Water Pressure Exposes Hidden Drainage Inefficiencies

Martin Read    22 June 2026

Increasing pressure on UK water resources is exposing hidden inefficiencies in commercial drainage systems, according to London Drainage Facilities (LDF). The specialist drainage and plumbing contractor estimates that only around 15% of its work currently relates to planned preventative maintenance, with the majority of jobs still triggered once a problem has already developed, leaving systems to run below their best for extended periods.

Why Water Pressure Is Building on Commercial Drainage

Longer, hotter spells are driving higher water use across commercial buildings, while heavy rainfall is becoming more frequent. Both trends are placing greater demand on drainage systems, particularly where maintenance schedules are limited. Projections suggest England could face a shortfall of close to five billion litres of water per day by 2050, adding further pressure on businesses to manage water use more carefully.

Warmer conditions can also speed up the build-up of fats, grease and debris within pipework, gradually restricting flow and reducing system performance. When heavy rainfall follows a dry spell, systems already under strain can struggle to cope, a combination LDF says is becoming more common.

In Their Words

“Water use is under greater scrutiny, particularly during periods of extreme weather,” said Lee Carlin, group CEO at LDF. “Drainage systems are often overlooked, yet they play an important role in how effectively water is managed within a building.”

“Water waste is not always visible, but it remains a cost,” Carlin added. “Without routine maintenance, businesses are effectively paying for inefficiency.”

For facilities managers already balancing sustainability targets and reporting requirements, the message from LDF is straightforward: a planned maintenance programme is one of the more direct ways to keep water use, and cost, under control.