Author: BDS One base Media

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Got an old house? Thinking of making a few friendly home improvements?

One of the biggest obstacles when renovating, especially when extending or knocking down walls, is the plumbing.

In an old house, a few renovations may also reveal plumbing problems you never knew existed.

As the years have gone by, many previous plumbing practices have become outdated due to being less reliable (and in some cases less safe!).

Renovating could be a chance to replace some of this prehistoric plumbing, saving you the hassle in the future.

Here are five of the main problems worth looking out for.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

PB Pipes

Between 1978 and 1995, a new material known as polybutylene started taking households by storm. It was heralded as the pipe of the future, being extremely cheap to make and install.

However, the hype didn’t last long as thousands of pipes suddenly started to bursting. It’s believed that chlorine in public water was reacting with the pipe and making it brittle. The material is no longer used, but there are many homes that still contain it.

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Need help with plumbing problems? Speak to an expert now:

08081 689 112

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Outdated Metal Pipes

Many old metal materials used in piping have since become outdated. The most notorious, found in buildings constructed before 1970, is lead.

Having found to be extremely poisonous, it’s worth getting lead piping removed straight away – tiny flakes could be coming off and poisoning the water supply. The material has been banned, and whilst it has been removed from most homes, some properties may still contain it.

Galvanised steel piping has similarly not been used since the 70s. This is not due to health dangers, but simply due to the fact that it easily corrodes.

This can have one of two results, either springing leaks by eating away at the pipe or causing rust deposits which block the pipe and reduce the water pressure.

Old iron piping can have the same effect. In such cases, getting this removed and replaced with copper or plastic could be beneficial.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Old Plumbing Fixtures

All fixtures have a set lifespan after which they start to wear away. This depends on the material and type of fixture.

Copper pipes can last for up to 80 years, whilst PEX pipes can corrode after 40 years. Some water heaters may need to be replaced within 10 years, whilst sinks and toilets may be capable of lasting up to a century (although it’s unlikely people will keep onto such units for as long).

If you suspect a pipe or other fixture to be old, it could be worth looking into its lifespan – a replacement could be in order.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Incorrect Water Heater Replacement

A dodgy water heater is a serious concern. It could burst and overflow the house, soaking electrical cables and causing electric shock and fire risks. It may even be leaking carbon dioxide.

Common installation errors to look out for include no TRP valve drain pipe, no catch pan, unprotected electrical cables and inaccessible circuit breakers.

It’s worth getting someone to look at your water heater to check that it is safe and fully working. Water heaters should ideally be replaced every 10 to 20 years, but there are some homeowners who may be operating on ones much older, potentially installed by a DIYer or a plumber back when water heaters laws weren’t so stringent.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Dodgy DIY Repairs

There are plenty of dodgy DIY repairs that can cause havoc on your home. They may likely have been from previous homeowners. As a rule, fewer of us partake in DIY tasks nowadays than in previous years when it was commonplace. This isn’t to say that generations past were always better at DIY – in fact DIY piping disasters may be more common in older homes.

You should look out for oddly mismatched piping materials, traps installed backwards and amateurish attempts to secure pipes with rope or duct tape – all this is clear signs of a dodgy DIY job from a previous owner.

Get a professional to fix up this piping so that you know it’s going to last. It’s likely you’ll already be getting odd noises and pressure problems from these plumbing blunders.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are experiencing plumbing problems and you’re in need of professional plumbing services or drain unblocking services, call BDS Drainage at 08081 689 112 (CLICK TO CALL) and our plumbers will fix that problem in no time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Handyman services aren’t difficult to find, but how do you know you’re getting the best service for your money?

When it comes to plumbers, there are some notable examples to avoid.

This may include the daylight-robber who turns up in a sports car and charges hundreds for opening your main shut off valve.

And then, of course, there’s the dishevelled cowboy plumber who charges a bargain rate but leaves behind an unfinished botch job, driving away with your money never to be seen again.

Fortunately, most plumbing companies are run by decent tradespeople dedicated to solving your problems and delivering efficient service.

However, it’s worth looking out for specific signs to ensure you’re choosing a proficient and credible service and not someone whose only interest is to rip you off.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Do They Have a Website?

