You’re probably aware that drain jetting involves using high-pressure water jets to resolve problems such as blocked drains. But do you know exactly what happens during a professional drain jetting appointment? In a nutshell, our experts unblock, decongest and deep clean drains safely and swiftly. It’s a remarkable process – and worth discussing in detail.

In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes to demystify drain jetting services for domestic/commercial property owners. We’ll also explain why water, not harsh chemicals, is all professionals such as the Mega-Rod Bath team need to clear and clean drains effectively and efficiently.

Why Drains Get Blocked and Need Jetting

Your drainage system could benefit hugely from a professional drain jetting service if you’ve noticed any warning signs of clogged pipework, such as slow drainage, foul odours and backups.

The presence of drain blockages or congestion typically means greasy substances (cooking fat, say) or fibrous materials (including wet wipes) have been poured or flushed away instead of being binned. However, jetting drains is also invaluable when the problem is caused by frozen wastewater or invasive roots.

Drain jetters eliminate both soft blockages (such as food waste) and hard blockages (such as plant matter). Drain jetting services are provided on an emergency/one-off basis or as part of annual drain maintenance work.

How Does Drain Jetting Work?

A drain jetter pressurises water to supercharge its natural cleaning abilities. The high-pressure jets blast, break up and flush away rogue substances so wastewater can flow freely again.

During our Bristol and Bath drain jetting appointments, the pressure the jets exert on obstructions/congestion can reach around 4,000 PSI (i.e. pounds per square inch). That’s about 100 times the pressure of tap water. Because the jets are so powerful, they must be carefully controlled. That’s why you should always use a professional service provided by trusted, fully trained specialists such as the Mega-Rod drain jetting team.

Each drain jetter contains a motor that drives a pump. The pump’s pistons pressurise the water, which is then forced through a flexible hose and out of a jetting nozzle’s tiny openings. High-pressure, narrow jets act like laser beams – they cut through grease, ice and more with ease. The nozzle directs some jets forward to unblock, decongest, and clean drains. It directs others backwards, generating the thrust it needs to propel itself through the pipework.

High-pressure water has the strength required to rapidly weaken/break the bonds holding particles of rogue substances together, as well as the bonds between those substances and drain walls. Drain-clogging nasties are dislodged and destroyed.

The Drain Jetting Process – Step by Step

1. We assess the blockage/congestion with a CCTV drain inspection. This enables us to locate, identify and determine the severity of the problem, so we know precisely where to jet.

2. We set up a safety zone and seal outlets to protect people and ensure no jets escape drains. Then we feed the hose into the drainage system, usually via a manhole.

3. We jet the drain obstruction/congestion with skill and precision, fine-tuning the water pressure and volume according to the situation’s particular demands. The material is quickly broken down and exits the drainage system. The jets also scour drain walls.

If root infiltration is the issue, we combine drain jetting with root cutting. Roots are shredded and washed away.

4. We flush the drains to check that wastewater can flow properly again. Next, we perform a post-jetting CCTV drain inspection to ensure no trace of rogue matter remains and also to check if the problem damaged the drains. For example, we perform drain repairs after removing roots that have exploited cracks, making the pipework watertight again.

Benefits of a Professional Drain Jetting Service

• Jetting drains is the most effective, fastest form of drain unblocking and cleaning – it can resolve even complex cases in one-to-three hours
• Conducted by experienced drain jetting professionals for maximum safety and superior results
• Protects drains and the environment, as harsh cleaning fluids that can warp pipes and cause pollution aren’t used. Pure water is all we require.
• Suitable for drains of any size and most drain materials, including clay, plastic, etc.
• No digging required – long hoses penetrate hard-to-reach areas
• Doesn’t waste water or increase your water bills – the jets are narrow and precise, and the water comes from our own tanks
• Not only unclogs drains but cleans them thoroughly too, helping to guard against future problems

Expert Drain Jetting in Bath and Bristol

We have the necessary experience and equipment to professionally and comprehensively clear and clean domestic/commercial drains.

For Bristol and Bath drain jetting from trusted experts, call Mega-Rod today on 01225 422980.

Does your home have separate drainage systems for surface water and wastewater? If so, it’s crucial to find out whether there are any drain misconnections, as they can put your pipework and property at risk, as well as cause pollution. ‘The potential consequences of a misconnection that is left unaddressed can be disastrous,’ emphasises the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management.

The term drain misconnection means that different drainage systems have mistakenly been linked and different types of water are therefore being combined. In other words, surface water is being sent to drains and sewers that are only intended to carry wastewater, or vice versa. The issue is widespread: Wessex Water, which serves Bath and the surrounding area, points out that as many as 500,000 UK properties are believed to be affected by drain misconnections, which are usually the result of mistakes made by builders, plumbers or DIY enthusiasts.

Building homes with one drainage system for surface water and another for wastewater has been the norm since the 1970s; some older properties have separate systems, too. Keeping surface water and wastewater apart makes water management more efficient since only the latter needs to go to treatment plants such as Bristol’s water recycling centre. And it’s the legal responsibility of every homeowner with two drainage systems to identify and fix drain misconnections.

