WHAT TO DO WHEN TOILET IS BLOCKED?

Some people advise putting drain unblocker, vinegar and baking soda combination, bleach, dish washing soap or a range of other chemicals down the toilet to try to clear the blockage. Here at Thames Valley Drains we don’t recommend using any harmfull substances and will never use these our self.

blocked toilet

CAUSES OF BLOCK Toilet DRAIN

There are many factors that contribute to a blocked toilet and here are the most common of them. The most common material that causes a blockage are excess toilet paper or miss use of wet wipes. Too much toilet paper or wet wipes dumped for  single flush can cause a blockage in toilets.

In addition other factors can also contribute in causing a block drain. These can be in different forms. Some examples are, build up of uric or limescale, poorly fitted pipework or the wrong type or diameter of pipework.

Sometimes the blockage could be further down the pipework. An external blockage causing your pipes to the backlog and appear to be blocked at the toilet.

WHY THAMES VALLEY DRAINAGE

Thames Valley Drainage carry all tools and equipment to be able to assist your needs. The average cost our customer pay for a blocked toilet is £99.00

With every drain clearance we provide a detailed description (where possible). Detailed description includes the cause. and will also provide our best advice on how to eliminate the issue from happening again.

ThamesValleyDrainage

14 ELK Path, Three mile cross, Reading, RG7 1WE,United Kingdom

01189888288 

info@thamesvalleydrainage.co.uk

thamesvalleydrainage.co.uk

What is Drain Excavation?

Drain excavation involves the physical digging of a trench or hole to provide direct access to certain areas of your drainage solutions.A simple blockage may not be the only problem contained within your drainage system. 

Drain Excavation

What makes drains unserviceable?

Cracks in drainpipes can further develop into fracture then breaks, deformation and holes and eventually a total collapse making the drains unserviceable. They can occur in both plastic and clay pipes. We can carry out drain repairs by several different methods.

Using No dig technology

These days we try to avoid costly excavations and the inconvenient disruption to the ground service, gardens and driveways that comes with it. We prefer where possible to use no dig technology such as short line patching for one fracture to Cured-in-place repairs (CIPP) for multiple occurrences along a run.

Factors of Drain Excavation

Sometimes however we need to carry out the traditional drain excavation. Depending on the depth we can excavate down and replace/repair the damaged section of pipe. There are many factors of drain excavation such as ground type, above ground obstructions and other service cables and pipes. The last item makes it important that the area of the proposed excavation is thoroughly scanned before any dig is started. Sometimes a mechanical excavator is used presuming access is possible and other times a simple hand dig will suffice.

What makes drain effective?

Most drains rely on the gravity system to work effectively. It is therefore important to get the correct fall to enable the drain to work effectively. The pipe internally must also be smooth and three from snagging. Sometimes we would use a combination of excavation and lining.

For more information give our office a call on 01189888288 or email us info@thamesvalleydrainage.co.uk

What are the causes of collapsed drainage?

There are many factors that contribute to a Collapsed drainage and here are the most common of them. Ground movement and settling, overhead traffic movement e.g. drains on driveway for cars etc. and outside influences such as roots activity,

Drain deterioration usually starts with small cracks leading to fractures in drainpipes that can further develop into breaks, deformation and holes and eventually a total collapse making the drains unserviceable. They can occur in both plastic and clay pipes. Pitch fibre can also be affected by deforming first until the pipe gives way totally.

collapsed drainage

Cost of CCTV Survey

Thames Valley Drainage carry all tools and equipment to be able to assist your needs. The average cost our customer pay for a CCTV survey to ascertain the condition of your drains is £120.00. This will identify potential areas of concern and enable  to make an informed choice as to  best course of action.

Detailed Description with each Survey

With every survey we provide a detailed description (where possible). Detailed description includes about cause and  will also provide our best advice on how to eliminate issue from happening again. There are many solutions to repairing pipe faults including no dig technology. If however the collapse as already occurred we can recommend the best excavation method to rectify.

For more information give our office a call on 01189888288 or email us info@thamesvalleydrainage.co.uk

What does Drag link do?

An alternate steering mechanism is a rack and pinion, a three-bar linkage that eliminates the drag link by directly moving a centre link. The drag link connects the pitman arm to the steering arm, or in some applications it connects to the tie rod assembly.

Drag link

Is a drag link same as tie rod?

