Poor drainage can lead to flooding, bad smells, cracked foundations, or damage to your homes structure. For that, DMI Draincare & Groundworks often is called in after major damage has already happened. But most issues could be avoided early on with the right approach.
Here are the top drainage mistakes homeowners make, and how to fix them before its too late.
1. Ignoring Slow-Draining Sinks or Gurgling Toilets
A slow drain or noisy pipe is often the first warning sign of a blocked drain. Many homeowners delay fixing it, thinking it will clear on its own. It rarely does.
What to do:
Call for a professional drain unblocking before the problem turns into an overflow or a pipe burst. We use high-pressure jetting to clear blockages fast and safely.
2. Pouring Grease, Oil, or Fat Down the Sink
It might seem harmless, but over time, cooking fats harden and stick to your pipes. This leads to fatbergs, pipe blockages, and bad smells.
Fix:
Always pour cooled grease into a container and bin it. If damage is already done, we offer CCTV drain surveys to assess the system and recommend cleaning or repair.
3. Flushing the Wrong Things Down the Toilet
Wipes, nappies, sanitary products, and even flushable wipes are a leading cause of drain blockages. They don’t break down and will cause a clog.
Prevention:
Flush only toilet paper. If your toilet gurgles or drains slowly, contact us for expert drain unblocking.
4. Overlooking Outdoor Drainage
Leaves, moss, and debris can clog gullies and ACO channels around your home. If left blocked, water will back up and soak into walls or your foundation.
What to do:
Clear leaves and debris regularly. If pooling or flooding persists, we offer drainage system upgrades and groundworks for permanent solutions.
5. Not Maintaining Soakaways
Many homes in Selby, Goole, and rural Yorkshire use soakaways to disperse surface water. But if your soakaway is blocked or poorly installed, water won’t drain it’ll sit and flood the area.
Fix:
We can inspect and clear or replace your soakaway using modern crate systems. We also repair failed systems as part of our drain repairs.
6. DIY Fixes Without Knowing the Cause
Using chemicals or rods might shift a minor blockage or make it worse. Without seeing whats happening below ground, you are working blind.
What to do:
Book a CCTV drain inspection. We’ll locate the issue and advise the safest and most cost-effective fix, no guesswork.
7. Ignoring Foundation Drainage
Bad drainage doesn’t just affect pipes. It can lead to ground movement, cracked patios, or sinking driveways.
Prevent damage:
We provide full groundworks and drainage solutions to manage surface water and protect your homes structure.
Why Trust DMI Draincare?
We are a local Yorkshire-based team, not a national call centre. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners avoid costly repairs by solving drainage issues early.
- 5-star Google reviews
- No hidden fees
- Free quotes
- Honest advice
- Friendly, fast service
We work across Selby, Goole, York, Harrogate and all surrounding areas.
Speak to a Drainage Specialist Today
Worried about your drains or seeing signs of a problem? We’ll visit your home, assess the issue, and give you a free, no-pressure quote.
Call Us:
Office 01757 429296
Out of Hours 07947978854
Email:
info@dmidraincareandgroundworks.co.uk
FAQ: Drainage Mistakes
1. Can I use supermarket drain unblockers?
These are often harsh and only treat surface-level clogs. For deeper blockages, they can do more harm than good.
2. How do I know if my soakaway has failed?
If water pools around the drain after rain or the area remains soggy, your soakaway may be blocked or collapsed. We offer inspections and repairs.
3. Can you check my whole system for peace of mind?
Yes. Our CCTV drain surveys provide a full overview of your pipework and highlight any issues.