But don’t worry, the Mega-Rod Bath drains team has the necessary expertise and equipment (such as powerful CCTV drain survey cameras) to find and resolve drain misconnections at your property. Simply contact us today to get started.

The Difference between Surface Water and Wastewater Drainage

Many people assume that surface water and wastewater are much the same, but this isn’t the case:

• Surface water drainage systems carry rainwater and melted ice/snow away from hard, non-porous surfaces to prevent structural damage and flooding. For example, rain falls on roofs and then travels along gutters and down drainpipes. Once underground, it flows through surface water drains into a soakaway (or similar on-site drainage facility) or surface water sewers. These sewers are permitted to deposit surface water in waterways, as it’s classed as clean.
• Wastewater drainage systems (also called foul water drainage systems) carry the water people have used in bathrooms, kitchens, etc. away from properties to prevent structural damage, flooding, and health hazards. For example, water from a sink flows through household plumbing, underground wastewater drains, and wastewater sewers. Wastewater has become contaminated through use (unlike surface water, which hasn’t been used). So the sewers deliver it to water treatment centres – it has to be cleaned before it can be safely deposited in waterways.

Misconnected Drains Cause Multiple Problems

Drainage misconnections should never be ignored. They can cause serious problems for homeowners and are also ‘a major threat to UK rivers and seas’, says the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust.

If surface water is allowed to flow into your wastewater drains, it can overwhelm your wastewater drainage system, especially during severe weather. The drains may fracture or collapse under pressure, leading to backups, flooding, and subsidence. If your home has an off-mains wastewater drainage system, you may urgently require cesspit or septic tank emptying due to overflows. If it’s served by wastewater sewers instead and they become overwhelmed, their emergency relief systems will have to release contaminant-filled water into waterways, exposing people and wildlife to everything from decaying cooking fat and wet wipes to viruses.

If wastewater is allowed to flow into your surface water drains, the main problem is that dirty, contaminated water will enter your soakaway or the surface water sewers. Harmful substances will then pollute your home’s ground or waterways, potentially leading to illness and threatening the natural world.

Why Drainage Misconnections Happen

Drain misconnections are usually unintentional. People can easily confuse surface water pipework with wastewater pipework if they aren’t very knowledgeable about drainage systems or don’t pay enough attention when making changes to them.

Drainage misconnections most often arise when:

• Appliances or plumbing fixtures are being installed – 35% of drain misconnections are due to washing machines accidentally being connected to surface water drainage systems, for instance
• Kitchens and bathrooms are being renovated
• Extensions or en-suites are being added to homes

Identifying and Resolving Drain Misconnections

Our trusted team can conduct a thorough CCTV drain survey at your property to locate drain misconnections and also make any necessary drain repairs. We can also liaise with reputable plumbers in relation to above-ground work (reinstalling a washing machine, say).

Your surface water and wastewater drainage systems will soon be flowing properly again.

To find and fix drain misconnections in Bath, Bristol and beyond, call Mega-Rod today on 01225 422980.

Looking for simple ways to save water and reduce pressure on your drains? Small changes to your daily habits can protect your plumbing, cut your bills, and help the environment. Read on to discover why water conservation matters and how to make a difference at home.

You produce wastewater when carrying out numerous daily activities (scrubbing pans, doing the laundry, showering, etc.), and your drains have to carry it all away from your home. It’s all too easy to overwhelm them, which can lead to serious problems such as collapsed drains. That’s why you should pay attention to the amount of water you use (perhaps with the aid of a water calculator) and find ways to reduce it.

At Mega-Rod, we help homeowners across Bristol and Bath keep their drainage systems running smoothly. In this article, we explain why it’s so important to save water and share practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you get started.

The Driest Spring and a Risk of Drought

Water conservation is highly topical, as England has just had its driest spring since 1893. The Environment Agency says there’s ‘a medium risk’ of drought this summer and is urging everyone to ‘use water more wisely’. Every long shower, say, could take England closer to emergency measures such as water rationing.

‘Water is an essential resource, but it’s easy to waste it without realising the impact,’ emphasises Waterwise, a water-efficiency organisation. If you’ve read our article about the importance of effective wastewater drainage, you’ll know the average person in the Wessex Water area uses almost 140 litres of water daily – a staggering amount. Everyone can do their bit to save water, thereby protecting drains and much more.

Why Saving Water Matters

There are several compelling reasons to produce less wastewater:

1. Reduce the Pressure on Drains

Using less water helps you to keep your home safe and healthy. Excess wastewater can exert considerable pressure on drains and create/exacerbate structural weaknesses, especially if it contains drain blockers such as fat. If your drainage system is under strain, it may fail. Wastewater could be forced into your home, while drains could collapse, potentially leading to subsidence.

Homeowners with off-mains drainage systems should be particularly careful. For instance, large quantities of wastewater can make septic tanks overflow and choke drainage fields.

2. Save Money on Water Bills

As Homebuilding & Renovating magazine reports, water bills have increased by about 27% this year, so ‘it’s imperative to adopt water-saving measures’.

