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February 10, 2020 4:59 am
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Ways To Repair Your Blocked Outside Drains
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?
The most comprehensive policies of Smart Cover plumbing and drainage insurance :
- Internal plumbing emergencies
- Internal drainage system emergencies
- External water supply pipe blockage, collapse or leaks. (within the boundary of the property)
- Advise on what actions to take for protecting yourself and your home
- Preventing an emergency causing further loss or damage to your home
Also, provide a 24/7 emergency helpline number, since problems often need to be repaired urgently to prevent further damage.
As a conclusion
Your day doesn’t have to be ruined by a broken pipe or blocked drain. We are on our way to you to solve this problem. We make your life easier by providing you with plumbing and drainage insurance.
With our plumbing & drainage cover on hand, you can rest assured that a solution will be on its way as soon as possible if a problem arises.
Do You Need Mobile Phone Insurance?
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:
- Policy Excess: The amount you must pay before filing a claim.
- 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:
Insurance for Other Mobile Makes
Conclusion:
Smartphones have become a necessary tool for our daily lives. However, the phones we use today are more delicate and have a higher financial investment. Therefore, any damage or loss will be extremely expensive to fix or replace. However, getting mobile phone insurance will safeguard you and cover you if your phone is damaged or lost.
Reach out to https://smart-cover.co.uk for protection for your valuable items.
How To Check For Water Leaks In Your Home?
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:
Water leaks in the house aren’t always as apparent as steady drops that keep you awake at night. Until the leak becomes a torrent, they’re usually far more subtle, which is why spotting them early is crucial. Moreover, if you notice a decline in water pressure while filling the tub or showering, it could indicate a leak. You should test this by turning the tap off and turning it on again. It’s most likely a leak if the water pressure is higher than before.
Check your water bill and monitor
Keeping a check on your water meter is one of the most reliable ways to see if you have a leak or plumbing problems:
- You should turn off all of the water in your house and ensure all taps are turned off; make sure that the dishwasher and washing machine aren’t running.
- Observe the meter to see whether it continues to move. If it does, you’re probably dealing with a leak.
- Wait 2 hours and recheck the meter if it doesn’t change right away.
Water leaks could be there if your bill is continually rising yet your water usage habits haven’t altered. Keep in mind that some of your pipes may be buried. Leaks in this area of your home may go undetected for a long time.
The earlier you notice a leak, the easier it is to repair
If you detect a leak in your plumbing system, contact a professional as soon as possible to have it repaired. Please don’t wait until it grows worse and you’re dealing with a major disaster.
Examine your equipment and fixtures
Water is a valuable resource; that’s why we mustn’t squander it. Check the cupboards under the kitchen, washing areas, and bathroom basins to ensure they’re dry if the water meter test suggests a leak within your home. Look for puddles behind the water heater, dishwasher, and laundry washer, as well as at the bases of tubs, bathrooms, and showers.
Water pipes and supply pipes can leak easily with no noticeable damage; they undermine foundations and eventually cause massive damage, which can spread to your neighbor’s property. Saving a few pounds sometimes by repairing yourself may appear to be a good idea, but the time and energy required might quickly outweigh the original investment, so have a look at our plumbing cover and save yourself a lot of effort.
After getting covered, our experts will assist you in repairing future water leaks and pipes, please do not hesitate to call us any time. For further information about plumbing and drainage insurance, please visit: https://smart-cover.co.uk/plumbing-drainage-insurance.
Food Coloring technique
Fill a bottle with food coloring and pour a few drops into each water tank in the home. Suppose food color comes out in the toilet within 5 minutes, then there are chances for tank leaks. If you notice a stain while flushing the toilet, or if you’re handy with home water repairs, you can fix the flush handle on the toilet by yourself or get help from an expert plumbing engineer.
Here are a few additional visual evidences if you have a water leak:
- Floor, ceiling, and wall stains
- Wet patches beneath ceiling leaks
- Cracks in the foundation of your home
Leak detection in mains water supply pipelines
How to check for a leak in your water supply pipe outside? It could be a big problem to detect leakage in the pipes. A water bill that is higher-than-expected can be a sign of water leaks, but there could be a variety of other causes as well.
Take a lookout for leaking clues
If a fitting on a supply line under your sink breaks and a shower of water shoots out, you’ll know right away what’s wrong; however, some leaks are much more challenging to detect. In the worst-case scenario, water can trickle slowly through a wall’s pipe fittings and go undiscovered until it causes considerable damage. Even though the water meter test shows that you don’t have any leak in your home right now, one could appear at any time, so it’s a great way to keep a lookout for it.
Water Leak beneath the Concrete
Although locating a water leak beneath concrete is more complex than discovering a dripping tap in your kitchen, it is not impossible. While checking for underground water leaks, we’ve already addressed looking for moist spots on the ground (with no apparent trace of a leak in the ceiling) and the scent of mould or mildew, and these apply to leaks under concrete.
Look for fissures in the concrete of moisture escaping and uneven surfaces, which indicate that the concrete is being forced up by the leaking water underneath.
Water leaks from a pipe or roof
Assume you find a damp patch on your ceiling. A leaking pipe or a leaking roof are the two most likely reasons for the water leaks. Roof leaks are pervasive, as any roofer can tell you: most householders might experience a few leaks during their stay in the home, particularly if the roof is beginning to age. Suppose roofing materials like tiles and the underlayment deteriorate, the roof leaks. Moisture then seeps through the roof, into the attic, and down into the living areas of your home, propelled by gravity.
Plumbing and drainage insurance
A clogged drain, water leak, or burst pipe is unpleasant to face, but it can be repaired quickly and efficiently. If you want to be prepared in case the worst happens, get a plumbing cover. Some plumbing problems might be costly if you don’t have coverage. Smart Cover offers plumbing and drainage coverage that helps with water leak problems.
Feel secure if any plumbing and drainage problem arises, all you have to do is make a phone call, and our plumbing and drainage experts will be on their way as quickly as possible. We have a nationwide network of skilled and experienced plumbers available across the United Kingdom. Our plumbing and drainage coverage includes the following:
- Internal drainage system emergencies
- Advice on actions you can take to prevent future emergencies
Our policy will cover the internal plumbing, internal drainage system, pipe blockage, collapse, or leak. Moreover, you can get advice on what actions to take to protect yourself and your home and how you can prevent plumbing issue in future.
