September rolls in, the nights draw closer and suddenly your driveway looks like it’s been carpeted by crispy golden leaves. Pretty? Yes. Harmless? Not quite. While they may make for a great Autumn photo, fallen leaves can cause big problems for your drains. Left unchecked they can cause blockages, flooding, and a whole load of stress you didn’t ask for.
At Happy Drains, we’ve seen it all. From gullies stuffed with soggy mulch to garden drains so packed with leaves they could start their own compost heap. So, before you let Autumn take over, here’s what you need to know about keeping your drains leaf-free.
Why Leaves Cause Drain Trouble
When leaves fall, they don’t just sit prettily on the ground. Rainwater washes them into gullies, gutters, and drains. Once there, they:
- Clump together forming a stubborn, soggy mat.
- Trap dirt, twigs, and litter to make a bigger blockage.
- Block rainwater flow, leading to surface water pooling, driveway floods, and even water creeping toward your home.
Think of it as your drains catching a bad cold – a stuffy nose means nothing gets through properly.
Simple Ways to Keep Leaves Out of Your Drains
You don’t need to wage war on Autumn, just take a few simple steps:
- Sweep regularly – Keep paths, patios and driveways leaf-free. A stiff bristled yard broom is worth its weight in gold!
- Check gullies and gutters – Don’t let leaves pile up around drain covers. If you see a leafy pile on your travels, give it the old toe-flick, your drains will thank you.
- Fit drain guards – Cheap mesh guards stop leaves sneaking in. Simple and effective!
- Dispose of leaves properly – Rake them for council collection in your garden waste bin (if you have one), add them to compost, or stick them in the boot and take them to the Garden Waste section of your local Recycling Centre.
Why It Matters
A blocked drain in Autumn doesn’t just mean a bit of standing water. If heavy rainfall comes (and it will!), those leaves can cause flooding around your property. In worst-case scenarios, water can back up and affect your home’s foundations. Prevention is always cheaper (and drier) than cure.
When To Call In The Experts
If you’ve done your sweeping but still find water pooling around your drains it might be more than just leaves. Silt, fat deposits, or broken pipes could be lurking beneath the surface. That’s where Happy Drains come in – we’ll clear blockages quickly, professionally, and always with a smile.
Don’t let falling leaves fall into your drains. A quick sweep today saves a flood tomorrow. But if Autumn has got the better of your pipes, just give Happy Drains a call – we’ll leaf your drains spotless!
Best David & Will