Happy New Year everyone! Have a good Christmas? Great! Get some nice presents? Lovely! ….. Now, get back to work.
For Many, January 5th marked the first day back at work after the Christmas break. Alarms clocks go off, kettles boil, showers run a little longer than usual … and suddenly, nothing drains quite like it should. This year the return to routine has landed straight after snow and freezing temperatures across the UK. The roads already felt the impact, with the AA dubbing the first working Monday of January “Manic Monday” as they braced for a surge in breakdown call-outs.
And underground? Drains are feeling it too right? As drainage engineers, were always busy! There’s always a blocked drain or broken pipe somewhere that needs tending to. But after the initial cold snap has done its worst, it’s what comes afterwards that really keeps us on our toes.
The Cold Didn’t Break Your Drains – But The Thaw Did?
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is: “It was absolutely fine all through the cold weather.” That’s actually very common. Drains often survive freezing temperatures quietly. The real problems tend to appear when the ice starts to thaw. But when everyone goes back to work, school and daily routines suddenly surge – it really doesn’t help matters! Just like a car battery that fails the moment you turn the key, drains often fail the moment they’re asked to work properly again.
Common Cold Weather Call-outs
Blocked Drains caused by solidified fat, grease, and food waste. During Winter, fats, oils and grease harden much faster inside pipes.
Add to that:
- Less water flowing through drains over the holidays (especially commercial properties)
- Heavier, richer cooking
- Cold pipework slowing everything down
When households return to normal water use in January, those narrowed pipes simply cannot cope. Toilets slow down, sinks gurgle and outside drains suddenly overflow.
Other Winter problems that show up after the thaw.
While blockages are the most common issue, cold weather can also expose hidden weaknesses including:
- Cracked or collapsed pipes
Older Clay pipes are especially vulnerable. Water freezes, expands and widens existing cracks. And when the thaw comes, yep, those weakened sections are more prone to collapse.
- Frozen or blocked gullies
Leaves, debris, and ice combine to stop surface water draining away. This leads to puddles forming and localised flooding.
- Root ingress made worse
Frost damage can cause tiny entry points that tree roots are very happy to exploit once conditions improve.
Why January Can Feel Like “Drain Panic Season”
Much like “Manic Monday” on the Roads, January is when everything switches back on at once. Showers, washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, outdoor drains all working harder after weeks of lighter, less choreographed use. If your drainage system was already struggling, Winter simply finishes the job! That’s why so many calls to Happy Drains start with: “It’s only just started happening.” But in reality, the problem has been building for months.
What You Can Do Now
If you’ve noticed:
- Slow draining sink or bath
- Toilets that don’t flush cleanly
- Gurgling noises
- Smelly drains
- water pooling outside
Don’t ignore it and hope it improves. January blockages and drainage problems rarely fix themselves and early action usually prevents bigger, messier problems later on. A quick professional clear out or inspection now can save you from an emergency call-out when your pipes finally say enough’s enough!
Winter is hard on homes, and drains are no exception. Whether its the initial freeze or the thaw afterwards, the good news is most cold weather drainage issues are completely manageable when caught early. If your Drains are struggling to get back into routine, Happy Drains are here to help! Because January is tough enough as it is with out your drains refusing to clock in.
Happy New Year everyone!
Best,
David & Will