In the beautiful coastal city of Brighton, residents and visitors enjoy the charm of the seafront and the vibrant cultural scene. However, like in every city, both domestic and commercial properties face common maintenance concerns. One of these recurring issues is drain blockages. This article will be your handbook for understanding and dealing with common drain blockage issues in Brighton, assisting you in your quest to maintain a trouble-free drainage system.
The Causes
The first step in preventing drain blockages is understanding what causes them. In Brighton, the primary culprits include fat, oil and grease (FOG), commonly known as ‘fatbergs’, especially in commercial areas with numerous restaurants and food establishments. When FOG is washed down sinks, it cools, hardens, and adheres to the blocked drains brighton pipe’s inner surface, eventually leading to drainage blockages.
Additionally, old city infrastructures are prone to structural issues such as tree root ingress, where roots enter your drainage system, causing pipe damage and blockage. In domestic settings, common causes include waste materials like disposable wipes, sanitary products, excessive toilet paper, toys and nappies, that are not designed to degrade easily.
Effects of Drain Blockages
The impact of a blocked drain in Brighton can range from inconvenient to disastrous. Blocked drains can result in slow water drainage, corrosion, flooding, and in extreme cases, sewage backup and costly repairs. It’s also important to keep in mind how blockages might affect Brighton’s beautiful beaches if not managed effectively.
Prevention Tips
Preventing blockages from occurring is less bothersome and less costly than dealing with a full-blown drain issue. Small changes can make a significant difference – such as being mindful about what goes down your sink, toilet and other drains. FOG, food waste and non-flushable items should be disposed of in the bin, not the drain.
Regular drain cleaning can also prevent the build up that leads to blockages. Consider using natural remedies including hot water, vinegar and baking soda, that can clear away minor accumulated waste. Moreover, invest in drain guards to catch any larger materials which might lead to a blockage.
Local Drainage Services
If despite your preventive measures, a drain blockage occurs, don’t dismay. There are numerous professional draining services available in Brighton, offering everything from CCTV drain surveys to high pressure water jetting to unblock drains and sewers.
Brighton & Hove City Council can also assist in instances where the blockage is in public sewers or if it poses an environmental risk. Keep in mind, if you notice persistent or recurring drain issues, it might be an indication of a more serious problem that may require professional help.
Legislation and Responsibility
It’s important to know that the ‘Transfer of Private Sewers’ regulation made in 2011 transferred the ownership of private sewers from homeowners to water companies. If you are unsure about the ownership and responsibilities of sewers, drains and lateral drains, Brighton & Hove City Council website provides a guide to help differentiate.
In Conclusion
Whether you are a property owner, a resident, or a business proprietor in Brighton, understanding the common drain blockage issues, their causes, effects, and prevention is crucial. Following these guidelines can help maintain the integrity of your drainage system, save you from unexpected costs and inconvenience, and contribute to preserving Brighton’s environment, keeping the city and its coastline beautiful and clean for future generations.