Frequently Asked Questions

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We understand that when it comes to drainage issues, you may have numerous questions and concerns. We've covered some of the most common questions our drainage engineers are asked when unblocking drains around Blackpool, Lytham, St Annes & Fleetwood. Browse through the frequently asked questions below to find the solutions you need or feel free to reach out to our knowledgable team for personalised assistance.

No, we cover many other surrounding areas to Blackpool. We provide professional drainage services  which include: Drain Jetting, CCTV Surveys, repairs and replacements and of course we unblock drains in Blackpool. 

Blocked drains can be a source of frustration and potential damage if not addressed promptly. Look out for the following indicators: Slow draining water, unpleasant odours, gurgling noises, water backups, raised water levels, multiple clogged fixtures and visible debris.

Blocked drains typically result from a variety of objects entering your drain systems when they are dumped into your kitchen sink or toilet. Large amounts of toilet paper, non-biodegradable wipes, diapers, and sanitary towels, hair in the shower, and grease, fat, and food debris in the kitchen are a few examples of these things. Some of these things will eventually come together to form a blockage as well.

In general, it is the homeowner's responsibility to unclog any drains that are inside their property line, such as those that are under their house, garden, or driveway. These fit the definition of a private drain. It is your obligation to unclog any drains that do not share pipes with your neighbours.

More information can be found on: https://www.unitedutilities.com/

The most efficient approach to stop more obstructions in your drains is by far being cautious of what you flush down the toilet. Here are some quick and simple suggestions you may use to keep your pipes flowing.

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1. Make sure you avoid flushing non-biodegradable goods like diapers, sanitary towels, and wet wipes.

2. When doing the kitchen dishes, make an effort to keep fat or grease for the drain.

 3. When disposing of wasted cooking oil and fat, consider dumping it into a non-recyclable container and tossing it in with the rest of your general bin rubbish. consider to recycle and reuse as much as you can.

4. After showering, try to remove hair that has fallen into the area around the shower plug hole.

 5. We advise a CCTV drain survey if you frequently experience clogs or if your home is older and therefore more prone to persistent problems. You will learn the details from a survey, analysis is required to identify, evaluate, and remove any blockages that cannot be cleared with a straightforward unblock.

Simply put, a CCTV drain survey is a detailed investigation of a sewer system using specialised drain survey equipment. Drainage cameras feed footage into the drainage system and feed back CCTV footage to ground-level monitors, allowing drainage engineers to fully assess the condition of your drains. This record is documented and maintained so that findings can be reviewed and appropriate recommendations made.

There are a variety of scenarios where CCTV surveys can be very helpful in diagnosing and resolving drainage issues. If blockages are occurring repeatedly, or if you suspect a larger problem, such as a collapsed or damaged pipe system, a drain inspection may be important to understand the problem at hand. If you are purchasing a new property, we will also recommend a CCTV assessment as part of your purchase description. This gives you the opportunity to make an informed decision before signing.

Drain rods are essential tools used in the maintenance and unblocking of drainage systems. These rods are designed to help home owners and professionals reach and remove blockages within pipes and drains.

While drain rods are effective, there is a possibility of them getting stuck in the pipes, especially if they encounter stubborn or complex blockages. Here's what you should do if your drain rods become lodged:

1. Stay Calm: First and foremost, remain calm. Panicking can lead to further complications.
2. Assess the Situation: Determine the approximate location of the stuck rod. You can use markings on the rods as reference points.
3. Gentle Retraction: Attempt to gently retract the rod. Slow and steady pressure can often dislodge the blockage or free the rod.
4. Rotate the Rod: If retraction doesn't work, try rotating the rod clockwise and counterclockwise while gently pulling. This motion may help release the rod.
5. Use Lubrication: Applying a water-based lubricant to the rod can reduce friction, making it easier to move and potentially dislodge the blockage.
6. Seek Professional Help: If your attempts are unsuccessful or if you're concerned about causing damage, it's advisable to contact a professional drainage service like The Blocked Drain Co we have the expertise and specialised equipment to handle challenging blockages without causing harm to your pipes.

Remember that attempting to force a stuck drain rod can lead to pipe damage, so it's often best to rely on experienced professionals to resolve the issue safely and effectively.