Summer Drainage Problems: What You Need to Know

As the temperatures rise and we embrace the sunshine, most of us look forward to longer days in the garden, BBQs with friends, and spending time outdoors. But summer, while generally welcome, can also be a hidden threat to your home’s drain plumbing. At JSL Drainage, a trusted name in drain repairs in Glasgow, we often see an increase in calls related to summer drainage problems during warmer months. Summer presents unique challenges for your drainage system, from strange smells to sudden blockages.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about managing summer drainage issues, answer the most common seasonal questions we receive, and offer tips for keeping your home’s drainage pipes in perfect working order.

Why Summer Causes More Drainage Problems?

It’s not just your flowers that thrive in the heat; unfortunately, so do bacteria, root systems, and foul smells. Here’s why the warmer season can wreak havoc on your drainage system:

Heat Intensifies Odours in Your Drains:

The warm weather acts like an amplifier for any unpleasant smells lingering in your home. Trapped food particles, grease, soap scum, and other waste in your drainage pipes begin to break down more rapidly when heated. As a result, bacteria grow faster, producing sulphurous gases that escape back up through your sinks and plugholes. What might’ve been a subtle issue in winter becomes unmistakable and unbearable in summer.

If you’ve ever walked into your kitchen and been hit with a smell you can’t quite place, there’s a good chance your drains are the culprit.

Higher Water Usage Overloads the System:

Increased use of outdoor taps, pressure washers, paddling pools, and more showers than usual during the summer holidays all place additional strain on your drainage system. Your pipes are working overtime, and if they’re already partially blocked or narrow due to grease or sediment buildup, the flow can slow dramatically. This leads to backups and persistent drainage slowdowns.

Tree Roots Actively Seek Water:

One of the more serious causes of drainage issues in the summer is the growth of tree roots into underground pipes. When the soil becomes dry, roots stretch out in search of moisture. Any small crack or joint in your drainage pipes becomes an open invitation. Once inside, these roots expand and create a blockage that grows worse with time.

At JSL Drainage, we often uncover this issue during a drainage CCTV survey, which gives us a clear view of what’s happening underground without the need for disruptive excavation.

Sudden Storms and Debris Overwhelm Outdoor Drains:

British summer weather is famously unpredictable. A dry spell might suddenly turn into a heavy downpour. If your gutter drains are filled with leaves, moss, or general debris, they won’t be able to handle the sudden flow. This can result in overflows, water pooling, or even internal damp if rainwater backs up near the foundations.

How Do I Stop My Drains from Smelling in Hot Weather?

This is a question we hear frequently, and understandably so. There’s nothing worse than having guests over on a hot day, only to be embarrassed by a foul odour wafting from your kitchen sink or bathroom plughole. Here’s what you can do:

• Flush Drains with Boiling Water and Natural Cleaners: Once a week, pour a kettle of boiling water down your drains, followed by half a cup of bicarbonate of soda and a splash of white vinegar. Let it fizz and do its magic, then flush again with boiling water. This old-school method helps dislodge grime and neutralise bacteria.
• Try Enzyme-Based Cleaners: There are eco-friendly, enzyme-based solutions on the market that are designed for cleaning drains. They break down organic waste and are safe to use regularly without damaging your pipes. They’re especially effective when used overnight.
• Avoid Dumping Grease or Food Down the Sink: Even small amounts of grease can accumulate over time and become a magnet for bacteria. During BBQ season, people often rinse plates outside or pour fats down drains without realising the long-term damage. Use a separate container for collecting grease and always dispose of it in the bin.
• Professional Cleaning and Maintenance: If the smell persists, your system may have a deeper blockage or biofilm buildup that home remedies can’t fix. This is where a drainage company Glasgow residents trust, like JSL Drainage, comes in. We offer thorough drain cleaning services that not only eliminate odours but also improve the overall efficiency of your drainage system.

What is the Number One Cause of Clogged Drains?

While many things can clog a drain, one cause stands out: fat, oil, and grease (FOG). These are major culprits in both homes and commercial kitchens.

Why is FOG so Problematic?

