💧 The Importance of Regular Drain Maintenance: Keeping Your System Flowing Smoothly

Benjamin Parkinson
Oct 25
2 min read

Blocked drains, unpleasant smells, and flooding aren’t just inconvenient — they’re often the result of poor or infrequent drain maintenance. At Flux Sewer Ltd, we see it all the time across Devon and Cornwall — small issues that, left unchecked, turn into costly repairs. Regular drain maintenance is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your property safe, clean, and protected.

🔍 Why Drain Maintenance Matters

Your property’s drainage system works quietly behind the scenes every single day. Over time, fat, grease, food waste, silt, leaves, and other debris can build up inside the pipes. Without maintenance, these deposits narrow the pipe diameter, restrict flow, and eventually cause a full blockage.

Regular maintenance ensures:

💧 Free-flowing water – preventing backups and overflows
🏠 Protection from structural damage – avoiding leaks that can undermine foundations
💷 Lower long-term costs – catching small issues before they require excavation
🌍 Environmental protection – stopping wastewater leaks that can contaminate the ground

⚙️ What’s Involved in Drain Maintenance?

At Flux Sewer Ltd, our maintenance programmes are tailored for both homeowners and businesses. A typical visit might include:

✅ High-pressure water jetting to remove debris and grease build-up
✅ CCTV drain inspection to check for cracks, displaced joints, or root ingress
✅ Manhole and gully cleaning to keep surface water flowing
✅ Condition reporting with recommendations for any minor repairs

By identifying problems early — like a small crack or partial collapse — we can act before it turns into an emergency callout.

🧱 Real-World Example

Recently, our team in Plymouth was called out to a recurring blockage that had been happening every few months. A quick CCTV inspection revealed a small displaced joint that allowed silt to build up over time. Because the homeowner had scheduled regular checks, we repaired it before it caused a full collapse — saving thousands in excavation costs.

🔧 How Often Should Drains Be Checked?

For most domestic properties, we recommend a maintenance check every 12 to 18 months. Commercial sites, restaurants, and rental properties may benefit from more frequent servicing — especially where fat, oil, or high usage are factors.