Blocked Drain? Ground Up To The Rescue

Blocked Drains, The Seemingly Simple Problem?

Residents in one of the ground-floor apartments reported slow-draining sinks and standing water outside the kitchen area. The issue was traced to the external kitchen gully drain, which had become blocked by a build-up of grease, food waste, and debris over time.

The gully drain is a crucial part of the property’s surface and wastewater drainage system, designed to collect kitchen wastewater and prevent it from entering open areas. A blockage in this area can cause wastewater to back up, potentially leading to flooding, foul odours, and long-term structural damage.

The Hidden Problems That Led To This:

Upon inspection, our drainage specialists identified the following issues:

• Severe blockage within the external kitchen gully caused by accumulated fats, oils, and grease (FOG).

• Poor water flow leading to pooling and minor surface flooding after rainfall.

• Insufficient gully maintenance schedule—no recent record of drain clearance or inspection.

• Potential risk to neighbouring apartments due to shared drainage connections.

The 4 Main Reasons That Proper Drainage Is Important:

Proper drainage plays a vital role in maintaining both the safety and hygiene of residential buildings:

• Prevents flooding: Ensures that wastewater and rainwater are efficiently carried away from the building structure.

• Protects property integrity: Prevents dampness, erosion, and damage to foundations and walls.

• Maintains hygiene: Reduces the risk of bacterial growth and pest infestations associated with stagnant water.

• Minimises health risks: Prevents foul odours and exposure to contaminated water.

Without effective drainage maintenance, small blockages can escalate into major flooding incidents that are costly to repair and disruptive to residents.

Our Intervention:

Our team carried out a comprehensive drain clearance and maintenance procedure, including:

1. Initial CCTV drain survey to locate the blockage and assess pipe condition.
2. High-pressure water jetting to break down and flush out grease, fat, and debris.
3. Cleaning and disinfection of the gully trap to eliminate odours and bacteria.
4. Inspection of connected lines to ensure no downstream blockages.
5. Reinforcement of the gully cover and sealing to prevent future ingress of debris.

Preventive Measures Implemented:

To ensure the problem does not recur, we implemented a series of preventive actions:

• Regular maintenance schedule: Bi-annual gully and drain inspection and cleaning.

• Resident education: Provided guidance to residents on proper kitchen waste disposal (e.g., avoiding pouring grease down sinks).

• Installation of a grease trap: To reduce build-up within the drainage system.

• Record-keeping system: Maintenance logs now kept for all drainage-related work.