Can the Weather Affect My Drains?

The weather can have a serious impact on how well your drains perform, whether that’s your drains at home or on a commercial building you operate.

Ignoring seasonal issues can lead to much wider, more significant problems — and we aren’t just talking about heavy rainfall. At Power Rod, we have lots of experience helping both homeowners and businesses in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire to manage their drains, especially when the unpredictable British weather is working against you.

This month, we’re exploring how different weather can impact your drains and what to do. Remember, if you need a CCTV drain survey to discover the cause of any issues or a drain repair service, you can find out more by clicking the links to these services.

Wet and windy – Why rain and storms are the obvious culprit

Storms and heavy rainfall are some of the most common British weather, affecting your drainage system by overwhelming it. For homes and businesses, it’s important to maintain your drains to ensure they can cope with a torrential downpour.

As homeowners ourselves, we know how much you value your outdoor space, so when rain floods gardens and driveways, as well as causing water to back up into the house, it’s not pleasant. Regular drain cleaning to remove soil, leaves and other debris can help your drains to manage as much water as possible, protecting your foundations and external structures from long-term damage.

For businesses, the stakes are even higher, especially in high-traffic areas of London where overflowing drains can create a hazardous working environment as well as building damage. Blocked drains make matters worse, presenting hygiene and reputational risks for restaurants should foul water back up into the property.

Winter – The freeze and thaw cycle

Winter presents its own challenges, with water trapped in pipes freezing as the temperatures drop. Frozen water expands, cracking or bursting pipes, which is a real risk in older properties, such as listed buildings or Victorian terraces.

For businesses, the risk is that your day-to-day operations become crippled if drains are not adequately maintained and insulated. It’s costly because of the potential loss of business, but also because of the extensive repair work needed.

Summer – Drought and tree Root Damage

You might be surprised to learn that dry weather also impacts drains. Soil around pipes can contract during prolonged droughts, causing the pipe to shift or crack when not looked after. On top of this, tree roots spread further to find water during dry spells, meaning some trees, such as willows and poplars, can intrude on your drains causing structural damage and leaks.

If you’re a homeowner, you might see these issues in the form of slow-draining sinks or unpleasant smells in your drains. Tree root damage in particular needs a prompt resolution, sometimes requiring excavation.

If you run a business, any disruption can lead to expensive repairs and interruptions for your customers. With regular CCTV drain surveys, you can check on your drains if you have trees nearby.

Preparing for Flooding

Flooding can happen at any time of the year, but it’s most common in the autumn and winter months. According to a government report in 2023 from the UK Health Security Agency, flooding events are likely to become more frequent.

This means you need to ensure your drains are equipped to handle large volumes of water to avoid catastrophic damage.

Being proactive is crucial here, and that means utilising drain jetting to keep your drains in top condition, whether you’re a business or a homeowner. Proper maintenance and cleaning ensure a better capacity to handle sudden downpours.

At Power Rod, we also recommend installing flood prevention systems, such as sandbags or even sophisticated non-return valves, especially for flood-prone areas​.

How to Weatherproof Your Drains

• Regular Maintenance: Keeping your drains clear from leaves, debris and build-up is crucial to ensuring they can handle seasonal changes. Routine drain cleaning can help minimise issues caused by both heavy rain and freeze-thaw cycles.
• CCTV Drain Surveys: These are particularly useful for both homeowners who prefer a detailed understanding of their drainage systems, as well as facilities managers who must manage complex infrastructure​.
• Tree Root Control: If your property has trees nearby, you should consider a root-cutting service to prevent root intrusion from damaging your pipes​.
• Emergency Preparedness: Keeping a rapid-response team on standby, such as our dedicated emergency drainage professionals, ensures that whether you own a home or a business, you can get quick help during unexpected and tumultuous weather conditions.

Protecting Your Drains with Power Rod

At Power Rod, we offer expert drainage services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire to help prevent weather-related damage to your drains. Whether you’re a homeowner concerned about seasonal flooding or a business that needs to keep operations running smoothly, our team is equipped to handle all drainage issues.

Don’t wait until a storm hits – call us at Power Rod today to schedule a maintenance appointment or to discuss our rapid-response services.