The drag link connects the pitman arm to the steering arm, or in some applications it connects to the tie rod assembly. Unlike a centre link, the drag link does not connect to an idler arm and has no inner tie rod ends attached to it. Drag links can be a solid one-piece design or an adjustable design.

What is a drag link on Vehicle?

A drag link is a suspension linkage component that is found in vehicles equipped with steering gear type steering systems. Drag links are most commonly found on larger vehicles and vans and serve as the component that links the vehicle's steering gear box to the tie rod ends.

What does drag link connect to?

The drag link connects the pitman arm to the steering arm, or in some applications it connects to the tie rod assembly. Unlike a centre link, the drag link does not connect to an idler arm and has no inner tie rod ends attached to it.

What transfers movement from the steering box to the centre link?

The pitman arm attaches to the steering gear output shaft which is also commonly called the pitman shaft. The pitman arm attaches to the centre link and is moved by turning the steering wheel. The centre link transfers the movement from the pitman arm and pitman shaft to the idler arm on the passenger side.

What's a steering rack?

The steering rack is composed of a rack enclosed with a steering pinion. It is connected to the steering wheel through the set of shafts and U-joints. A power steering rack utilizes an engine-driven pump to supply high-pressure hydraulic fluid to the steering rack when the wheel is turned.

The steering rack is composed of a rack enclosed with a steering pinion. It is connected to the steering wheel through the set of shafts and U-joints. A power steering rack utilizes an engine-driven pump to supply high-pressure hydraulic fluid to the steering rack when the wheel is turned.

Many Autos LTD

Unit 4, Tunbridge Jones Industrial Estate

Cradock Road, Reading, RG2 0JT

01189 876300

info@manyautosltd.com

manyautosltd.com

What are the Causes of Smelly Drains?

There are many factors that contribute to a bad smell and sometimes it might not be drain related. Thames Valley Drainage have years of experience in diagnosing the cause. Some of the causes  could be a partial blockage or a build up in the pipe work.

Lack of use of the facilities in the building can be the cause of Bad smells. Water traps are designed to prevent smells. If these traps dry out  it could cause a sewer like smell. These smells can carry throughout the building when having an issue. Its always good to note how long the smell has been present the locations of the smell. and where its strongest and also if the smell comes and goes.

Other causes of smells could be faulty or leaking pipe work, faulty dergo valves or just a blockage in the pipes. If you have rodent issues this could also be the cause.  and our skilled engineers can advise on how to prevent rodents entering your drainage system

Detailed Description

Thames Valley Drainage will carry out a full investigation of  smell and where possible identify the cause and remove the issue.We also provides complete description on how to clean drains that smell.

Thames Valley Drainage carries all tools and equipment to be able to assist your needs. The average cost our customer pay for investigation and resolving a bad smell is £99.00.

Chemicals are not Recommended

Some people advise putting drain un blocker, a vinegar and baking soda combination.and also bleach, dish washing soap or a range of other chemicals down the Urinal to try to clear the blockage. Here at Thames Valley Drains we don’t recommend using any harmful substances and will never use these ourselves.

For more information give our office a call on 01189888288 or email us info@thamesvalleydrainage.co.uk

ThamesValleyDrainage.co.uk

What are the Causes of Blocked Shower?

There are many factors that contribute to a blocked Shower and here are the most common of them. The most common material that causes a blockage are a build up of hair or soap residue . Hair build up in the pipe can start reducing flow then eventually cause a complete blockage.

Similarly other factors can also contribute to causing a blocked Shower and these can be in different form. Some examples are, build up of  lime scale, poorly fitted pipe work or wrong type or diameter of pipe work. Due to the size and location of bathroom pipe work the pipes are not fitted with enough flow to reduce build-ups.

Why External Blockage Occurs?

Sometimes the blockage could be further down the pipe work and even an external blockage. Blockage causes your pipes to backlog and appear to be blocked at the Shower.Blockage build ups in the pipes need to be fully removed from the waste pipe using a range of different tools and equipment. Thames Valley Drainage will remove the obstruction.

How We Works

Thames Valley Drainage carry all tools and equipment to be able to assist your needs. The average cost our customer pay for a blocked Shower is £99.00

In addition to every drain clearance we provide a detailed description (where possible) of what the cause was and also will provide our best advice on how to eliminate the issue from happening again.

