Spring Cleaning For Your Drains: Why It’s Important

Spring is in the air, and it’s the perfect time for a fresh start. The warmer weather brings with it renewed energy, making it the perfect time to do some spring cleaning and gardening maintenance. Unfortunately, when it comes to our drains, we often don’t think about them until there’s a problem.

Just like dust and clutter accumulates indoors during the winter months, your drains run the risk of getting clogged with grease, fats and hair. By including regular maintenance and drain cleaning in your spring routine, you can ensure your plumbing system remains in tip-top shape. 

Why Spring is the Perfect Time for Drain Maintenance

There’s no better time to give your drains a much-needed refresh than spring. After all, the winter chill is tough not just on you, but on your pipes too! Your drains have a tendency to accumulate grease from festive cooking and soap residue from extra indoor activity, placing it under more strain than you realise. 

What’s more, melting snow and increased spring rainfall can put extra pressure on your plumbing system. This excess water often exposes existing weak points, like leaks and blockages. By taking care of your drains now, you can prevent costly repairs down the line -  and a spring clean for your pipes is a great way to get your home ready for the warmer months!

Common Drain Issues After Winter 

While the warmer months may be everyone’s favourite, winter has its own charm - think hot chocolate, snowball fights, and cosy evenings by the fire. Unfortunately, the cold season isn’t always so kind to your plumbing, with common drain issues often causing trouble for both your pipes and your wallet. Here are a few common drain issues to keep an eye on: 

Frozen Pipes: 

Freezing temperatures can cause water inside your pipes to expand, putting pressure on the walls of your pipes. This can cause older or uninsulated pipes to crack, split and collapse during the freeze-thaw cycle. 

Unusual damp patches in your garden, bad smells, or recurring blockages can be tell-tale signs you might have a damaged pipe underground. 

Blocked Drains: 

The festive season isn’t just busy for you — it’s hard work for your plumbing system too. Increased cooking during the holidays can overload your drains, often leading to blockages by the time spring rolls around. At the same time, autumn and winter bring falling leaves, twigs, and other debris that can collect in outdoor drains. When mixed with snow and ice, these materials form stubborn clogs. As temperatures rise, melting water has nowhere to go, resulting in surface pooling, slow-draining sinks, and potential damage.

Leaking Pipes: 

When water inside your pipes freezes during winter, it can cause your pipes to become more fragile. This can put pressure on joints, seals, and the pipework itself, which can eventually cause structural damage. Even a small split can cause a slow leak, leading to damp under floors and potential water damage. If you notice any areas in your home or garden that are damp, it’s best to get it checked out by a professional. 

Simple Drain Maintenance Tips for Spring

After the heavy rains and debris buildup, one of the best ways to avoid a blocked drain or leaky pipe is to follow a few simple tips.

Dispose of Your Food Properly 

Tossing grease and oil down the sink might seem easier than disposing of them properly, but the buildup can seriously damage your drains. Watching what you put down your drains is one of the biggest plumbing tips out there. Items such as coffee grounds, fibrous veggies, eggshells, oil and pharmaceutical products should never go down your pipes, as it can create water backups or a slow-moving drain. 

Invest in Strainers 

Strainers may be a small investment, but it can make a big difference when it comes to preventing blockages. Add a strainer to your shower, bathroom or kitchen sinks and watch this nifty tool go to work. It helps catch food scraps, hair and other debris before it has a chance to slip down the drain and cause a clog. Plus, they’re inexpensive, easy to clean, and widely available - a smart little upgrade with big benefits.

Check Your Gutters 

Guttering and downpipes play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from your home, helping to prevent water damage and flooding. When gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs, moss, or other debris — especially after winter — they can overflow and send water running down the sides of your property. This can lead to damp walls, eroded foundations, and strain on your drainage system. Take time to inspect and clean your gutters. 

Keep an Eye on Slow Drains 

While prevention is better than cure, it’s just as important to act early at the first sign of a drainage issue. Slow-draining sinks are a telltale sign you have a potential blockage. Act early by using a plunger or drain snake, or call in a professional if needed.

When in Doubt, Call The Professionals 

When all else fails, it’s always a good idea to call the professionals! If you’re dealing with persistent blockages, foul smells or slow draining sinks despite your best efforts, Clearpath Drainage is ready to lend a helping hand. 

No matter the problem or season, as experts in drainage, we’re ready to lend our professional skills to keep your system running smoothly and your property protected.

Speak to us today about enjoying peace of mind and transparent experience with Clearpath Drainage.