How do you know if you have a blockage
Blockages in pipes can be very problematic, stopping waste from leaving your property. You may have a blockage if:
- Toilets do not flush properly
- Sinks or baths empty very slowly
- You notice bad smells coming from the drains
- Evidence of sewage or spillage around your manhole covers
Once waste water becomes blocked, it can start to back up and could lead to flooding from the lowest exit point of your system. Generally this is external manholes or gully but occasionally it could be an internal point.
What to do
If you notice any of the above, you can attempt to clear the blockage yourself, if you feel confident and own a set of drain rods. Care must be taken as most domestic drain rods have screw fittings which can easily undo while you are rodding/plunging the drain, leaving you an even bigger problem with a rod left down the already blocked drain.
Alternatively save yourself time and hassle by calling us. We will be happy to send an experienced drain engineer, who will remove the blockage for you, using a variety of different methods at a competitive market price.
Drain & Sewer Cleaning
Drain cleaning, whether domestic or commercial is an effective way of ensuring drains and sewers remain operational and prevent future faults from developing.
Existing drainage
Existing drainage systems can develop a variety of faults through ground movement or general waste build-up, which can lead to bigger problems and reduce the serviceability of a drain or sewer. Cleaning a drain or sewer before either a blockage occurs or the fault increases, prevents the need for emergency assistance and obviously reduces the risk of potential flooding.
New drains and sewers
As a contractor, Southern Drainage & Water specialise in the new housing and construction sectors working on projects across the whole of the south of England. While new drains should be structurally sound due to the fact they are new, it is inevitable that site debris, shingle or mud will get into the newly laid pipes preventing the system from being fully operational and ready to hand over.
As a business, we have a variety of methods for cleaning drains and sewers ranging from the biggest and most powerful van packs available up to jetting lorries and combination tankers
Pipe lining
As an established pipe rehabilitation contractor Southern Drainage and Water have carried out many specialist pipe repairs without the need for excavation on a variety of different projects.
Whether the project is a small diameter short pipe repair or a large diameter long drain liner, we have the equipment and experience to undertake any project.
What is pipe lining?
Drain lining, as the name suggests, involves lining the inside of a drain with a polymer resin lining which then bonds to the inside of the pipe. It has been likened to manually building an extra pipe within the existing drainpipe. It is a “non-invasive” way to repair damaged drains. Rather than needing to dig down to the actual drain, access is gained from ground level and all repairs are carried out from within the drain. The installation is carried out with the minimum of interference and from a manhole or a small access hole that is easy to access.
Pipes suitable for rehabilitation:
Clay, PVC, Concrete, Pitch Fibre and Cast Iron. We can install 100mm and150mm or 4” and 6” liners. Larger liners are available if required
Pipe descaling
What is Limescale?
Limescale is often found as a hard deposit on the inner surface of old pipes and other surfaces where “hard water” has evaporated. In addition to being unsightly and hard to clean, limescale can seriously impair the operation and serviceability of a drain or sewer. If left, overtime the problem can increase until the pipes diameter is significantly reduced.
The build- up of limescale is very difficult to remove and in some cases, normal drain cleaning methods such as water jetting, will not work. In these instances more specialist equipment or higher jetting pressures may be required.
Southern Drinage and Water use Ultra-high jetting pressure machines, Warthog nozzles and chain flail spinning jet heads or even mechanical cutters to help assist removing limescale deposits in pipes.
Root Cutting
Root removal from drain pipes without the need to excavate
The presence of tree roots in drainage systems can cause considerable damage and blockages. Plant roots’ tendency to be attracted to the damp environment of a drain means they will grow to the extent where they will cause blockages and / or the collapsing of pipework.
Southern Drainage and Water use a sophisticated high pressured water powered root cutting machine, operating in pipes from 100mm (4″) to 300mm (12″). It is designed to remove root intrusion without damaging the pipe and prepares the pipe for re-lining to prevent further root ingress.
The root cutter bores through the centre of the pipe, allowing it to carry out its work quickly and efficiently. The roots are then removed avoiding the need for excavation.