A website can often be a good sign for many reasons. It can show that a plumbing company is established and credible, and not some crook who is about to run off with your money. It can also often provide extra information on what services they provide, how long they’ve been established and which areas they cover, all of which you can use to determine if they’re the right company for you.

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Need a trusted plumber? Speak to an expert now:

08081 689 112

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Look Out for Trader Schemes

Trader schemes can show that a plumber is more trustworthy as it shows their work has been screened by a professional body in order to meet certain standards. TrustMark is one such scheme to look out for. You can also search for plumbers approved by your water company at WaterSafe. A Work Completed Certificate should be given to you as a contract to legally protect you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Read Reviews and Testimonials

You may be able to look up reviews of local plumbers on sites such as RatedPeople. Plumbers may also have testimonials on their website from previous clients, which shows proof of good service. These are worth researching into.

Some companies may be able to give references on request if you can’t find any sign of reviews or testimonials.

If the plumbing company has a social media page this may also allow you to see how credible they are through followers and comments. Facebook has recently introduced reviews on business pages, although these aren’t always enabled by the page owner.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Personal Recommendations Can Be a Good Sign

The web needn’t be the only place to look for recommendations. If a friend or family member can suggest a local plumber that they’ve used and had good results from, this could be advice worth taking.

Meanwhile, if you’re having other work done to your house and other handyman services are getting involved, it could be worth asking these tradespeople if they can recommend anyone.

Builders, electricians and surveyors may be able to recommend a plumber that they’ve worked with in the past. Online testimonials and reviews can sometimes be faked after all (very rare and generally on small company websites), so you know you’re getting a real endorsement if it’s coming out of someone else’s mouth.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Get a Detailed Quote (and don’t pay until it’s done)

Before committing with any plumbing company, you should always first get a quote so that you know exactly how much you’re paying. If they can provide a breakdown of the pricing this could might prove even more beneficial.

Some companies can provide quotes over the phone, but generally it’s worth having a handyman service come in and survey the problem first. Be aware that pricing isn’t everything to go by and a cheaper company may be offering less services.

If possible, don’t pay until the work is done. This will avoid you being caught out by a shady tradesman. You may have to pay a deposit or some payment towards materials – this is fair and covers them against clients that may pull out at the last minute or refuse to pay when the work is done.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Do They Offer Any Guarantees?

Various incentives can be worth looking out for. This may include a discount price, a free quote or a guarantee.

Offering to pay your money back if something goes wrong within a set period is generally the perfect sign of a credible company – they’re dedicated to doing the best job possible and aren’t about to run off to Spain.

Some companies will even have a penalty clause that means that they will take off money if the work overruns.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are experiencing plumbing problems and you’re in need of professional plumbing services or drain unblocking services, call BDS Drainage at 08081 689 112 (CLICK TO CALL) and our plumbers will fix that problem in no time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Noisy water pipes can be a nuisance, disturbing the peace in your home.

Quite often they may also be signs of plumbing problems waiting to be fixed.

Here are just a few reasons why your pipes might be whining and groaning and how you can hush them up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Noisy Water Pipes – Worn Washers and Valves

Washers and valves will naturally get worn over time. Sometimes even a loose screw can be the cause. This can often be the source of squealing and may involve a simple replacement. Sourcing the noise isn’t always easy, especially if it’s coming from within a wall. A common place for wear and tear is the connection to the washing machine. This could be a damaged hose or possibly a cracked washer in the faucet – turn off the house water first and then repair.

The main house valve can also sometimes be a culprit to look out for. Turn off the water at the street valve first before tackling this. Replacing it or repairing may require a professional.

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Need help with noisy water pipes? Speak to an expert now:

08081 689 112

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Noisy Water Pipes – Loose Pipes

Subsidence and weathering can sometimes push certain pipes out of joint, particularly underground pipes or exterior pipes running down the wall. They may still be working perfectly, but due to being pushed a little out of line could be rattling against their supports.

Make sure that they’re securely fitted back to their joists so that there’s no more movement – this will stop the rattling and prevent pipes from moving any further out of line and causing more major damage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Noisy Water Pipes – Water Hammer

When we shut off a faucet, water is still rushing through the pipes at a fast rate. An air chamber (or antihammer) is needed to stop that water ramming against the closed faucet and rattling (and potentially rupturing) the pipes. The water goes into the air chamber where it is cushioned by air that is trapped there. Over time, these air chambers can start to fail by losing air and so the water has nothing to cushion it, creating a thudding or chattering sound known as ‘water hammer’.