What to do if shower drain is blocked?

However some people advise putting drain unblocker, a vinegar and baking soda combination, bleach, dish washing soap or a range of other chemicals down the Shower to try to clear the blockage. But Thames Valley Drains don’t recommend using any harmful substances and will never use these our self.

For more information give our office a call on 01189888288 or email us info@thamesvalleydrainage.co.uk

CAUSES OF SINK BLOCKAGE

There are many factors that contribute to a blocked sink and here are the most common of them. The most common material that causes a blockage are excess food waste or pouring fat sown the plug hole. Fat build ups can cause some stubborn blockages mixed with food waste. Thames Valley Drainage will Guide you to How to Unblock a Sink. Other factors can contribute to causing a blocked sink and these can be in different forms. Some examples are, a build up of  limescale, poorly fitted pipework or the wrong type or diameter of pipework.

What happened if sink blockage could go further down in Pipes?

Sometimes the blockage could be further down the pipework and even an external blockage. This blockage causes your pipes to backlog and blocked at the sink. Fat and grease build ups need to be fully removed from the waste pipe using a range of different tools and equipment. Thames Valley Drainage will removed the obstruction.

Detailed Description with Blockage Clearance

Thames Valley Drainage carry all tools and equipment to be able to assist your needs.The average cost our customer pay for a blocked sink is £99.00

In addition to every blockage clearance we provide a detailed description (where possible). Detailed description includes cause  and will also provide our best advice on  how to unblock a sink and eliminate the issue from happening again.

How to Unblock a sink ?

Some people ask How to Unblock a sink other companies advise putting drain unblocker, a vinegar and baking soda combination, bleach, dish washing soap or a range of other chemicals down the sink to try to clear the blockage. Here at Thames Valley Drains we don’t recommend using any harm full substances and will never use these our self.

For more information give our office a call on 01189888288 or email us info@thamesvalleydrainage.co.uk

Sewer Maintenance

What are the Causes of Sewer-Backups?

There are several things that could cause sewer back-ups and they are not all due to dirty pipes.  Sometimes they are, but not always. 

• Roots 
• Bellied Piping 
• Grease 

DRAINS CLEANING

Drains cleaning is very important. As a good preventive measure you should have your sewer lines cleaned every 18-22 months.  If you are experiencing problems more often than that, you may need to call a plumber and schedule a video inspection of your pipes.

HOW TO CHECK SEWER-BACKUPS?

Your plumber will insert a video camera down through your pipes to help visually determine what other issues may be causing your sewer back-ups.  That CCTV survey will then enable him to make the proper recommendation for whichever repair is necessary to correct the problem.

As a homeowner, you know that things can and will go wrong in your home.  And sometimes those things couldn’t possibly have been foreseen. Which is quite often the case when it comes to your sewer lines.

Your sewer lines are hidden; therefore, it’s hard to recognize when and if there’s a problem.  This makes it even more important that you have some knowledge about what signs to look if you want to prevent a potential disaster, and quite possibly, higher repair or replacement costs.

Learning how often to have your drains and sewer lines cleaned, the signs that indicate you may have a problem and what your options are once you do discover a problem, will help you make a more educated decision about what your needs are and how to go about having the repairs completed.

Causes of Sewer-Backups

There are several things that could cause sewer back-ups and they are not all due to dirty pipes.  Sometimes they are, but not always.

• Roots: Tree roots penetrating your pipes are the number one cause associated with sewer back-ups.  The roots grow into the pipes and will continue to grow until they fill the pipes completely.  Or, in many cases, the roots will break the pipes, creating an even bigger problem. A video inspection will help confirm if you have tree roots growing in your pipes.
• Bellied Piping: A bellied pipe is simply a sag in your pipe.  A sag can occur when part of your pipe slopes down, which creates a “belly” effect.  This is usually caused when the soil around your pipe becomes loose and breaks, making the soil around your pipe unstable and allowing it to sink.  Over time, a bellied pipe will allow waste to accumulate at the bellied part of the pipe, which in turn will create a blockage. A video inspection will tell your plumber all he needs to know and how to proceed with the proper repair.
• Grease: Grease is a pipes worst enemy.  Many homeowners casually pour their old, used grease from cooking down the drain.  This is the worst thing you could do. That grease will eventually turn solid which creates a blockage in your pipes.  If this happens, you will need to have your pipes high pressure water jetted.

