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Is there a strange odour coming from your house? Are you having trouble draining your sink? You sound like you have a bit of a blockage. Don’t panic, however. The task of unblocking a drain is relatively easy, and you probably won’t need to call an expert.

You may have a blockage in either your external or internal drains. If the drain is located within your property boundary, you are responsible for maintaining and repairing it. However, if you want to save money, we suggest doing it yourself.

Blockages in outdoor drains tend to be a little more difficult to resolve than your average blocked sink, but it is possible with the right tools and knowledge. We have created a guide that shows you how to unclog a drain so you can do it yourself.

What causes my outside drain to be blocked?

People usually put things down their drains that shouldn’t be there, which causes them to block their drains. The most common cause of blockages in kitchen sink drains are grease, food scraps, oil, and coffee grounds, while soap scum and hair are to blame in bathrooms. Additionally, it would help if you thought about what you’re flushing down the toilet. You can easily clog your bathroom with wipes, sanitary products, and too much toilet paper.

You can find how to unblock an outside drain with any of the things listed above. Unfortunately, they’re all going down the same pipes, so they’ll get stuck in the drain outside your home instead of the inside. Leaves, branches, soil, mud, moss, litter, and other outdoor debris can also block your outside drain.

The best way to prevent your outside drains from getting blocked is to be mindful of what you put down your sinks, shower, and toilet. It’s also essential to keep the outside of your property and garden clean and clear of debris like leaves and moss.

We suggest you also purchase a drain unblocker if you haven’t already done so. Grates can be attached to your drain openings to stop leaves, litter, and other debris from falling into your drains and causing blockages.

Common problems with blocked drains

We’ll talk about the common drain blockages inside and outside the home. Then, to determine whether the blockage originated within your home or is a bigger problem affecting your shared blocked drains, you can look at some factors.

The first thing you should do is speak with your neighbours and ask them if they are experiencing water drainage problems. If your neighbours are not having any trouble, or your inside drain is blocked, but your external drain is working, it is your responsibility alone.

Blocked drains

Take action as soon as you notice any of the following:

• External blocked drains

A blockage can be caused by leaves and debris outside the house, coffee grounds, or sanitary items inside the house. You might not be the only responsible party.

• Outside kitchen drain clogged.

It is your responsibility to unclog a kitchen that has blocked the outside drain since it is not part of the public sewer system.

• It smells like a blocked drain outside.

You might discover various items blocking your drains if you investigate further, aside from the rotting smell.

• Standing water in the outside drain

A blocked outside drain will have standing water in sewer lines and starts overflowing.

Unblocking a sink

We recommend checking your property’s pipes before looking at our outside drain unblocker guide. If you are experiencing a problem with your kitchen sink, bathroom or shower draining, try these methods:

• Plugin the faucet, fill up the sink or bath with hot water and let it drain
• Plunge the drain with a plunger
• Add a mixture of baking powder and vinegar, followed by hot water
• Unbend a wire coat hanger or use a drain snake

What to do if your drain is clogged?

The situation might seem bleak, but it may not be a complete catastrophe. You can take steps to fix the problem and get your plumbing systems back in working order. Want to know how to unclog an outside drain? Let us explain.

Step One: Identify the problem

Using whatever method you can, access your outdoor drainage. To do this, you typically need to remove the drain cover. Then, inspect the problem after you have gained access.

How close are the blocked drains to the surface or how far away?

Is it simply gunk, or is it a more difficult job?

Once you have assessed the problem, move on to step two if you believe you can manage the job yourself. But, again, our recommendation would be to avoid tackling the problem yourself if you find it much more challenging than you expected.

Alternatively, you may have clogged gutter pipes, which are easier to clean out while still following the same steps.

Step Two: Get the Right Tools for the Job

There are a few steps involved in removing an outdoor drain blockage. The most important tool is a drainage rod. They are long, thin, flexible, and often made of steel. You can use them to push through a blockage in your drain and reach deep into the external systems. Don’t try unblocking an outside drain without a plunger.