Plus, if your drains aren’t overloaded, you’re less likely to need to fund repairs. And if you have a septic tank, you should find yearly septic tank emptying is enough rather than requiring frequent, urgent callouts.

3. Reduce the Risk of Water Shortages

By saving water, you’re helping to protect water supplies and avoid shortages, especially during dry periods. Wessex Water’s reservoir levels ‘are below average for the time of year’, which highlights the need to use less water.

4. Protect Waterways against Pollution

Water-saving measures help to prevent pollution. If drains send less wastewater to the sewer system, there’s less chance of it being overwhelmed and releasing its hazardous contents into watercourses via sewer overflows (which are essentially emergency relief valves).

Ways to Save Water

You can make simple changes at home to reduce the amount of wastewater entering your drains:

Kitchen

• Add an aerator to your kitchen tap – this clever device combines water with air to reduce the flow by up to ten litres per minute without losing pressure.
• Use a one-cup kettle to avoid pouring away surplus boiled water.
• Wash vegetables in a bowl, not under a running tap, then pour the water on your garden.
• Scrape food debris into the bin instead of rinsing plates before washing them. You’ll conserve water and help to prevent blocked drains.
• Only use your dishwasher when it’s full – or use a small washing-up bowl instead of filling the sink with water.

Bathroom

• Check for leaks then ask a plumber to stop any water escaping. Do the same with plumbing elsewhere.
• Avoid keeping the tap on when brushing your teeth to save nine litres of water every minute.
• Take Bristol Water’s four-minute shower challenge – a timer will keep you on track.
• Put an expanding water displacement bag in your toilet cistern to save a couple of litres of water per flush.

Utility Room

• Use your washing machine just once per day to avoid producing unnecessary wastewater.
• Ask your water company to install a smart meter for real-time data that lets you easily monitor/reduce water usage.

Your Bristol and Bath Drain Maintenance Team

Need help maintaining your drains while you save water? Mega-Rod is trusted across Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas for expert drain cleaning, unblocking and maintenance. Call us today on 01225 422980 or email admin@mega-rod.co.uk for friendly advice or to book a service.

More than a million properties in the UK countryside send their wastewater to off-mains drainage systems. If you’re buying a rural residential/commercial property described as having no mains drainage, you may well be wondering exactly what this means.

Fortunately, the Mega-Rod Bath drainage specialists are in an ideal position to help you. As Somerset is one of England’s most rural counties, numerous property owners here and in the surrounding area depend on us to keep their septic tanks and other off-mains drainage systems working properly.

Let’s explore what off-mains drainage is, what owning a building without mains drainage entails, and why it’s advisable to get a homebuyer’s drain survey or commercial drain survey before finalising your purchase of a rural property.

Not All Properties Are Connected to Sewers

The vast majority of UK homes and businesses have mains drainage, i.e. their drains are connected to the public sewer network. Sewers take wastewater to sewage treatment works so that it can be cleaned then released into watercourses.

However, buildings such as cottages, farms, country hotels and rustic pubs are often too isolated to be connected to sewers. They require off-mains drainage systems instead, which collect and, in some cases, process wastewater on-site instead of sending it to the sewers.

The Three Types of Off-Mains Drainage

A property with off-mains drainage will be served by one of the following underground facilities:

Cesspit

Cesspits are large tanks shaped like capsules and made of concrete, fibreglass or plastic.

As the most basic form of off-mains drainage, a cesspit is only designed to store wastewater and doesn’t process it.

Cesspits need emptying several times per year by a licensed waste disposal company to avoid overflowing due to a build-up of solid waste. We empty them with the aid of a powerful suction pump and tanker.

Septic System

Septic systems consist of septic tanks and drainage fields. The tanks are much like cesspits except they’re spherical or cylindrical, while drainage fields contain subterranean perforated pipes.

Unlike cesspits, septic systems process wastewater so that it can safely merge with groundwater. They do this with the help of gravity and bacteria.

A septic tank normally has two chambers. In the first one, solid waste sinks and is partly broken down by bacteria while less dense waste (such as oil) floats. Those layers of waste are left behind as the wastewater proceeds to the second chamber, where it’s separated from smaller waste particles.

Next, the wastewater enters the drainage field. After seeping out of the pipes, it encounters bacteria in the soil, which remove contaminants that weren’t filtered out in the tank.

Because septic tanks release wastewater, they don’t fill up quickly. Septic tank emptying is therefore carried out less often than cesspit emptying – usually yearly for our customers.

Sewage Treatment Plant

The most advanced off-mains drainage systems are sewage treatment plants. According to one UK supplier, the wastewater these facilities release into the environment is typically 97% clean.

Sewage treatment plants resemble septic tanks except they have compressed air pumps powered by electricity. Wastewater is filtered so that large pieces of debris, such as sticks, don’t reach the first chamber. Layers of solid and light waste form in there, as they do in septic tanks. The remaining wastewater enters the second chamber, where the pumps encourage aerobic bacteria to grow and digest smaller waste particles. Further treatment processes such as disinfection may also be used. The treated wastewater gathers in the third chamber and then enters a watercourse.

We also empty sewage treatment plants. As with septic tanks, annual emptying is usually sufficient.

