May’s not just about sunshine, spring blooms and the occasional bank holiday BBQ – it’s also prime time for drainage emergencies. That’s right, just as your garden’s bursting back to life, so are the roots, the rain, and the seasonal debris and rubbish in your pipes.
So in the spirit of the season (and emergency distress calls), we’re sounding the alarm on the most common drain emergencies we get called out for in May – and what you can do yourselves before it’s time to shout “Mayday!”
Tree Roots Attacking your Pipes
Spring’s surge in plant growth doesn’t stop at the soil. Tree and shrub roots go on the hunt for water – and your lovely moist drainage pipes are top of their hit list. Once inside, they can cause serious blockages and crack the pipework.
What to look out for:
- Slow draining sinks or toilets
- Gurgling (from plugholes, not the after effects of too much BBQ)
- Water pooling in the garden (aka your own personal swamp)
Quick tip: If your home has older clay pipes or you’ve got trees near your drains, a CCTV drain survey can spot root invasion early before it escalates into a full blown disaster.
Garden Gunk In Your Outdoor Drains
Mowing the lawn, planting new beds, jet washing the patio… May is peak time for well-meaning garden maintenance that accidentally sends mud, leaves and clippings down the drain. That garden waste can quickly clump up and block gullies or soakaways.
What to look out for:
- Slow drainage outside
- Overflowing drain covers
- Smelly puddles by your back door
Quick tip: Sweep garden debris away from drains and cover gullies with mesh if you’re working nearby.
Spring Rain Overload
We might be done with frost, but now it’s torrential showers that can overload your drainage system—especially if gutters, downpipes and outside drains haven’t had a clear-out.
What to look out for:
- Gutters spilling over
- Flooding near patios
- Overflow pipes trickling non-stop
Quick tip: Clear gutters and check your yard drains before heavy rain hits. It’s like putting up a brolly before the storm, not after it. (Sensible really…)
Smelly Drains, Sinks and Showers
As the temperature rises, any leftover gunk in your pipes starts to… let’s say ‘express itself’. Unused guest bathrooms or kitchen waste traps can dry out and start to pong! (Very unpleasant stuff, especially if you’ve invited the neighbours over for a BBQ)
What to look out for:
- Eggy smells
- Whiffs near plugholes
- Bad air rising when you flush
Quick tip: Run water through little-used sinks and pour a mix of hot water, bicarb and vinegar down drains to freshen things up.
Don’t Wait for a Full-Blown Mayday Moment
Spot a problem early and it’s a quick fix. Wait until the garden floods, the bathroom backs up, or your house smells like a swamp monster’s man cave —and it’s a full-scale emergency.
Got a Drainage Distress Call?
If your drains are sounding the alarm, Don’t Panic! At Happy Drains we’re ready with fast fixes, clever CCTV Drain Surveys, and no-fuss, no-mess solutions that get things flowing again.
Call 0788 254 933 / 0800 8498 099
Final Thought…….
We understand that drainage emergencies don’t take holidays. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency services, including over bank holiday weekends. Our commitment to prompt and professional service ensures that even during holidays, your drainage issues are addressed swiftly and efficiently. Here’s what our Happy customers think about us.
“We had a drain which had got progressively blocked over a week, with a complete blockage over the weekend. Found Happy Drains via a Google search and on the Sunday morning, requested a booking for the Monday via their online form. Monday morning I get a call from their office to book the job in, 30mins later they arrive and have the problem sorted and advise me how best to avoid the same problem in the future. Very good service, would recommend.”
“Cleared a blocked garden drain over bank holiday weekend on same day call out. Amazing!”
So, If you find yourself facing a drainage emergency over a bank holiday weekend, don’t hesitate to contact us. A swift response and professional service is just a call away. Now, go and enjoy another sausage and make the most of the sunshine while it lasts.
All the Best, David & Will