In addition to some protective clothing, you’ll need to dig around inside the drain. If the blockage is near the surface, it is best to wear waterproof gloves and long sleeves, as well as protective gear for your mouth and eyes. Spillage can contain nasty sewage bacteria, which can cause illness or infection if you contact them.

Step Three: Remove any obstacles you can reach

Would it be possible to remove some of the blockages with your arm? Using your drainage rods for simple debris removal is your best chance of shifting the matter, clogging your blocked drains.

The job is awful, but it’s worth it.

Grab a bucket and place it near the drain. With your arm and the essential basic tools, remove the debris by digging in to the drain. The more you remove, the cleaner and easier it gets.

Step Four: Remove the blockage

Try to flush out the blockage with your drainage rods.

You should slide the narrow metal through the sludge if you apply pressure. Then move the rods around to break apart the blockage. If you can see the blockage, you will move the drainage rods.

Be sure to twist your drainage rods clockwise when using them. It is possible that the tough blockages can result in the rods becoming unscrewed!

Step Five: Clean up the extra debris

As soon as you have removed the blockage from your outside drain and water flows freely, make sure that the problem doesn’t recur. Ensure all debris has been cleared away from the drain using a hose – preferably a pressure hose.

Once you’ve loosened the remainder of the blockage with your hands or drainage rod, you can use the pressure from your hosepipe to clear the remaining elements. The cleaner your drains are, the longer it will be before you have to repeat this process.

Step Six: How Do I Unclog a Blocked Outside Drain? Contact a Professional

Drainage problems outside the home tend to be more complex than your typical sink blockage. Even though they are manageable through DIY techniques, these methods are not always practical. We suggest you avoid attempting more powerful techniques if they aren’t successful. If you do, an external drainage line may be damaged, and you could cause further damage. Getting your plumbing back to normal is often easy with the aid of a professional.

Step Seven: Get your plumbing and drainage insurance

What are the benefits of plumbing and drainage insurance?

Car breakdowns are more likely to occur during winter, but they can occur at any time throughout the year. During its natural life cycle, any vehicle can break down for reasons other than those caused by winter.

What is a vehicle breakdown?

The term “vehicle breakdown” refers to a mechanical failure in which the vehicle’s current defect renders it practically impossible to operate.

The most common reasons for car breakdowns are

Faulty batteries are the major cause of car breakdowns in winter. The starter motor is powered by the battery, and the engine uses the alternator to recharge the battery.

Faulty/weak batteries:

When batteries are used more frequently, their efficiency decreases, and they eventually die after around 5 years. Excessive cold or heat, running a battery down or continually charging it will speed this process. This can be avoided by following the steps below:

• Keep the battery terminals clean and free of corrosion. Battery terminal protectors can be made from petroleum jelly or even a little grease, although terminal protectors are available at most auto parts stores.
• It is critical the top of the is kept battery clean and dry.
• Take your car on a long trip now and then to ensure that your battery is properly charged.
• Before attempting to start the engine, make sure all electrical equipment is turned off, including the lights, heating blower and rear defroster.
• Examine the alternator belt regularly to ensure its kept at the proper tension.
• If you detect any issues, such as slow starting or dim headlights, you should check the battery. Even if it hasn’t caused any problems in the past, it is necessary to test it once a year.

Damaged Tyres and Wheels

Flat or worn tyres are similar to unwelcome guests that arrive at the wrong time. The majority of punctures are caused by sharp objects; however, there are other causes:

• A tyre valve that has been broken or isn’t working properly.
• When a tyre hits a deep pothole or the edge of the pavement.
• After an accident, the rim and tyre split.
• The tyre’s tread was worn down.

Puncture prevention

You can prevent punctures or flat tyres by performing a few easy checks:

• First, regularly inspect your tyres’ tread depth and pressure, also check the spare wheel.