Inspecting and Emptying Off-Mains Drainage Systems

If you’re buying a property with an off-mains drainage system, it’s vital to check what condition it’s in, as you’ll be legally responsible for maintenance and repairs. That’s where our drain camera surveys for homebuyers and people purchasing commercial buildings come in.

Thanks to our CCTV drain cameras and expertise, you’ll understand exactly what’s happening underground. A pre-purchase survey protects your interests – if major problems are discovered (structural damage, say), you can renegotiate or pull out of the sale.

If you do move in, yearly CCTV drainage surveys will help you to nip any problems in the bud. Plus, we can empty your off-mains drainage system efficiently and on schedule.

Off-Mains Drainage Experts Based in Bath

When you need help with a residential/commercial off-mains drainage system in Bath, Bristol, North Somerset, North Wiltshire, West Wiltshire or South Gloucestershire, you can rely on Mega-Rod.

We’re the trusted providers of a comprehensive range of drainage services.

Don’t let off-mains drainage issues stop you from enjoying life in the country – call Mega-Rod today on 01225 422980.

Whenever you use water at your home or business, you produce wastewater, which flows through your drains and away from your property. These underground pipes work extremely hard, but because they’re hidden away and don’t have an exciting job, their vital importance is all too easily overlooked.

Many people dismiss their wastewater drainage systems as ‘just pipework’ and assume they don’t require much attention. By contrast, as a leading Bristol and Bath drainage company, we know domestic and commercial drains make a significant contribution to everyone’s lives. You can keep yours working properly with the aid of drain cleaning and other drain maintenance services.

Effective wastewater drainage matters a great deal – read on to find out why.

The Role of Drains in Wastewater Management

Do you know roughly how much wastewater is produced at your home or business each day? The answer could be a lot more than you expect.

For example, people in and around Bath who are served by Wessex Water use 139 litres of water per person per day on average, according to statistics from industry body Discover Water. That means you’re likely to send tens of thousands of litres of wastewater down your drains annually.

There are two main types of wastewater that drainage systems have to cope with:

• Blackwater – wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks and dishwashers. It contains human waste, pathogens and food waste so is extremely hazardous.
• Greywater – wastewater from other sources, such as basins, baths, showers and washing machines. It’s less hazardous than blackwater but still contains contaminants such as dirt so must also be treated with caution.

Drains play a crucial role in effective wastewater management. They transport the vast quantities of water people get through – and the nasties dissolved and suspended in it – to the sewer network (which leads to water treatment plants) or septic systems (basic, on-site treatment facilities commonly found in rural areas).

In a nutshell, when wastewater travels through your drainage system, it’s completing the first stage of an important journey that culminates in it being cleansed. Only then can it be safely returned to the environment and used again.

Reasons Why Wastewater Drainage Matters

The last thing anyone wants is to find their drains have stopped working (due to a blockage or collapsed section of pipework, say) and their building and/or land is overwhelmed with wastewater.

Let’s consider the three main reasons why effective wastewater drainage is essential.

1. Your Drains Protect Your Health

‘The main objective of a drainage system is […] to maintain healthy conditions in and around a building,’ as the environmental consultants at Healthy Building Science emphasise.

Because wastewater contains bacteria and viruses, it poses health risks. That’s especially true if it’s allowed to stagnate and become a breeding ground for microorganisms. Wastewater exposure is linked to illnesses including gastroenteritis and skin infections.

Thankfully, your wastewater drainage system protects your health by shielding you from wastewater and rapidly carrying it away from your home/business.

2. Your Drains Protect Your Property

If wastewater is allowed to overwhelm a particular area, it can be incredibly destructive.

Waterlogged soil is boggy and unstable. It can shift and sink – and drag a building’s foundations downwards, resulting in subsidence. This is characterised by dramatic cracks in walls and can ultimately make a building unsafe to use.

Well-maintained drains are watertight, so they protect your property and land by preventing wastewater from flooding them.

3. Your Drains Protect Wildlife and the Environment

Unless wastewater is managed properly, it can have a devastating impact on the natural world.

It can pollute soil, groundwater and waterways. Plus, nutrients found in contaminants such as food debris can disrupt ecosystems by encouraging aquatic plants to grow rapidly. This reduces oxygen and light levels in bodies of water and therefore threatens the lives of water-loving creatures. Wastewater can also kill wildlife by exposing it to harmful microplastics (from synthetic clothing that’s been washed, for example) and household chemicals.

Your drains protect wildlife and the environment by ensuring wastewater is sent directly to the sewers instead of playing havoc with nature.

Looking After Drains in Bath, Bristol and Beyond

Your drains do so much for you and your surroundings – it’s incredibly important to look after them with our drain experts’ help.

We provide comprehensive drain maintenance services. For example, you can book CCTV drain surveys to check for problems, as well as drain cleaning appointments to eliminate contaminant build-up and keep wastewater flowing properly. And if you’re experiencing poor drainage, you can rely on our rapid drain unblocking service.

For expert drain cleaning and related services in Bath, Bristol and beyond, call Mega-Rod today on 01225 422980.