This may involve draining the entire house in order to restore air flow back into these chambers. Alternatively, you could get the air chambers replaced with modern commercial antihammers that are less likely to fail. These modern chambers use a t-fitting and sometimes a spirally wound coil of copper tubing that helps to contain air. Antihammers leading from washing machines and dishwashers are some of the most common to need fixing, where the water pressure is likely to be highest.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Noisy Water Pipes – Damaged Water Pressure Regulator

Many houses have water pressure regulators fitted, either to increase or decrease the flow of water if the pressure is naturally too low or high. The pressure monitor may have a crack in the manifold that could be causing a howling noise. Repairing or replacing this water pressure regulator could be the answer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Noisy Water Pipes – Toilet Problems

Many people may experience noisy toilets, especially when the tank is refilling after flushing. This can be due to a variety of reasons, the most common being a faulty ballcock mechanism. Take the lid of your toilet’s tank whilst it’s flushing and determine whether the whistling stops after the tank has refilled – if it does then you know it’s the ballcock to blame! Whilst ballcock valves can be repaired, it may often be easier to replace the whole mechanism.

If there’s a hissing that continues after the tank has refilled, you may be dealing with an overflow problem. Check if the water is flowing into the overflow pipe. If it is, you may have to adjust the ballcock mechanism (usually bending the float arm slightly downward will do it).
Faucet problems may also be a problem on a toilet if the source of the noise isn’t coming from the tank. Again, it may be something as simple as a loose screw or worn washer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are experiencing plumbing problems and you’re in need of professional plumbing services or drain unblocking services, call BDS Drainage at 08081 689 112 (CLICK TO CALL) and our plumbers will fix that problem in no time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Plumbing can be such a boring thing, however it only takes that one unique individual to have a brain wave to make something so ordinary, into something uniquely creative.

No matter if you have awkwardly designed plumbing in your home, or you want to add a steampunk or quirky design to your home, by installing and finding new uses for pipes in your home, we are sure we can find you some inspiration.

Below, we have selected the top 8 pictures displaying creative plumbing designs from both Pinterest & Instagram.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Santa Cruz Pier

If you are planning to visit the Santa Cruz Pier, then be sure to keep your eyes open for this fantastic creative design plumbing! The artistic level of quality that has been put into providing this plumbing pipe with a creative solution is stunning.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6580″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Bathroom Towel Rails

Do you have a weird plumbing design in your bathroom or are you looking for a new storage solution for the toilets?

We adore this creative plumbing idea of using pipework as a storage method for bath towels and toilet rolls!

If you like this idea too, why not get some pipe, fix it all together in a design you like and attach it to the walls in your bathroom?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6582″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Pipe Wine Rack

Whether you have a plumbing system that can perfectly hold your bottles of wine, or you fancy attaching some metal pipe plumbing fixtures in your home to make a quirky wine bottle holder, either way we love this idea.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6584″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Super Mario Bros.

Are you or your children massive fans of Super Mario?

Why not give that plumbing work a lick of paint and add some Mario figurines?

Even if you are not a fan of Mario, simply giving your drainage pipes a coat of paint can really brighten up the room.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6586″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Creative Bathroom Plumbing

We can’t get over how creative and stylish this bathroom plumbing looks, which the shiny zig-zag pipe above the toilet and the symmetrical pipes above the sink.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6588″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Wardrobe Storage Ideas

Have you recently moved to a house where you have some ugly looking plumbing going through your bedroom that you don’t know how to disguise?

No need to despair, as you could use it as a clothes rail to hang your clothes off of, or even spread a plank of wood across it (obviously, don’t put any nails into the pipework) and use it as a shelf.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6590″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Pipe Bookshelf

If you are an avid book reader, who is running out of places to store your books, then why not try setting them up on top of your house plumbing pipes, like in this picture?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”6592″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Artistic Plumbing

If you are handy with a paintbrush or a can of spray paint, why not take some inspiration from this artistic plumbing solution and turn that annoying piece of home plumbing into something cool or funny?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are experiencing plumbing problems and you’re in need of professional plumbing services or drain unblocking services, call BDS Drainage at 08081 689 112 (CLICK TO CALL) and our plumbers will fix that problem in no time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Summer has finally arrived, which means that homeowners have yet another enjoyable activity to look out for… summer plumbing problems.