Wheel misalignment that causes uneven tyre wear can be fixed by taking your car to a tyre facility or having it serviced.

• When transporting heavy loads, the tyre pressure must be adjusted so that the vehicle can handle the weight.
• Puddles or potholes may have formed due to road damage and they should not be driven through.

Lost Keys

Assistance will be necessary to re-enter a car if you misplace your keys or lock them inside. It’s a good idea to keep an extra key at home, but it’s not helpful if you’re on vacation.

Microchips are embedded in your vehicle keys to prevent theft. Unfortunately, if you lose your key, replacing it is more difficult. It’s also why missing or jammed keys frequently cause vehicle breakdowns.

You can also contact someone for assistance or contact an authorized dealer.

Engine Oil Level

Engine oil that has been improperly topped up might cause damage to the engine. It’s just as harmful to have too much as it is to have too little oil in your engine.

Here are some suggestions for avoiding engine oil issues:

• Use the dipstick to check your engine oil regularly.
• Ascertain that the two lines are at the same height.
• To find out what oil standard your car requires, consult your owner’s manual.

Alternator

Your alternator may be failing if your battery is frequently draining or your headlights are dimming. It’s also possible that the belt that drives your alternator and water pump has come undone. This is a red signal if the engine temperature suddenly rises and the ignition warning light lights.

Starter Motor

Starter motors inevitably fail, despite their extraordinary longevity.

Any possible problems can be addressed before they become a problem as long as your car is maintained regularly.

Wrong Fuel

Every year, thousands of drivers fill up with incorrect fuel. Do not start your automobile if you accidentally filled your diesel tank with gasoline or vice versa; instead, push it to a safe spot and call your fuel service team.

To avoid a bad gasoline scenario, check the nozzle on the pump before pulling the trigger.

Running out of fuel

Another fuel-related issue that causes the most embarrassment to drivers is running out of gas! The tank is low on fuel if the needle is red (or bleeps).

What to do in case of a fuel shortage

It’s possible that the display isn’t always correct. And there are chances that your car’s fuel gauge may not show the exact volume of fuel left.

If your tank has low fuel,

• It is preferable to fill it fully now rather than later.
• Before a long trip, top up your tank the day before.

Fuel has flooded the engine

You risk flooding the engine if you stop your automobile too soon after starting it in the cold. A flooded petrol engine, fortunately, is usually simple to repair.

The best way to avoid flooding your engine

Allow the engine to warm up after starting it from cold if you drive a petrol car. It only takes a few moments. As the engine warms up, the sound changes, and the idle speed decreases.

Worn out cables

If the clutch cable breaks, it will be impossible to engage the clutch, which will be a major problem.

The following indicators of clutch cable wear and tear can be identified:

• When you press the clutch pedal, you feel a sense of tightness.
• When shifting gears, a grinding noise can be heard.

Leaking Cylinder Gasket

Other than maintaining your cooling system to avoid the issue, it’s tough to prevent a leaky cylinder gasket from developing.

The following are some of the most obvious indicators of a failing cylinder gasket:

• The exhaust is producing white smoke.
• There is less power available.
• Refilling coolant or oil on a regular basis.
• The coolant’s oil is frothy, and the coolant’s oil is foamy.

Ignition Problems

The wires carrying high voltage from the coil or distributor to the spark plugs may be thicker in older cars. In contemporary cars, the coil can also be seen right above the spark plug. Ironically, it deteriorates as it becomes older and hotter, causing a reduced performance.

An ignition problem can be identified by the following signs:

• When driving uphill or boosting the accelerator, the engine will misfire.
• In chilly temperatures, the engine has trouble starting.

Fouled Spark Plug

Only older autos and cars with a lot of kilometres on them might have this issue. Fuel fouling plugs happens when there is too much fuel in the engine and not enough air. Spark plugs should be replaced regularly, such as every 50,000 miles on current automobiles, to avoid this problem.

