FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
As the weather drops and winter creeps up on us, it comes with a host of seasonal challenges. Among these is the risk of clogged drains which can lead to frustrating and potentially costly problems.
To keep your drains functioning smoothly and avoid unwanted surprises, drainage and pump specialists, Metro Rod have created a handy “5 essential drain checks” guide. Download the guide here.
What are the top 5 things you can do in your business to prevent drainage issues?
- Avoid Grease and Oil Disposal
One of the most common culprits of clogged drains is the disposal of grease and oil down the sink. When grease or oil is poured down the drain, it can solidify and create blockages as it cools. To prevent this, all commercial kitchens should have a grease trap or grease recovery unit installed.
- Use Drain Guards
Winter can bring more debris to the drains that surround your business property, from fallen leaves to snow and ice, and silt which washes into the drain during heavy rainfall. There are several devices available to prevent these issues such as drain guards which can prevent fallen leaves from entering the drains. Drain interceptors, or petrol/oil interceptors, are another type of device ideal for preventing drainage issues. They work to capture contaminants, like oil, petrol and silt, that wash into the drain and prevent them from following through into surface water sewers.
- Clear the Gutters
The fallen leaves we see as the seasons change might look pretty but they can collect in your gutters and block the path for water to flow through. If left unchecked, heavy rainfall can quickly collect causing the gutter to break, and water the overflow.
- Prevent Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can lead to serious issues such as burst pipes. To prevent your pipes from freezing, ensure they are properly insulated. Use pipe insulation or wrap pipes in heat tape, especially those in unheated areas like basements.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance
Winter is an excellent time to schedule a professional drain inspection. Using a CCTV drain survey a drainage engineer can check for potential issues such as early signs of broken pipes or clogged drains and address them before they become major problems. Regular maintenance and cleaning of sewage pump stations, interceptors, grease traps and other drainage devices can also help keep the system running smoothly and reduce emergency call-outs.
Following these tips can help keep your drains out of sight and out of mind this winter, and Metro Rod are here to help 24/7/365 with over 500 drainage engineers across the UK. No matter where you are, or the time of day we’re never more than an hour’s drive away and have a local, specially trained engineer ready to help.
Have a drainage issue? Contact Metro Rod on 0800 66 88 00 or visit www.metrorod.co.uk.