Summer is meant to be a time for relaxing, so let BDS put your mind at ease with our summer plumbing tips on a list of plumbing problems and how to fix them, to help make your weekends a bit more relaxing and enjoyable.

Top 5 plumbing problems in summer:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

1. Clogged Toilets

Whether you are having BBQs and guests over, or you have your children home during the summer, your toilets are going to be used more often, which means the likelihood of experiencing blocked toilets is high.

To avoid children and teenagers from blocking your toilet, why not create some signs about what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet, while also leaving a small bin in the bathroom for anything that needs to be thrown away.

Meanwhile, with young children, it is always useful teaching them how much toilet tissue is okay to use, otherwise if they use too much then this could cause a toilet blockage.

Additionally, keep a plunger in the bathroom in case you come across any problems in plumbing.

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Need help with plumbing? Speak to an expert now:

08081 689 112

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2. Damaged Sprinkler Heads

When mowing those luscious green lawns, please be sure to check for sprinkler heads that could get damaged in the grass.

Not only would this mean that you would need to buy a new water sprinkler system, but if you have a broken sprinkler head and you don’t realise, this could also mean that you will both be wasting water and that your grass could die.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

3. Clogged Drain – Slow Shower Drainage

From sand brought into your house from the beach, to loose hair, you may experience slow shower drainage particularly in the summer months. To avoid a flooding from the shower, it is important to regularly clear away any built up hair and dirt from the shower drain.

Also, if you’ve gone to the beach, make sure any bikinis and swimming suits are taken off before getting into the shower, so that any sand can go on the floor and be easily swept up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

4. Washing Machine Problems

Your washing machine load is bound to build up during summer, especially if you have children home for the summer holidays, which means your washing machine is going to be used a lot more than usual.

Therefore, disappointingly there is a high chance of you experiencing problems with your washing machine.

One problem to try and avoid, is your washing machine hose leaking. To avoid any floods, be sure to check your washing machine hose.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

5. Clogged Pipes

Our summer drainage problems also include root blockages.

During the summer periods, trees grow at a quicker rate compared to the winter months, meaning that this is the ideal time for their roots to grow, causing tree root blockages in our drains and sewers, which calls for the need of drain clearance services.

Firstly, to avoid this problem don’t plant any trees near your home or drainage system.

Meanwhile, constant summer showers and storms could access the sewer along with loose dirt should there be any cracks, which could potentially cause blocked up sewers and backed up sewers.

Regular drain cleaning services and CCTV drainage checks can also ensure you don’t run into any drain problems.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are experiencing plumbing problems this summer, then why not give BDS Drainage a call today at 07597939206.

We offer 24/7 plumbing support, emergency plumbing and emergency repair services; our emergency plumbers will be more than happy to solve those household summer plumbing problems for you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Drainage systems are something that we have become heavily reliant on.

Not only is it something that we have been dependant on in our everyday lives, but it is something that we have grown up with.

As soon as something goes wrong with our drainage system, we panic and half the time, don’t know the first thing we should do to solve the problem. I doubt the majority of us think twice about where the drain water goes, what happens in the toilet system when we flush the loo or where that grubby water goes when we pull the plug from the bath or sink.

It is time to open our eyes to the drainage system and to learn its fascinating history.

Read on to find out the history of drainage systems.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The First Flushing Toilet

It was in the 16th century that the flushing toilet was invented through a design made by Sir John Harrington.

However, it wasn’t until 200 years later that the patented bowl was then created.

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Need help unblocking your drain? Speak to an expert now:

08081 689 112

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How Sewer Systems Started

It was during 1858 – the year of The Great Stink, where the smell of the untreated human waste reached unimaginable heights during the hot weather – that Parliament agreed to install a London sewage system despite the great expense of the project.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

When was the London Sewage System Built?

The majority of London had an underground sewage system running through it in by 1866.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Who Built London Sewers?

When Parliament realised that sever action needed to take place to remove the smell of human waste, Joseph Bazalgette who was the top engineer (both a civil engineer and a chief engineer), had a meeting to discuss plans for an underground sewer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

When did Bazalgette Build the Sewers?