A clogged spark plug may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:

• When driving uphill or boosting the accelerator, the engine will misfire.
• Trouble starting the car.
• It’s difficult to start the engine.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a plan in place to cover unforeseen vehicle breakdowns?

We’d be pleased to provide further information about our breakdown cover.

All about Smart-Cover Car Breakdown Cover

To help our customers in the event of a breakdown, Smart Cover offers motor breakdown insurance for cars, vans, taxi mini-trucks, taxi vehicles, motor homes, mini-buses, vintage automobiles, and motorbikes. We also provide competitive pricing, quick claim processing, and knowledgeable assistance.

The following are some of the benefits of Smart Cover car breakdown cover:

• Roadside Rescue
• Roadside Recovery
• Alternative Transport
• Onward Travel
• European Cover

Throughout the year, we provide assistance for numerous motor breakdowns around the clock. A motor vehicle breakdown can occur at any time, and we want you to feel secure knowing that you are covered.

Apply for Smart Cover’s motor breakdown insurance today for a solution that’s only a phone call away.

These days, losing your phone is never easy to accept or deal with. Especially if your just purchased, high-end smartphone is broken or stolen, and you haven’t even finished paying your EMIs. It is during times like these that you will wish you had your cell phone covered. However, the importance of having mobile phone insurance is sometimes neglected.

In general, insurance protects your investment from problems that aren’t covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee. This is accomplished by paying for specific insurance coverage. Depending on the type of coverage you select, you’ll be covered for repairs, damage, replacement, or even theft.

What is mobile phone insurance?

Mobile phone insurance cover is identical to any other insurance policies, except that it is specifically designed to cover risks associated with mobile phones. When it comes to mobile insurance, it includes theft, phone loss, damage, and various other things.

Why is it vital to have mobile phone insurance?

The concept of smartphone insurance is relatively new, and few people are aware of it or prepared to get it. But on the other hand, smartphones have evolved into more of an investment than a method of communication; the more expensive the phone becomes, the more delicate it becomes. As a result, getting your heavily invested mobile phones insured for a variety of unfortunate circumstances is a must in today’s world.

When you acquire a mobile phone, it usually comes with a one-year guarantee to cover fundamental manufacturing flaws or hardware problems. However, this limited guarantee does not cover unexpected accidents such as cracked screens or water damage, or damage caused by a third-party component.

Need for mobile insurance:

Mobile phone repair/replacement issues are one example of an unexpected expense that necessitates insurance purchase. When you aren’t prepared or backed up by an insurance plan, the expense you may have to incur at that moment may feel like a loss. However, having your mobile phone insured might help you avoid financial losses in the event of theft or damage. Allow us to demonstrate how a mobile insurance plan could come to your aid at the most inopportune time.

Protection from theft:

The concerns with theft are that it will be extremely difficult to recover your phone, you will lose all of your data, and the cash loss would be the most significant setback. In a circumstance like this, mobile phone insurance can save you a lot of money by covering the purchase of a new phone.

Accidental breakage protection:

Because mobile phones are so expensive these days, repairs are often quite costly. Any inadvertent phone damage could cost you a lot of money at an inconvenient time. You would be protected if you had a mobile phone cover scheme.

Protection from water/liquid damage:

If your phone has been exposed to water or liquid, it will experience issues such as malfunctioning, screen problems, and more. Moisture and humidity are two other factors that might cause harm. A mobile insurance policy typically covers these kinds of issues.

Covers hefty repair expenses:

If you possess a high-end phone, such as an Apple, Samsung, or One plus, the repair charges can be relatively high. Therefore, having mobile insurance possibly can prevent you from paying a large sum of money for phone repair.

Protection in the event of a phone loss:

Having an extended warranty does not necessarily guarantee that you will be compensated if your phone is lost, but having mobile phone insurance does.

What is covered by phone insurance?