For more information give our office a call on 01189888288 or visit us at thamesvalleydrainage.co.uk

CCTV Drainage Survey

CCTV DRAIN SURVEYS AND SEWER INSPECTION

We are experts in drain surveys and sewer examination and reporting

There a number of reasons why you may decide that your home or building’s drains need inspecting. Sewers and drains can both become clogged or damaged, and when these problems are suspected accurate inspection and diagnosis is critical to cost effective maintenance.

Thames Valley Drainage Ltd is an industry expert in drain surveys and sewer examination reporting with years of experience in the industry. Therefore, you can trust that we are extremely knowledgeable and know how to solve any issue.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

There are several ways in which Thames Valley Drainage Ltd can help you with your drain surveys and sewer inspection.

CCTV inspection – Thames Valley Drainage Ltd has invested heavily in the very latest CCTV inspection equipment and software, meaning that we can provide completely transparent and virtual, the data collected from site is streamed in real time to the local office for processing. In most cases, your inspection report has already progressed to the next step before our engineer has finished packing up his tools. With geography no longer a factor, our team of technical support managers are also able to provide instant technical assistance to each of our local offices, ensuring that even the most complex of cases is analysed efficiently. All of this means that we are able to conclude each of our inspection reports far more quickly than before, allowing us to closely evaluate the problem and report back to you on the most effective solutions to your problem. Each report can be delivered instantly through our live web portal, or should you prefer, we can still place a printed copy and a DVD in the post to you.

HOMEBUYER’S SURVEY

Buying a home is likely to be the single biggest financial decision in your life, the last thing you need is a myriad of underlying drainage issues that have come to haunt you through bad planning. For example, drain damage in homes is often caused by old age and tree roots from out the home, which creates blockages and causes water to leak into the surrounding soil. If this issue is not rectified, it can lead to further problems involving drain collapse and subsidence.

VENDOR

On the other hand, if you are selling your property, you won’t want to be delayed by damaged drains being discovered during your purchaser survey.If your drainage issues aren’t fixed, you may be forced to sell your property at a lower price or you may be forced to repair these defects at your cost will little notice. In the worst case, the purchaser may even withdraw their offer.

PURCHASER

You require the peace of mind that your dream home is not going to reveal any unexpected problems. The last thing you need is having to fork out money to repair damaged drains when you have already pushed yourself financially. In modern times and with general tightening of insurance policy schedules, it’s not often that your insurance company will pick up the tab in a new home if your drainage issue an inherited problem, especially in the absence of a survey. In fact, a drain survey is something that mortgage lenders, surveyors and home insurance companies insist on for properties over a certain age or value.

BUILD OVER SURVEY

Build over surveys are carried out before and after building work. Are you planning an extension? If you are looking for an extension or conservatory on your existing property, the local water authority is going to insist that you carry out a CCTV survey if you are building over or near their assets. This ensures that: – There are no defects on the drains that will be concealed by the extension.
– That any defects are identified and repaired prior to or during building works.
– That building works do not cause any damage to the asset short or long term.

LARGE DIAMETER SURVEYS

Thames Valley Drainage Ltd has a wide variety of the latest CCTV camera units, and we survey larger drainers using crawler units which can provide a panoramic view of the drain condition. Surveys are carried out to the latest 5th edition of the WRC Manual of Sewer Condition and Classification, which is the industry standard.

Bad Smell

A Bad Smell can be a huge inconvenience and something no one want to put up with. It is necessary to know how to clean the drains that smell. Thames Valley Drainage  is available 24/7 to sort out any issue that are affecting your drains.

CAUSES OF BAD SMELL

There are many factors that contribute to a bad smell and sometimes it might not be drain related. Thames Valley Drainage have years of experience in diagnosing the cause. Some of the causes  could be a partial blockage or a build up in the pipe work.

Lack of use of the facilities in the building can be the cause of Bad smells. Water traps are designed to prevent smells. If these traps dry out  it could cause a sewer like smell. These smells can carry throughout the building when having an issue. Its always good to note how long the smell has been present the locations of the smell. and where its strongest and also if the smell comes and goes.

Other causes of smells could be faulty or leaking pipe work, faulty dergo valves or just a blockage in the pipes. If you have rodent issues this could also be the cause.  and our skilled engineers can advise on how to prevent rodents entering your drainage system.