Bazalgette designed the London drainage system, which were then starting to be built in 1859.

Work for the London drainage was then pretty much complete in 1868.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

How Long did London Sewers Take to Build?

Bazalgette and his team of engineers built a 82 mile long sewer, which ran alongside the River Thames, along with 1,100 miles of sewers that ran along the streets.

It took 318 million bricks to build the underground system for our drainage. Meanwhile, over 2.5 million cubic meters of earth was dug up in the process.

In total, the sewers cost £4.2 million and it took about eight years to build.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

When was the First Sewer System Invented?

During the 19th century, the River Thames acted like an open sewer. During 1865, there were suggestions made about modernising the current sewerage system, however, due to lack of money, these ideas were put on hold.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Drainage Services Today

Today, the biggest problems we have to worry about is blocked drains and ensuring we only flush away items that have been approved for flushing.

The London sewer system has experienced many fatbergs, one of the biggest being in 2013 with the fatberg being the size of a bus blocking the sewers, built up of fat and oils being washed down the sink, along with wet wipes, condoms, food and many more items.

If you are experiencing a blocked drain, why not give BDS Drainage a call today on 07597939206 and our emergency plumbers will take care of all your clogged drain problems, providing you with professional drainage solutions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When you experience blocked drains, your first idea would be to use a drain cleaner, but is this the right idea?

There have been debates and theories about whether drain cleaners actually create more harm to the environment and drainage system rather than helping to assist and remove the drainage block, like they originally suggest.

To help bring light to the matter we have done our research and have written down all of the information you need to know about chemical drain cleaners.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Work?

From the shop’s own brand, to the highly rated and advertised brands, there are plenty of chemical drainage cleaner options to choose from, but should they really be your first choice when you come across a blocked drain?

If you ask around different plumbing companies, they will generally vote against the use of do it yourself drain cleaners. This is not because the plumbers want you to spend money on them, but due to the fact that the drain cleaner chemicals can cause more problems than you probably realise, which ultimately means you will be spending more money and it will take more time to fix the problem.

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Need help unblocking your drain? Speak to an expert now:

08081 689 112

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Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes?

While the damage might not be noticeable straight away, the use of drain cleaner chemicals over time will gradually build up causing problems.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Will Chemical Drain Cleaner Dissolve Plastic?

Many people ask the question “will drain cleaner damage pipes?”

In some cases drain cleaner liquid can melt plastic drainage pipes. Meanwhile, metal pipes can gradually corrode with the constant use of chemical drain cleaner.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Can Chemical Drain Cleaner be Used in Toilets?

Another common question we get asked is “can you use drain cleaner in a toilet?”

You should never attempt to fix a toilet blockage with a drain cleaner unblocker due to a number of reasons.

Not only can the chemicals last in the toilet tank for long after the liquid drain cleaner was used, but the chemicals can attach themselves to the porcelain, which can cause it to heat up and crack.

Meanwhile, the process of flushing the toilet can cause the liquid chemical drain cleaners to splash up at you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Chemical Drain Cleaner Fumes

Another problem that you can come across when using a chemical drain cleaner, is that being around or inhaling drain cleaner fumes can irritate your nose and eyes.

Chemical drain cleaner fumes are not healthy to breathe in and they linger for a while around the location where the cleaner was used.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Chemical Drain Cleaners are Harmful to the Environment

The chemicals contained in drain cleaners are also harmful to the environment and are capable of poisoning the wildlife.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The Root Cause of the Problem

Before you go and buy a chemical drain cleaner, are you sure you are even experiencing a clogged drain? The reason for your drainage issue could ultimately be due to the drainage pipe being damaged.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What to do if Chemical Drain Cleaner Doesn’t Work

When chemical drain cleaners don’t work, there is no need to panic, you can still try a homemade sink unblocker.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If everything else fails, and your drains are still blocked, why not give us a call today on 08081 689 112 (FREE phone – CLICK TO CALL).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Are you 100% sure you know what you can and can’t flush away?

In our daily lives, we don’t take much notice of what we wash down the plug hole or flush down the toilet. However, due to the importance of the topic on sewer blockages and pipe blockages, we have created this post in order to help our customers avoid future blockages in their household.