When hot, grease seems harmless. But as it cools inside your drain plumbing, it solidifies and clings to the pipe walls. Over time, more and more waste sticks to it: food particles, soap, and even hair. Before long, water flow is restricted, and the drain becomes completely blocked.

Other Common Drain Blockers:

• Hair: Common in showers and sinks, hair clumps together and mixes with soap to form stubborn clogs.
• Wet Wipes and Sanitary Items: Even if labelled “flushable”, most wipes do not disintegrate like toilet paper. They tangle and block up pipes.
• Foreign Objects: Small toys, cotton buds, or other objects accidentally dropped into drains can cause instant blockages.
• Tree Roots: As mentioned earlier, root ingress can be severe and often requires professional drain repair services.

When in doubt, seek help. We offer a quick response for unblocking blocked drains Glasgow-wide, and our team is trained to diagnose and fix the problem with minimal disruption.

How Often Should You Unblock Your Drains?

Routine drain maintenance is key. But how often should it be done?

• Every 6-12 Months for Average Households: If you have a modern home with proper waste habits, once or twice a year is enough to prevent most issues. This includes a general inspection and cleaning of drains professionally.
• Quarterly for Older Homes or High-Use Properties: Larger families, homes with trees nearby, or older plumbing systems need more frequent checks, ideally every three to four months. A small preventative cost here can save thousands in future drain repairs.
• Post-Renovation or Landscaping: After any major garden work or building extensions, it’s worth inspecting your drainage system. Debris or compacted soil can unintentionally block outdoor gutter drains or pipes. A drainage CCTV survey ensures everything is intact.
• Signs You Need Emergency Drain Help: Not all drain problems give you weeks of warning. Sometimes, the issue escalates quickly and needs immediate attention.
• Overflowing Toilets or Sinks: If water is rising instead of draining, it’s likely a serious blockage that could lead to flooding.
  Sewage Smells Indoors or Outdoors: This is more than just a nuisance; it’s a potential health hazard and could indicate a breach in your waste line.
• Standing Water Around Drains: Puddles or slow-draining water in external areas signal that your gutter drains are struggling to handle even moderate rainfall.
• Strange Noises: Gurgling sounds from plugholes or the toilet when you use a sink elsewhere in the home often mean trapped air due to a blockage.

Our team at JSL Drainage offers emergency drain clearance and solutions to your summer drainage problems, covering everything from North Glasgow to the West End, ensuring that help is always available when you need it most.

The Importance of Regular Drain Maintenance

Think of your drainage system like a hidden engine. You don’t see it working, but when it fails, everything stops. Here’s why drain maintenance should never be overlooked:

• Longevity and Performance: Well-maintained drainage pipes last significantly longer. Regular care prevents corrosion, leaks, and build-up that can lead to expensive drainage repairs that property owners try to avoid.
• Health and Hygiene: Backed-up drains are a breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and pests. Keeping them clean helps maintain a healthy living environment.
• Cost-Saving in the Long Run: A small investment in regular drain services is far more economical than facing full excavation or replacement jobs.

How JSL Drainage Can Help This Summer?

With years of hands-on experience, JSL Drainage has built a reputation as a recommended drainage company for a reason. We’re not just problem-solvers, we’re long-term partners in your property’s health. Whether you’re searching for a drainage company near me, a drain company in the West End of Glasgow, or a reliable drainage contractor in Glasgow, we’re ready to help.

Our services include:

• Scheduled drain maintenance
• Non-invasive drainage CCTV survey
• Fast and effective unblocking of blocked drains in Glasgow
• Emergency drain support
• Specialist drain repair services and drain excavations

Wrapping Up: Stay Ahead of Summer Drainage Problems

Don’t let a blocked drain ruin your summer. With a few simple steps and help from a reliable local drainage company, you can enjoy a stress-free season. Whether you’re in North Glasgow, the West End, or anywhere across the city, JSL Drainage is the drainage company Glasgow relies on for quick solutions related to summer drainage problems and honest advice.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a drainage health check, request emergency help, or discuss long-term drain services for your property. Let’s keep your summer flowing smoothly!