How We Works

Thames Valley Drainage will carry out a full investigation of  smell and where possible identify the cause and remove the issue.We also provides complete description on how to clean drains that smell.

Thames Valley Drainage carries all tools and equipment to be able to assist your needs. The average cost our customer pay for investigation and resolving a bad smell is £99.00.

Chemicals are not Recommended

Some people advise putting drain un blocker, a vinegar and baking soda combination.and also bleach, dish washing soap or a range of other chemicals down the Urinal to try to clear the blockage. Here at Thames Valley Drains we don’t recommend using any harmful substances and will never use these ourselves.

For more information give our office a call on 01189888288 or email us info@thamesvalleydrainage.co.uk

Collapsed Drain

Sometimes you find that the problem you have is a bit more than just a blockage.It could be collapsed drainage.  At  Thames Valley Drainage  we always recommend looking at the condition of the pipes and correcting faults before they get to a collapse stage. For example CCTV surveys can identify  faults in system that can lead to a collapse if not dealt with early.

CAUSES OF COLLAPSED DRAINAGE

There are many factors that contribute to a Collapsed drainage and here are the most common of them. Ground movement and settling, overhead traffic movement e.g. drains on driveway for cars etc. and outside influences such as roots activity,

Drain deterioration usually starts with small cracks leading to fractures in drainpipes that can further develop into breaks, deformation and holes and eventually a total collapse making the drains unserviceable. They can occur in both plastic and clay pipes. Pitch fibre can also be affected by deforming first until the pipe gives way totally.

Cost

Thames Valley Drainage carry all tools and equipment to be able to assist your needs. The average cost our customer pay for a CCTV survey to ascertain the condition of your drains is £120.00. This will identify potential areas of concern and enable  to make an informed choice as to  best course of action.

Detailed Description with each Survey

With every survey we provide a detailed description (where possible). Detailed description includes about cause and  will also provide our best advice on how to eliminate issue from happening again. There are many solutions to repairing pipe faults including no dig technology. If however the collapse as already occurred we can recommend the best excavation method to rectify.

For more information give our office a call on 01189888288 or email us info@thamesvalleydrainage.co.uk

Drain Clearance

BASIC BLOCKED DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

Basic drainage unclogging usually involves rodding to remove the blockage, followed by using High Pressure Water Jet to flush through the system. Although clearance has been achieved by rodding to ensure your Blocked drainage is completely clear and flowing. We always use High Pressure Water Jet where possible to ensure maximum flow is achieved.

How Blocked Drainage Occurred?

If it’s an indoor blockage, it could have occurred because of heavy materials or objects flushed down the drain.  Sanitary products often caused  Blocked drainage .In addition paper towels or other hard to flush materials which can clog pipes and obstruct drains. Wipes, tissues, and even hair can also be the culprits

Private Drains

If yours is the only property using a pipe, it’s a ‘private drain‘. Which means that if it gets blocked, you are solely responsible for dealing with the blockage, and you’ll have to pay for it to be cleared

Why is my drain slow?

Slow-moving or backed-up drains are common in bathroom sinks, but luckily the fix is usually simple. The problem is caused by hair and gummy soap scum that get caught up in the pipework.

The first answer is YES:

Your sewer drains should hold water in certain locations.  The reason for the water in the drainage fixture is to prevent rodents and smells entering the building.  For example a toilet pan has water in its bowl always this is to prevent foul smells entering the building.  Other examples could be the P trap or shower drain these are also designed to hold water during normal operation.  If you do however notice excessively high levels of water there could be a blocked drainage causing the problem.

The second answer is NO:

If you notice that drains are overflowing or making a gurgling noise or even sucking the water seal dry it would most likely point towards a fault in the drainage system.  The main sewer drain is designed to self cleanse (when installed correctly) and this is achieved by having the correct grade or slope on the pipe and therefore when any debris put into the line it will move along the pipe and end up in its correct destination.

Using CCTV Surveys for Blocked Drainage?

Through using our CCTV drain investigation equipment we can identify areas of a Blocked drain. Block drain may be holding water due to a blockage or even a collapsed section of pipe.  When a drain has been newly installed or recently cleaned out there will be very little debris standing still in the line it will all move away promptly and this is how we identify Blocked drainage problems by using our special equipment.

For more information give our office a call on 01189888288 or email us info@thamesvalleydrainage.co.uk