Temperatures are beginning to climb as the UK heads towards summer, and at the time of writing the first heatwave of 2025 is imminent, according to Somerset Live. So now is the ideal time to familiarise yourself with how hot, dry weather can affect your drains – and what you can do over the coming weeks to protect them.

A recent survey by market research firm Ipsos found summer is the most popular season, with 42% of respondents naming it as their favourite. Asking Mega-Rod to perform drain maintenance at your home/business in the run-up to summer (which begins on 21 June) will help to ensure drainage issues don’t derail your plans for fun in the sun in Bath, Bristol and beyond.

After all, when the mercury is rising and rain is in short supply, neglected drainage systems can experience everything from rapid bacteria growth to collapsed drains, as we’ll explain.

Struggling to Cope with Extra Wastewater

‘Hot weather encourages far greater household water use,’ the Climate Change Committee points out. People tend to shower, bathe and wash clothes more often in the summer due to all the trips to the beach, exhilarating hikes, games in the park and other fun activities.

This means your drains are under tremendous pressure on summery days. They’re carrying more wastewater to the sewers than earlier in the year. Plus, they’re more likely to get congested or blocked by soap scum, hair, sand, dirt, grit, wet wipes and other rogue material.

Structural issues such as cracks may be exacerbated when large volumes of wastewater speed through drains or obstructions lead to pressure building up in the pipework.

Being Colonised by Odour-Producing Bacteria

If you allow food debris to disappear down plugholes, you may soon find your property is less than inviting.

While it may be tempting to pour leftover oily salad dressings, dips, BBQ sauce, grease from cooking hot dogs, melted ice cream and other remnants of summer dishes down the kitchen sink, they can easily create nasty problems in your drainage system.

Anything greasy or gloopy can stick to drain walls, restricting the flow of wastewater. Plus, heat accelerates the decay of food waste and also bacteria growth, leading to putrid odours from plugholes that are even worse than the smells emanating from bins in the heat.

Expanding and Cracking in the Heat

Your drains are vulnerable to thermal pipe expansion in high temperatures. Heat gives molecules more energy, so they move around more. This can put drain walls, joints and seals under strain, especially if drain maintenance has been neglected. The pipework may bow, crack, leak, buckle or burst. Collapsed drains can also be the result of thermal expansion.

Drains that have expanded are likely to contract rapidly when temperatures cool (at night, say), which can also be extremely destructive.

Sinking and Collapsing When Soil Dries Out

In hot, dry weather, the soil around your drains may lose too much moisture. It could shrink significantly, ending up cracked and unstable.

Dried-out earth is prone to shifting and sinking, especially if it’s rich in clay. ‘Dry weather and high temperatures have been found to be a major factor in the emergence of subsidence in clay soils,’ remarks the British Geological Survey. If the soil gives way, your drains could collapse – or at the very least become misaligned, cracked and leaky. In addition, subsidence could dramatically destabilise your property’s foundations.

Wastewater escaping into bone-dry ground from a damaged drainage system can lead to earth being washed away or sinking even further.

Getting Blocked by Thirsty Tree Roots

If wastewater seeps – or pours – out of your drains due to structural issues, it could make them a target for thirsty root networks. As tree care firm Davey explains, ‘tree roots grow the most in late spring through very early summer’.

Even a tiny crack acts as an open invitation to invasive roots. They grow quickly and can therefore block drains before summer ends.

Prepare Bristol and Bath Drains for Summer

Thankfully, there are ways to help your drains withstand hot, dry weather:

• Ensure outdoor areas are well shaded (by erecting awnings, for instance) to stop pipework baking underground.
• Install plughole strainers to catch nasties such as food waste.
• Contact us for rapid drain unblocking and drain repairs if you’re experiencing horrible smells, slow drainage and backups. If roots are to blame, we offer root cutting too.
• Book a CCTV drain survey and drain cleaning appointment to check for problems and optimise the flow of wastewater.

Don’t let hot, dry weather damage your drains – call Mega-Rod in Bath today on 01225 422980 for expert help.

A septic system can be invaluable when it isn’t feasible to connect your home’s drains to the sewer network (which is often the case in rural locations, for example).

However, your system must be carefully looked after and regularly emptied in order to continue cleansing wastewater effectively. That’s why you’ll want to familiarise yourself with the dos and don’ts of UK septic system maintenance and use a septic tank emptying service provided by drainage specialists such as the Mega-Rod Bath team.

How Septic Systems Work

Because septic systems are private facilities, the responsibility for septic system maintenance lies with homeowners. So if your current home has a septic system or you’re buying a property with one, it’s crucial to know how this type of off-mains drainage works.

A septic system consists of a septic tank and a drainage field. Together, they act as a basic wastewater treatment plant. Wastewater flows through drains and then enters the tank, where it’s held for a few days or so.

In the tank’s first chamber, gravity ensures solid waste sinks to the bottom while less dense waste (cooking oil, say) floats on the water’s surface. The water then flows into the second chamber, where it’s separated from smaller waste particles. Helpful bacteria break down some of the waste.

