One of the most common causes of drain blockage is root intrusion. Roots find their way into drainage pipes in their search for water sources. They make their way into pipes through small cracks in the walls of the pipes and also between ill fitting sections of pipes. When they enter the drainage system they quickly multiply and cause a blockage.

Drainage engineers are aware of the problems that roots can cause to a drainage system and have designed tools to cut away these roots so the original diameter of the drainage pipe is restored.
A spinning root cutter is usually inserted into the drainage system which trims the roots away. The waste roots are then flushed down the drainage system. Because the pipes integrity will have been compromised by the roots finding there way into the drain, the drain will need to be repaired with a drain liner. The liner will cover any cracks or weak points in the drain so the roots will not be able to infiltrate the drainage system again.

All the above work can be completed without the need for excavation which means that the homeowner will not have the inconvenience of a trench being dug in their garden or close to their home.

Becton Sewage works is to get a £60m investment to cover the most odorous sections of the Europe’s largest sewer works.

The sewage plant in East London has already seen the start of major works in March this year to increase their capacity by about 60%. This is so the system can cope with extra rainfall so the sewage works will not be overloaded and discharge into the River Thames. When the sewer works are currently overloaded, there is no where else for the extra water to go, so the rainwater and sewer water is discharged through overflow vents.

The new £60 project will see covers fitted to the 16 primary settlement tanks to filter the air before it is released into the surrounding environment. The primary tanks are the size of ten football pitches, so it will be no mean feat to install covers over them. The works will start in 2011 and will be completed in 2015.

The chief operating officer at Thames Water Steve Shine stated:

“This project will reduce odour emissions by around 70 per cent by 2015, making a substantial difference to local residents.

“As well as covering the settlement tanks at Beckton, we are going to install special odour-eater machines to gobble up the smelly air which sometimes comes off them.

“We have earmarked more than £350m to improve Beckton over the next five years in order to serve the future needs of London and deliver significant environmental benefits.”

Drain maintenance is an important part of a homeowner’s maintenance schedule, but it is unfortunately all too often forgotten about. Most people don’t even look at their drains until something goes wrong or they have a blockage. Whilst it is true that drains rarely fail, prolonged use over a number of years with little or no maintenance can result in the internal diameter of the pipe reducing and the chance of a blockage occurring increasing.

To stop this happening, you can take out a drainage contract with a firm of drainage experts who will be able to visit your premises and check the integrity of your drainage system. If you have a maintenance contract in place, you will also be able to rely on them being available 24/7 if you have a problem. And the better drain maintenance companies will give you a guarantee of free of charge call outs, no matter the number of call outs you have to make.

Drain maintenance is not at the forefront of everyone’s mind, but it should be considered. A drainage problem can happen at any time and can cost you a huge amount of money to put right.

People who live in large cities like London have to make sure that their household drains work correctly all the time. Why? Because of the huge population in cities like London, the sewer network is put under increasing pressure and problems frequently occur.

Whether it is the build up of fats, a drain collapse or a new drain to be fitted, drain maintenance experts in London are here to help.

Drain maintenance and cleaning experts can quickly and hygienically solve any drainage issue you may have. Services that they offer include:

• CCTV surveys and inspections
• Drain maintenance
• Root removal
• Drain liner fitting
• Excavation and replacement or pipes
• Drain jetting and blockage removal

Because of the frequency that drains in London get used and because of the hard water in the area the drains can build up a layer of scale that coats the internal diameter of the pipes. This scale, whilst harmless, can cause significant problems. Rough edges can occur inside the pipes where waste matter can collect and a blockage occur. The internal diameter of the pipe will also be decreased resulting in a potential blockage. Some drain maintenance companies also offer scale removal from pipes and use spinning cutters that when inserted into the pipe remove the scale so the bore of the pipe is returned to its original diameter.

Residents in Lossiemouth are being urged to help Scottish Water’s bid to stop flooding in the region by being asked to take care what they put into their drainage systems.

The Moray town has seen a number of flooding incidents recently, all caused by blockages at the local pumping station. Most of these blockages are caused by residents putting the wrong things down their toilets. Baby wipes and other bathroom sanitary items are some of the things that have cause problems in the past, so Scottish Water are asking residents to bag these items and bin them so they don’t get into the sewage system.

When the pumping station does not work, waste backs up and ends up flooding out of street drains and directly into overflow outlets into the Moray Firth.

Scottish Water’s communities manager for Moray, Steve Scott, stated:

“Protecting the environment is of paramount importance to Scottish Water but we face a real battle thanks to the likes of the humble baby wipe. Along with kitchen wipes, nappies and other products they’re tougher than toilet paper and shouldn’t be flushed but bagged and binned instead. We’re doing our best to keep on top of the situation and I’m sure the people of Lossiemouth care about their environment and will do their bit to help.”