Blocked drains can seem like a minor nuisance initially but, if left unchecked, they can escalate into significant issues, including substantial property damage and health hazards, resulting in unnecessary expenditures. In Reading, like elsewhere in the UK, neglecting drain blockages has led to significant expenses for homeowners and council authorities alike. It is essential to understand the true cost of blocked drains and how, with preventive measures, you can reduce it.
Every year, properties in Reading witness drain blockages mainly due to three reasons: Fats and oils being washed down the sink, the disposal of non-flushable items into the toilet, and tree roots penetrating the drain pipes. While each blockage would typically cost anywhere from £70 to £200 to clear, it’s the knock-on effect that reveals the true cost.
Firstly, prolonged blockages can cause the drain pipes to break under pressure. A single burst pipe can cost anywhere from £100 to £3,500 to repair, depending on the damage’s severity. But, more than the repair cost, it is the resultant water damage that’s more concerning. Water leaks can lead to mould, rotten timbers, and flooring, all of which are expensive to fix. Persistent dampness because of water leakage can also attract pests like mice and roaches.
Secondly, blocked drains pose a severe blocked drains reading health risk. They become breeding grounds for bacteria, attracting flies and pests, causing unpleasant odours and, in some cases, leading to skin, eye, or respiratory infections. Treating these health-related issues can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, once you factor in loss of earnings due to this sickness.
Additionally, homeowners may be liable to environmental fines for blocked drains causing wastewater pollution. In Reading, Foundry Brook and Holy Brook have been polluted multiple times because of blocked drains. In March 2015, Reading Borough Council was fined £120,000 for multiple pollution offences mainly related to blocked drains.
On the broader scale, blocked drains put colossal strain on sewage treatment plants. When the system is unable to process the aggregates causing the blockages, the cumulative cost to society is massive. Thames Water, which serves Reading, spends about £1 million every month clearing blocked sewers, a cost that gets passed onto customers via inflated water bills.
Given these potential costs, both direct and indirect, it’s clear that preventing drain blockages in Reading is key. Here’s how you can help:
Regular Maintenance: Having your drains professionally cleaned at least once a year can help spot potential blockages early.
Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of cooking fats and oils properly, rather than pouring them down the sink. Non-flushable items like wet wipes and diapers belong in the bin, not the toilet.
Install Drain Guards: These help catch debris that could cause a blockage.
Root Barrier: If tree roots are a significant problem in your area, consider installing a root barrier to protect your drain pipes.
Through combined efforts from individuals and local authorities, we can mitigate the issue of drain blockage. Efficient waste disposal and acknowledging the importance of regular maintenance can drastically reduce the number of blockages and the corresponding costs. By understanding the true cost of blocked drains and taking small preventive steps, everyone in Reading can contribute significantly to a cleaner and safer environment. Remember, it’s not just about the immediate cost of unblocking a drain; it’s also about the longer-term financial, environmental and health ramifications.