Having been partially cleansed, the water is released from the tank and flows through a series of pipes buried beneath the drainage field. As the water seeps out of tiny holes in the pipework, its remaining contaminants are broken down by the soil’s own beneficial bacteria.

It can then safely merge with groundwater.

Tips for Looking After Septic Systems

As long as you know what to do – and not do – when it comes to septic system maintenance, you can avoid serious problems, such as the tank overflowing, and extend the system’s lifespan.

Buying a Home with a Septic System

Do get a homebuyer’s drainage survey before exchanging contracts. We can conduct a full inspection of your drains and septic system with the aid of a powerful CCTV camera. This will flag up any problems – and, if necessary, give you the opportunity to renegotiate or stop the sale.

Preventing Excess Water from Entering the Tank

Don’t direct rainwater into your septic system; otherwise, you risk overwhelming the tank. If that happens, solid waste could be ejected and choke your drainage field. Send rainwater to a ditch or soakaway crate, for example, instead.

Do conserve water to protect the system. Use water-saving devices, including low-flow tap aerators, and wash one load of laundry per day instead of several in quick succession.

Preventing Congestion

Don’t pour or flush away troublesome substances. Anything greasy or fibrous, such as fat or wet wipes, could create congestion and blockages and therefore stop your septic system from working.

Cleaning Products

Do use eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products around your home. Green, septic-safe options won’t kill your system’s vital bacteria, unlike standard alternatives.

Don’t use toxic chemical drain cleaners – you’ll end up having to repopulate the system’s bacteria colonies with additives. If you’re experiencing poor drainage, contact us instead for professional drain unblocking, drain cleaning and septic tank emptying without nasty chemicals.

Drainage Field Care

Do ask a tree surgeon to relocate any trees growing on/near your drainage field. Thirsty invasive roots will penetrate, crack and block septic system pipework if given half a chance and can only be removed with a root cutting service.

Do allow grass to cover the field – it guards against erosion by holding soil in place and preventing rain washing it away, thereby helping to protect the underground pipework.

Don’t drive over or develop this land – heavy vehicles and construction equipment compress soil, undermining its ability to filter wastewater, and can damage pipes too. Moreover, concrete and other building materials could kill beneficial bacteria by depriving them of oxygen.

Septic Tank Emptying

Do schedule annual septic tank emptying appointments. By asking us to periodically pump out solid waste, you can ensure your tank doesn’t get too full, which would derail the system. Plus, you can save money by setting up an ongoing septic tank maintenance contract with us.

Don’t attempt to empty your septic tank yourself – its contents are too hazardous. Moreover, as our septic tank emptying FAQs make clear, the task requires drainage expertise and heavy-duty equipment, including a pump and tanker.

Septic Tank Maintenance and Emptying from the Experts

Spring and summer is the ideal time for septic tank emptying and CCTV drainage surveys.

Our experienced drainage technicians cover Bath, Bristol, North Somerset, North and West Wiltshire, and South Gloucestershire.

Mega-Rod can keep your septic system flowing – call us today on 01225 422980.

Drain maintenance for business owners is never more important than when you’re running a restaurant. Busy commercial kitchens serving hot food generate large quantities of used cooking fat, oil and grease. Even a small restaurant with a deep-fat fryer may use as many as 20 litres of cooking oil every week, according to oil recycler BioUKFuels. And FOG (as fat, oil and grease are collectively known) is notorious for its ability to clog and block even large commercial drains.

As a trusted drainage company based in Bath, a city with a vibrant restaurant scene, Mega-Rod has many years of experience in restaurant drain care and repair. Restaurant owners turn to us when they encounter drainage problems caused by fat, oil, and grease, including terrible smells filling dining areas, standing water or backups in kitchen sinks, and staff/customer toilets refusing to flush.

FOG can do terrible damage to a restaurant’s drainage system, not to mention its reputation and revenue. Whether you’re opening a new restaurant or want to improve an existing eatery’s FOG management, you’ll want to read our guide to UK restaurant drain care. It’s designed to give you food for thought, as well as help you to avoid restaurant drain nightmares.

If you need Bristol or Bath restaurant drain unblocking right now or are looking for a business drain maintenance service covering inspections, cleaning, etc., simply call us on 01225 422980.

Why FOG Puts Restaurant Drains at Risk

The reason why fat, oil and grease threaten restaurant drains is that it sticks to the drain walls before setting like concrete as it cools down, preventing wastewater from flowing freely. Pressure can then build up inside the pipework, potentially leading to collapsed drains. FOG also attracts displaced sewer rats and therefore poses a health hazard.

Moreover, any fat, oil or grease that travels from drains to sewers can cause significant problems for the public and the environment. Nearly half a million tonnes of FOG finds its way into the UK sewer system annually, and much of it contributes to the formation of enormous fatbergs that can make sewers overflow.

Strict FOG Laws Apply to UK Restaurants

Because fat, oil and grease derail drainage and sewerage systems, restaurants must comply with strict FOG laws and regulations, such as:

• The Food Safety Act 1990 – it emphasises that restaurants’ used cooking oil must be disposed of by a waste oil handling company registered with the Environment Agency.
• The Water Industry Act 1991 – this makes it illegal for restaurants to allow FOG and other substances likely to impede/prevent the flow of wastewater to enter sewers.
• Building Regulations Part H 2002 – these make it compulsory for restaurant kitchens to use a grease trap or similar device in order to remove FOG from wastewater.

Restaurant Drain Care Tips

You’ll want to take steps to stop fat, oil and grease reaching your restaurant’s drains via plugholes, dishwashers, etc. and dispose of it responsibly.

Simple steps include wiping used, greasy plates with paper towels, using sink strainers and avoiding pouring away FOG. But the more strategic measures below will have the biggest impact.

Install a Grease Trap or Separator

A grease trap is a compact tank that sits beneath a commercial kitchen sink. By contrast, a grease separator is a sizeable underground tank that may contain hundreds or thousands of litres of wastewater, so is suitable for a particularly large restaurant.

Grease traps and separators are comparable to septic tanks, as they hold and filter wastewater. Stray FOG floats to the top of a trap/separator while solid food debris sinks. The wastewater itself then flows into the restaurants’ drains.

The waste matter must be removed on a regular basis; otherwise, the tanks will overflow. For example, we can empty your restaurant’s grease separator using our suction pump equipment and tanker.

Recycle Used Cooking Oil

When emptying equipment such as deep-fat fryers, place used cooking oil in secure, sealable containers (restaurants often use barrels) that will be collected by a licensed waste disposal company.

Many such companies recycle the oil to make biofuel, which is used to power vehicles and machinery.

Prioritise Drain Maintenance

It’s vital to prioritise business drain maintenance. For example, we can devise a drain maintenance plan for your restaurant that includes annual CCTV drain surveys to check for problems and drain cleaning to help keep wastewater flowing.

If you’re ever confronted by a major issue such as blocked drains or collapsed drains, you can rely on us to respond rapidly to the problem. We even offer a 24/7 drain emergency callout service.

For Bristol and Bath restaurant drain maintenance, unblocking and repair, contact Mega-Rod’s drainage experts today.

There’s a wide range of compelling reasons why property owners should book CCTV drain surveys, as we’ll explain.

Essentially, these detailed drain inspections can be incredibly helpful if you have any questions or concerns about your drainage system. A CCTV drainage survey involves gathering high-resolution, colour footage of drains then outlining findings and recommendations in an illustrated report. So instead of being in the dark about underground pipes, you’ll be able to see everything clearly and make well-informed decisions about drain maintenance and repairs.

‘A drain camera is the ultimate tool’ available to the drainage industry, remarks one survey equipment supplier. We were early adopters of CCTV drain inspections technology and remain extremely enthusiastic about it. Getting a Bristol or Bath CCTV drain survey is the best, fastest, most convenient way to examine your system and identify issues. If you’re in any of the following situations or there’s another reason why you want a CCTV drain survey, simply contact us today to book one.

Key Reasons for Drain Camera Surveys

1. You Suspect Your Drains Are Blocked

If you’ve noticed signs of blocked drains such as frequent backups, a CCTV drain camera survey will enable us to rapidly locate and identify the blockage.

Common drain blockers include wet wipes and fat – but anything fibrous or sticky can obstruct pipes. Once we know what the blockage consists of, we can select the most suitable drain unblocking method (drain jetting, say), target the affected area and get wastewater flowing again.

Drainage surveys also reveal if blockages have damaged pipework or collapsed drains are actually the cause of the obstruction.

2. You’re Worried Tree Roots May Have Penetrated Your Drains

We can conduct a CCTV drain camera survey to check whether nearby trees are growing into – and threatening – your drains.

Root infiltration is common: root networks often grow ‘horizontally and aggressively’, spreading far and wide in search of water, oxygen and nutrients, as one team of tree surgeons emphasises. A crack is all they need to penetrate a drain. Rogue roots clog, obstruct and damage pipework, warns Checkatrade.

We use root cutting and drain jetting equipment to clear pipes. We also reline drains to keep roots out.

3. You’re Buying a House and Want to Check the Drainage System

There are many things you should check when buying a property, from the boiler to light fittings.

Booking a homebuyer’s CCTV drain survey will ensure you don’t overlook a crucial part of the building: its drainage system. After all, you’ll want to check the pipework’s condition and be aware of any problems before the sale is finalised. Plus, mortgage and insurance providers often ask for this type of inspection.

A homebuyer’s drain survey protects your interests – if major issues are uncovered, you can renegotiate or stop the sale.

4. You’re Planning to Renovate or Extend Your Property

If you want to remodel your property, booking a pre-build CCTV drain survey is a smart move.

We’ll check if drains run under/near the area where construction will take place. In addition, as drainage consultants we can advise you if the system is robust enough to withstand vibrations from machinery. We can also explain how your drainage system may need to be modified to accommodate your proposed renovation project or extension.

Moreover, the survey will reveal if you’ll be building by a lateral drain or sewer and therefore need the water company’s consent to continue.

5. You Don’t Know Where Your Drains Are or What They’re Made of

A major advantage of booking a CCTV drain survey is you can ask us to turn the data gathered into a comprehensive drainage system map. We can enhance the level of detail by conducting sonar drain tracing too.

This means the map will show the precise location and layout of drains, accurate measurements and the direction of flow. You’re highly unlikely to be able to obtain such a detailed, up-to-date plan without a drain survey. For example, the Land Registry won’t have one.

We can also confirm what your drains are made of and highlight potential issues (clay drains are prone to cracking, for instance).

All of this information can be worth its weight in gold, especially when remodelling or selling up.

6. You Want to Give Your Drainage System a Health Check

We recommend that you book a yearly CCTV drain inspection to monitor your drains’ condition and nip problems in the bud. Think of it as a drainage health check!

We can provide thorough drain cleaning on the same day to optimise your system’s performance.

For first-class CCTV drain surveys, call Mega-Rod in Bath today on 01225 422980.

If a drain is blocked at your home or workplace, wastewater can no longer flow freely away from the building. Until the pipework gets unblocked, you may encounter all sorts of unpleasant problems, from nasty odours to sinks refusing to empty.

As Bristol and Bath drain unblocking experts, we know drain obstructions make people feel stressed and confused. You probably have numerous queries about what’s happening to your drainage system and how to remove the blockage.

Below we answer common drain unblocking questions to help you get up to speed. We clear drains rapidly and with minimum disruption – contact us today.

Drain Unblocking FAQs

Why Do Drains Get Blocked?

When you realise some drains are only 75mm wide, you can see why blockages are ‘extremely common’ in Checkatrade’s words.

Drains often get blocked when people habitually pour or flush away sticky substances or absorbent materials. They can build up in the pipework and prevent wastewater from flowing properly. Common drain blockers include congealing cooking fat and wet wipes.

Other major causes of blocked drains include frozen wastewater, dead leaves, thirsty tree roots growing through cracks in drain walls, and warped/collapsed pipework.

We can conduct a CCTV drain survey to determine why your drain is blocked then resolve the issue.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Blocked Drain?

If you notice any of these issues, you’ll almost certainly need our drain unblocking service:

• Sewage smells and gurgling noises
• Slow drainage, standing water and backups
• Toilets struggling to flush
• Water levels rising in toilets when taps are running

Can I Unblock My Drains Myself?

Unblocking drains is a job for a trusted drainage company. Specialist skills and equipment (such as CCTV drain cameras and drain jetters) are required to locate and clear drain blockages, as well as avoid releasing harmful gases and matter into the environment.

Can Chemical Drain Cleaners Unblock Drains?

We never use chemical drain cleaners for drain unblocking or drain cleaning or recommend them to customers.

Those products can’t be relied on to clear blockages. Plus, their volatile ingredients (such as sulphuric acid) may lead to chemical burns and toxic fumes. They can also weaken plastic and other materials drains are made of and threaten the environment.

What’s the Best Way to Unblock Drains?

Drain jetting is the best drain unblocking method. High-pressure water clears pipework fast by cutting through, breaking up and washing away blockages, whether they’re soft or rock hard. As the Designing Buildings Construction Wiki emphasises, water jets provide ‘effective and precise’ cleaning.

When drains are blocked by invasive roots, we combine drain jetting with root cutting to eliminate the obstruction.

Is Drain Jetting Suitable for Period Properties?

Many historic properties in Bristol and Bath have period drainage such as Victorian clay pipework.

We can assess period drains’ structural integrity with a CCTV drain survey. If it isn’t appropriate to direct powerful water jets into the pipework, we’ll use a similarly effective, manual drain unblocking method instead, such as drain rodding. This involves feeding flexible rods with whisk-shaped heads into drains to break up and remove blockages.

How Much Does Drain Unblocking Cost?

Drain unblocking prices vary – they’re based on factors such as the severity of the blockage, size of the system and method used to resolve the problem.

However, average UK costs are £60 for a callout and £185 for drain jetting or £85 for rodding.

How Long Does Drain Unblocking Take?

Drain unblocking is often much quicker than people expect. We clear many obstructions in under an hour, which means customers’ lives soon get back to normal.

Who’s Responsible for Blocked Drains?

You’re responsible for getting drains that only serve your property unblocked.

By contrast, your water company is responsible for getting the lateral drain you share with neighbours unblocked.

What Might Happen If I Ignore a Blocked Drain?

Ignoring blocked drains can lead to much more serious problems. If obstructions aren’t cleared promptly, wastewater can build up behind them. Tremendous pressure may then be exerted on pipe walls, potentially leading to major cracks and leaks, collapsed drains, and wastewater flooding your property or causing subsidence.

How Can I Prevent Blocked Drains?

There are practical steps you can take to help prevent blocked drains:

• Use plughole strainers and drain guards
• Bin food scraps, fat, oil and grease
• Schedule annual CCTV drain surveys and drain cleaning appointments to check for problems and eliminate congestion

Who Should I Contact about Blocked Drains?

We have decades of Bristol and Bath drain unblocking experience. We offer regular and 24/7 emergency callouts for domestic and commercial drain blockages.

For rapid, reliable drain unblocking, call Mega-Rod today on 01225 422980.