What to watch for around your drains
With Storm Austen affecting the Island, most of us are thinking about ferries, fallen branches and whether the garden furniture is still where we left it. Drains tend to get our attention when water starts collecting somewhere it shouldn’t.
At Metro Rod Isle of Wight, we help homeowners and businesses understand what is happening below ground. During wet and windy weather, one question matters: is there a blockage, or is more water arriving than the drainage system can carry away?
The answer affects what will help.
Why storms can cause drainage problems
Wind brings down leaves and small branches, which can collect over drain grilles and gullies. Rain then washes more debris towards them, restricting the route water would normally take.
Heavy rainfall can also overwhelm drainage systems, even where there is no blockage. If the ground is already saturated, less water can soak away.
That means standing water does not automatically mean you have a blocked drain. Equally, a drain that struggles every time it rains deserves a closer look.
What you can safely do now
Your safety comes first. While strong winds continue, leave outdoor checks until conditions are safe.
Once it is safe, look at accessible drainage grilles around your property, particularly near doors, driveways and low points. Loose leaves sitting on top can be removed from dry, firm ground using gloves. Do not reach into drains, lift manhole covers or enter standing water to investigate.
Avoid walking or driving through floodwater. It can contain sewage and conceal missing covers, damaged surfaces and other hazards. Keep children and pets away.
If toilets are backing up, sewage is appearing outside or water is entering your property, seek advice promptly. Report suspected public sewer flooding to Southern Water. Flooded roads and highway drains should be reported to Island Roads. Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
What to check once the weather settles
Look for water that remains after surrounding areas have drained, new sewage smells, gullies that repeatedly overflow or sinks and toilets that continue to drain slowly.
For businesses, holiday accommodation and managed properties, it is worth checking less visible areas too. Rear yards, basement entrances and drainage channels near doorways can be easy to overlook.
Photographs taken safely during the problem can help show where water collected and how high it reached. If damage has occurred, speak to your insurer before arranging repairs or disposing of damaged items.
A recurring problem needs an explanation
Repeated flooding or slow drainage can have several causes, including debris, damaged pipework, roots or a system that cannot cope with the volume of water reaching it.
Clearing a blockage may resolve the issue. Where problems keep returning, a CCTV survey can help establish the condition of the pipework and guide the next step.
We’re a local, family-run team backed by the national Metro Rod network. We work with Island households, businesses and property managers on drain clearance, investigations, repairs, pumping stations and sewage treatment systems.
If your drainage is causing concern during or after the storm, contact Metro Rod Isle of Wight. We can help assess the problem and explain the options.
For current weather and flood warnings, follow the Met Office and Environment Agency.
We are always available on 01983 654350.
Talk to your local Metro Rod specialist
We are always happy to arrange a free site assessment and no obligation quotations for any work you might need. Alternatively, you can call our emergency hotline number on 0800 66 88 00
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