Can I unblock my own drain or should I call a professional? +
Simple blockages near plugholes can sometimes be cleared with a plunger or drain snake. However, if you have sewage backing up, multiple drains blocked at once, or persistent foul smells, you should call a professional drainage engineer in Aldergrove. Using chemical drain cleaners on severe blockages rarely works and can damage older clay pipes. Professional high-pressure jetting is far more effective and safer for your drainage system.
What should I do if sewage is backing up into my home in Aldergrove? +
Stop using all taps, toilets and appliances that discharge into the drains immediately. Open windows for ventilation as sewage gases are hazardous. Do not attempt to clear the blockage yourself if raw sewage is involved — it carries serious health risks including E. coli and other bacteria. Call an emergency drainage engineer in Aldergrove straight away and keep children and pets away from the affected area.
What causes a foul smell from my drains in Aldergrove? +
Foul drain smells are usually caused by a dried-out trap (the U-bend), a cracked or disconnected pipe, or a blockage building up in the system. If the smell is coming from outside, it could indicate a broken manhole cover seal or a collapsed section of drain. Run water through any infrequently used sinks or showers to refill their traps first. If the smell persists, a CCTV drain survey will identify the cause.
Do slow-draining sinks always mean a blocked drain? +
Not always. A slow-draining sink is often caused by a localised blockage in the waste trap or the pipe immediately beneath the sink — hair, soap scum and grease are common culprits. However, if multiple fixtures are draining slowly or you notice gurgling sounds, the problem is likely further down in the main drain. A drainage engineer in Aldergrove can distinguish between a simple waste pipe blockage and a more serious drain issue.
Who is responsible for drains — me or the water company? +
You are responsible for private drains within your property boundary. Since October 2011, lateral drains (the section that runs from your boundary to the public sewer) and the public sewer itself are the responsibility of your local water company. If a blockage is beyond your property boundary, contact your water company first — they will clear it at no charge. A drainage engineer in Aldergrove can help identify where the blockage is.
What equipment should a professional drainage engineer have? +
A properly equipped drainage engineer should have high-pressure water jetting equipment (typically 3,000+ PSI), a CCTV drain camera for surveys, electro-mechanical cleaning machines, drain rods, and root cutting attachments. They should also carry personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, eye protection and waterproof clothing. Be wary of anyone who turns up with just a set of drain rods — they will struggle with anything beyond a minor blockage.