Blocked drains can cause a range of problems. From unpleasant and lingering odours to slow-draining water, you want to get the blockage cleared as soon as you can. But, the one thing that many property owners are confused about is knowing whether a blocked drain is their responsibility. In Some circumstances, it will be up to you to sort out the problem. But, there will also be situations where you will have to contact an authority to deal with the issue. Let’s take a closer look at how you can figure out whether a blocked drain in Essex is your responsibility.
Responsible For Your Owned Property
First, you should think about your property. If you own the house, you should know where your boundaries are. If the drain falls within this boundary, it is going to be your responsibility, and if there is a problem, it will be up to you to deal with it. Indeed, you will want to maintain the drains too.
Therefore, if you are not familiar with your property, you will want to get to know the boundaries from your title deeds. If there is a blockage, you will have to pay for this if it is your drain. Check out https://fsdrainage.com/drain-unblocking-services/essex/ if you do need help with a blocked drain in Essex. FS Drainage has a responsive and experienced team that can assist you with this issue.
You will find that most detached houses in Essex will have their own outside drains. If you are in a terraced house, this can still be the case. But, you could have a drain that you share with a neighbour. In this case, you will need to investigate whether this is a shared responsibility between the two homeowners.
Note that if a drain is outside of your boundary, this means that you are typically not going to be responsible for its maintenance. This will be the responsibility of a water authority or other company.
Inform for a Rented Property
If you are currently renting a property, most drains will not be something you have to worry about fixing yourself. In other words, if there is a problem, you should report this to the company you are renting from or the property owner. It will be their responsibility to sort out the drainage. Of course, this does not mean that you ignore a problem if it exists. The best thing you can do is report this issue as soon as possible.
In some cases, you might have to contribute to unblocking services if you rent a property. This will be when it is your fault that a drain has become blocked. For example, if you have been putting the wrong things down the toilet, a property owner could hold you responsible for the blockage. This is something to be wary of, and you should always be cautious of the things you put down drains. If you are reckless about this, you can end up paying the price.
Tips on How to Prevent a Blocked Drain
There are things you can do to prevent a blocked drain from happening again. These are easy adjustments you can make to your everyday life, and that will make a big difference. So, here are some tips you can follow.
Do Not Flush Items
Many people cause a blocked drain by flushing items that should not go down the toilet. For example, this can include sanitary items, wipes and nappies. These can get stuck in the system and lead to sewage flowing back into your home. Keep a bin in the bathroom to avoid flushing these items down the toilet.
Do Not Drain Away Oils and Fat
Are you guilty of pouring oils and fats down the drain after cooking? People choose to do this because they think of it as a liquid. But, when the oils and fat cool down, they solidify. This can mean that it sticks to the inside of pipes and causes a blockage. Over time, debris can get stuck to it, and eventually, no water can get through. The best thing to do is leave oils and fats to solidify and then put them in the bin.
Clear Leaves from Outside Drains
Remember that you need to take care of your drains outside too. This is particularly true after the winter months. For example, you will want to clear away leaves and debris that are lying around the drain. This prevents it from going down and causing an issue later on. What’s more, look out for roots or any other things that could cause an obstruction.
Avoid Using Strong Chemicals
Something else to be mindful of is what you are putting down drains in terms of chemicals. There are some products out there that claim they can help you keep your drains clear. But, they can contain strong and corrosive ingredients that can make matters worse. Avoid using products that claim they clear drains.