A mobile phone insurance policy protects the phone from a variety of risks. Because smartphones are electronic devices, they may be more susceptible to repairs, rendering the device worthless. In addition, there may be external concerns and internal issues such as software issues. A good mobile insurance policy often covers the following risks and damages:

• Accidental Damage
• Theft
• Accidental Loss
• Breakdown
• Liquid Damage
• Repair Or Replace
• Fraudulent Call Cover Of Up to £2500
• Gadgets Covered Up to The Value Of £1500
• New Or Manufacturer Refurbished Gadgets Covered
• Up to 90 Days Of Worldwide Cover.

What does mobile phone insurance not include?

Here are some of the major exclusions that a mobile phone insurance scheme will not cover:

• Accidental Loss For Any Gadget Other Than A Mobile Phone.
• Any Loss Not Reported To The Police Within 48-Hours And A Loss Reference Number Obtained.
• Any Loss Of A Mobile Phone Which Has Not Been Reported To Your Airtime Provider Within 24 Hours Of You Discovering The Loss.
• Cosmetic Damage That Does Not Affect Performance
• Gadgets Or Mobile Phone Purchased From Online Auctions
• Claims Where Evidence Of Ownership Or Proof Of Purchase Is Not Available.

How to choose mobile phone insurance plans 

Guide to choose the best mobile insurance in the UK

Analyze Value:

Insurance for mobile phones does not have to be expensive. It also depends on other aspects such as the phone’s brand, model, and coverage level. Furthermore, the value changes depending on the payment conditions and the extra features you include in the scheme. Price is not the only aspect that influences the value of your money in phone insurance; you must also consider the purpose and benefits you will receive, i.e. you must assess if what you are about to buy meets your mobile phone’s coverage needs. For example, if your phone is lost or stolen, you will only be able to get a replacement quickly if your insurance policy covers it.

Check Smart Print:

If you are certain that you want your phone to be insured, make sure to read the smart print of the policy you purchase. You will learn two things as a result of this:

1. Policy Excess: The amount you must pay before filing a claim.
2. Exclusions from the policy: What kind of accidents/events are not covered by the policy.

Check to see if you’re already insured: 

Before acquiring a new insurance policy for your smartphone, make sure it’s not already covered under your house or bank account insurance. Check to see if the insurance firm is licensed.

Smart Cover’s mobile insurance plans for iPhone and Samsung:

Smart cover aims to give our customers a sense of security by offering a cost-effective mobile insurance plan and high-quality customer service. We provide insurance for a variety of devices, including iPhones and Samsung smartphones, at affordable rates and with excellent customer service. These protective covers are reasonably priced and provide coverage against a variety of damages.

Benefits of iPhone & Samsung mobile phone insurance:

• Price match promise
• Repair or replacement
• Rapid claim settlement service
• Fast claim settlement
• UK based customer service
• Fast, professional engineer support
• Accidental damage
• Low excess fee from ​£25

Explore Plans Now:

How would you feel if you awoke early in the morning to have a good day, or imagined a wonderful breakfast time with your family, and instead you find yourself in a flood-like scenario due to water leaks. It could result in a miserable day filled with tension and anxiety due to being late for breakfast or the office. Worse still, it might be costly to repair. Why not have plumbing and drainage insurance with easily accessible specialists and professionals who are only a phone call away? Let’s delve into some suggestions and learn how to check water leaks and burst pipes at home.

How to check for a water leak?

Water is essential for our life and in our homes – as long as it is kept under the appropriate control. However, if water gets into places it shouldn’t, it can quickly turn into a foe, causing structural and furniture damage. Unfortunately, water leaks occur even in new homes and are equally stressful. Furthermore, not all leaking pipes are visible; in fact, some might be subtle, making them hard to detect.

How to find a leak under the floor? A water leak detected early might save you money and prevent further disaster. Here are some indications that you have a leak and should contact a plumber or engineer to fix it: