While most people associate drainage problems with heavy rain and flooding, prolonged dry weather can be just as damaging, especially for older drainage systems.

At Drain and Sewer Services we’ve seen firsthand how hot, dry spells can quietly wreak havoc underground, leading to costly repairs if left unchecked.

Here are just some of the problems building up while we enjoy the hot weather.

Dry soil and old pipes

When the ground dries out, it shrinks. This is particularly true for clay soils, which are common in many parts of the UK. As the soil contracts, it can shift and settle unevenly, and this movement puts stress on underground drainage pipes. It’s especially tough on older pipes made from clay or pitch fibre, these are more brittle than modern plastic alternatives.

Many British homes built before the 1970s still rely on clay drainage pipes. While durable in their day, clay pipes are particularly vulnerable to ground movement. In dry weather, the lack of moisture causes the surrounding soil to pull away from the pipe, reducing support and increasing the risk of collapse or misalignment.

Once a clay pipe is compromised, it can quickly become a magnet for problems. Tree roots are attracted by the moisture inside leaking pipes and once inside, they grow rapidly, reducing flow and causing blockages.

Cracks also leak fluids into the surrounding soil which can lead to subsidence, and even structural problems, over time.

Clogs from lack of flow

Another issue during dry spells is the reduced flow of water through the drainage system. With less rainfall, there’s less natural flushing of the pipes. This allows grease, silt, and debris to build up, increasing the risk of blockages. When the rain finally returns, these blockages can cause backups and even localized flooding.

What can you do?

The good news is that many of these issues can be prevented with regular maintenance and inspections. This is particularly important if you run a business or a service that brings employees, suppliers, customers or residents to your property. A kitchen, toilet or shower blockage could disrupt your operation and cost you money and reputation.

However, at Drain and Sewer Services, we recommend the following for our customers:

  • Book a CCTV drain survey. This allows us to inspect the condition of your pipes without digging. We can identify cracks, root ingress, and other issues and deal with them before they become serious.
  • Schedule routine cleaning. Our high-pressure jetting services help to clear out silt, grease, and debris that build up during dry weather, so your drains are ready for the winter.
  • Replace vulnerable pipework. If your property still uses clay pipes, consider upgrading to modern plastic alternatives that are more flexible and resistant to ground movement. We offer an alternative drain relining service.
  • Monitor your drains. If you notice slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant smells, don’t ignore them. These could be early signs of a developing problem.

Your maintenance partnership with Drain and Sewer Services

With more than 50 years of experience, Drain and Sewer Services is a trusted name in drainage solutions across Aldershot and the south of England.

We offer a full range of regular maintenance services for drains, guttering, septic tanks and cesspits. This includes drain repairs, unblocking, and CCTV inspections that quickly check for problems and identify problems.

We don’t waste your time by doing unnecessary work from improper initial investigations. We agree a clear plan of action with you before we start work so that you know exactly what to expect and why.

Our team is fully trained and equipped to handle everything, from emergency blockages to full drain replacements. We’re also NRSWA Streetworks Accredited, so we can carry out repairs with minimal disruption and restore surfaces to their original condition.

Whether our unpredictable climate brings us a heatwave or a downpour, we are here to keep your drains – and your business – flowing smoothly.

Call us on 01252 312738 or email info@drainandsewer.co.uk this summer to book a survey or a free consultation.