes, there is a difference between plumbing and drainage.

Plumbing primarily deals with the systems that carry water into a property, such as pipes, tanks, fittings, and clean water suppliers. It focuses on the distribution of water throughout the building and is responsible for fixtures like baths, showers, sinks, and toilets. Drainage involves the removal of wastewater from a property in a safe manner. It focuses on systems that drain water away from the home or property.

Blocked drains can occur due to various reasons, leading to the accumulation of water and waste, causing inconvenience and potential damage. Several factors contribute to clogged drains. Common causes include the flushing of non-biodegradable items down the toilet, such as wet wipes, sanitary products, and cotton buds. Additionally, pouring leftover cooking fats, oils, and food debris down the kitchen sink can also lead to blockages. These substances tend to accumulate over time, sticking together and obstructing the flow of water in the pipes and drains.

At Totally Blocked LTD, we understand the specific challenges faced by Chichester residents when it comes to blocked drains. With our expertise in drainage solutions, we are well-equipped to address these issues promptly and efficiently.

To unblock an outside drain, follow these steps:

1. Confirm responsibility: Before attempting to unblock the drain, make sure it is your responsibility to do so. If the drain is outside of your property, contact your local water company for assistance.
2. Gather necessary tools: You will need the following items: rubber gloves, screwdriver, long-sleeve gloves, face mask, goggles, protective clothing, bucket or bin bags, and a drain rod.
3. Remove the drain cover: Use a screwdriver to pry off the drain cover. Be cautious not to drop the cover into the drain.
4. Remove blockage by hand: With gloves and protective gear, remove as much of the blockage as possible by hand. Use a bucket or bin bags to collect the debris.
5. Use the drain rod: Insert the drain rod into the drain and twist it in a clockwise direction. Apply pressure, twist, and plunge to break apart the blockage. Move the rod around to further break up the blockage.
6. If there is standing water, remove it: If there is standing water caused by the blockage, use a bucket to remove as much of it as possible before removing the blockage debris by hand.
7. Alternative method with caustic soda: You can also use caustic soda to clear the blockage. Dilute cups of caustic soda in a large bucket of cold water, then pour the solution into the blocked drain. Wait for a few minutes, and the debris should rise to the top. Remove the debris from the pipe and clean the drain with a pressure hose.
8. Clean the drain: After unblocking the drain, clean it thoroughly with a pressure hose. Clear away any remaining debris to prevent future blockages.
9. Prevent future blockages: To prevent future blockages, be mindful of what goes down your drains. Avoid disposing of grease, fat, food debris, coffee grounds, paper, and cardboard packaging in the drains. Use grates and filters to prevent garden debris from falling into the drains.
10. Call professionals if necessary: If you are unable to clear the blockage or the problem persists, it is recommended to call our drainage experts in Chichester for assistance.

A blocked drain can be a cause of inconvenience and potential damage if not addressed promptly. However, whether it qualifies as an emergency or not depends on the severity of the blockage and its impact on your daily activities and property.

Here are some signs to help you determine if a blocked drain is an emergency:

• Slow drainage: If water is draining slowly or not at all, it indicates a blockage in the pipes. While this may not be an immediate emergency, it can lead to more severe issues if left unresolved.
• Unpleasant odours: Blocked drains often emit foul smells due to trapped debris and stagnant water. Although unpleasant, it doesn’t necessarily constitute an emergency but should be addressed to maintain a healthy living environment.
• Gurgling sounds: When drains or plug holes make gurgling sounds, it suggests the presence of a blockage. The air trapped in the pipe escapes when water is run, causing the gurgling noise. While not an immediate emergency, it indicates a blockage that should be addressed to prevent further complications.
• Raised water levels: If the water level in your toilet rises higher than normal or overflows, it signifies a severe blockage that requires immediate attention. This can lead to water damage and potential health hazards.

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