Drains and Drainage problems

If you've got problems with your drains, from blocked drains to smelly drains it can be difficult to know where to start, especially if you're not insured. But fear not, we've run the gammut of blocked drains to collapsed drains and we've lived to tell the tail. We can help you avoid the pitfalls of getting ripped off and the problem recurring a few months later.

With an old house things tend to get worse rather than better and with a family that seems to use loo roll by the yard, they're only going to get worse quicker.

The first indication I had that there was a problem with the drains was a smell of poo coming through the kitchen window. On further investigation it my back garden was swimming with it. I would have spotted it earlier only the dog was helping himself to the evidence as a tasty mid morning treat.

Thankfully my drains are covered on my drainage policy, so I was able to get them fixed quite quickly. Sadly the problem reoccured 12 months later, only worse. We were able to get it fixed again only for them to block a month later. We had a bit of a debate with the insurance company as I argued that if the problem had been fixed properly in the first place then it wouldn't have blocked up so quickly. And they eventually gave in and fixed it.

It was only when we were getting the extension done that we were alerted to the extent of the problem, thanks to an eagle eyed builder. He was staggered that I hadn't been shown a copy of the video from the previous drainage engineers and recommended that I get it filmed. Sadly the drains were shot and a new set of drains had to be dug round three sides of the house. It was the week before Christmas and freezing cold, but the guys were brilliant. They just got on with it and fixed the problem. Highlighting that the people that had put the conservatory in 3 years previously had caused all sorts of problems for the drains with their poor workmanship. Their conservatory isn't up to much either, but is now fixed since I paid to have all the faults repaired properly. I don't wish to be sued but if you want to know who the rogue conservatory company is, please email me.

1. Make sure you've got a drainage policy, they only cost about £50 quid per year and as the average drainage claim is way about that, it's well worth the money. Check the small print to see how many claims a year you can have an to what limit. I've heard of people whose drains have been abandoned once the policy limit of £1000 has been met and they've had to find the extra £1000 to get them fixed.

2. Insist on a copy of the video of your drains, you'll need it if you want to make a claim for accidental damage on your house policy. Broken drains due to tree roots penetrating them are covered on some policies.

3. If you're hiring the drain company direct get some quotes, it's traditionally been a business where anyone can set themselves up and the last thing you want is a cowboy trashing through your drains. I'm very happy to recommend our guys, email me if you want their details. They cover drains in the Morecambe, Lancaster, Carnforth, Heysham, etc, areas.

Finally, prevention is better than cure, so try not to stick tissues, cotton wool and other materials designed to swell in water.