There are many campaigns going around, here are a few that you may have heard of:

• Bin it don’t flush it
• Bin it don’t block it
• Bag it and bit it

The problem is, with us not knowing the dos and don’ts of what we can and can’t flush away, or simply being too lazy and not taking the extra care and time that we could, sewage and pipe blockages are becoming a bigger and bigger problem.

Each and every year there are 6.7 million drain blockages and that is only in the UK!

It is important to remind ourselves that by simply changing our actions, this figure could go down.

What Not To Wash Down Your Kitchen Sink

• Fat
• Oil
• Grease

While in a hot liquid form these may not seem all that harmful, when they have cooled down they solidify and attach themselves to the pipework. This leads on to objects that get washed down the toilet and sink, attaching themselves to the fats and grease creating a bigger and bigger blockage, which eventually stops the flow of sewage.

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Need help unblocking your drain? Speak to an expert now:

08081 689 112

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If you are unsure of how to store this liquid, then collect it up in a container, so that later on you can put it in a food bag.

What Not To Flush Down the Toilet

We all know that the three things that can be flushed down the toilet is pee, poo and toilet paper.

Meanwhile, here is a list of the main objects that you should avoid flushing down the toilet:

• Toys
• Food
• Nappies
• Sanitary items
• Cotton wool
• Wet wipes
• Kitchen roll

Many people are probably wondering “can you flush baby wipes?” but even wet wipes that are apparently flushable, should not be flushed down the toilet due to them taking years to break down.

Save Money

By simply putting a bin in the bathroom and having a food bin set up in your kitchen, can help prevent you from flushing non-flushable items while also making your life a lot easier.
Another advantage of doing this, is that it is a great way to save money since you are avoiding the risk of a blockage – it could cost as much as £200 to get a plumber to unclog your pipes.

Environmentally Friendly

Remind yourself of the good you are doing by helping the environment. Putting the right waste in the right place helps to lessen the chances of sewage blockages, therefore helping to avoid water pollution. This not only makes your life easier, but also the plumbers lives. Together we can create a clean and tidy environment for the future generations.
Help us avoid environment abuse.

Nothing is more annoying than finding split pipes, which is why we are here with our tips to prevent frozen pipes.

December is such a costly time with Christmas and heating bills, that having to pay out for plumbers to fix you pipe work is the last thing you need.

Check Those Leaky Pipes

Before the weather turns too cold, it is important to go round checking for damaged or leaking pipes:

• Outside pipes
• Pipes in the garage
• Pipes in the attic
• Pipes from sinks that lead outside

All of these pipes run the easy risk of freezing in the chilly weather, which is why you need to check them all to prevent frozen pipes in winter.

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Need help with frozen pipes? Speak to an expert now:

08081 689 112

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Frozen Pipes Burst

When your water pipes get cold, any water inside of them will freeze and expand, running the risk of breaking your pipe or splitting it. This can lead onto flooding and water damage to your property. Get creative with DIY to prevent frozen pipes.

Insulating Your Pipes

There are a number of methods to prevent frozen water pipes when preparing for winter.

Foam insulation

Using foam insulation is one of the most well-known ways to help insulate your pipes, along with being one of the quickest and easiest methods.

Heating tape

Electrical heating cable or heating tape, can be extremely beneficial for preventing frozen pipes, in particular, water pipes and pipes outside your house. Heating tape will work on both plastic pipes and metal pipes.

Keep the doors open

It is important to get the air circulating around the house, as this helps to prevent frozen pipes at home that are tucked away.

Whether the pipes are enclosed in a cupboard under the sink, or hidden behind doors under the stairs, keep the doors open so that the pipes can also benefit from the warm air.

Drain water

It is important to remember to drain the water from any garden equipment such as the garden hose, water sprinkler, even the swimming pool.

The problem with water, is when it freezes it will expand and is likely to damage items like hoses, meaning that you will have to buy one the following year. Save yourself the money, drain the water from these items and properly store them away for the sunny weather the following year.

Heating system

While this may be a costly solution, keeping your heating on during the day and at night, (even if you are away) will help to avoid your pipes from freezing. If they were to freeze and burst, then you could risk coming home to a water damaged property.

Regular Check

It is important to maintain a regular pipe check routine to ensure you don’t encounter any unexpected and costly problems in the future.

Despite insulating your pipes, there is still always the risk that they could freeze up.