March 1st, 2010
Emergency plumbers in London should be able to provide a rapid response in order to cater for the urgency of such issues as blocked drains, leaking water pipes and other issues that require immediate attention.
Often it is possible to prevent the need for emergency plumbing services if you ensure that you put certain processes into place such as these:
1. Always make sure that you know exactly where the stop valve is in your property so you are able to stop the incoming water supply in the event of blocked drains and leaking pipes and avoid flooding from water coming into your home.
2. Always check that your water pipes don’t need lagging. Water pipes that are older and becoming rusted are more prone to bursting.
3. It is always best in case of calling out emergency plumbers in London that you are able to directly them quickly to where the outside manhole is should there be a need to clear blocked drains deep under the ground.
4. Make sure you check your water values every 3 months to watch for corrosion.
5. In emergency situations it is better for your home to have been fitted with isolation valves that are able to prevent any further damage from occurring by isolating the problem immediately.
We at IQ Plumbing have over 12 years of successfully trading with a huge team of plumbers in London. From drain unblocking to burst water pipes and other emergencies, our emergency plumbers can be with you in the fastest times possible.
Tags: blocked drains, drain unblocking, Emergency plumbers London, emergency plumbing services
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February 23rd, 2010
There are all sorts of reasons that emergency plumbers are called to sort out problems and many of these issues are from the build up of blocked drains.
Here are a few tips to avoid blocked drains:
- Avoid any gradual build up of lime and grease and any other thick or greasy substances that could block plugs or sinks or drains. Use domestic substances to clear them out regularly.
- Move any objects that fall over or grow into your household pipes. It is common for large trees situated close to the home to spread their roots out from the ground to quite unexpected places and to places you may have felt were possible to get to. Foreign objects such as tree roots can grow inside water pipes and cause them over time to crack and leak into the outside soil.
- Even small things, such as making sure your outside drains are not full of dead leaves or rubbish waste will mean that you have less chance of experiencing blocked drains.
- Blocked drains will always be avoided if such items as nappies, kitchen roll, sanitary towels and other thick materials as these are kept away. These are not supposed to be let inside drains because they cause blocked drains to clog up and overflow.
As one of the longest trading group of emergency plumbers in London, at IQ Plumbing we are known to be experts with the fastest time possible to be on-site immediately for a plumbing emergency, such as drain unblocking.
Tags: blocked drains, drain unblocking, Emergency plumbers, Emergency plumbers London
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December 21st, 2009
When you call emergency plumbers in London, they will initially want to know how much, if anything, the householder has done already to rectify whatever plumbing issue is in question. They will ask if, for example, you have checked the sink trap in the kitchen. Or, if it’s a toilet blockage, if you have used a plunger or snake auger to try and shift it. Bath tubs are cleared by placing a cloth over the overflow before pumping the drain with a plunger. If this hasn’t worked then the plumber will use cabling to shift the blockage.
We at IQ Plumbing Services are a leading emergency drainage company and know all the tricks of the trade, thus we have various tools at our disposal. The ones used for heavy duty, blocked drains outdoors are different to those used for plumbing maintenence indoors. Heavy steel coils must not be used to clear the traps under bathtubs, sinks or toilets – these need a lighter, more flexible type of wire.
To clear floor drains, the grating is first removed and a hooked wire, auger or spatula used to clear out the debris. If you have called out a plumber to a London home that is 30 years old or less then it is worth checking if there is a removable trap to facilitate cleaning.
After debris is cleared, the plumber will pour hot water and/or a proprietary biodegradable cleaning agent down the drain, and clear the strainer thoroughly. One important tip we at IQ Plumbing Services give to householders is to regularly flush out floor drains that are not often used.
Among this, IQ Plumbing Services can offer advice in regards to blocked drains and other such issues after we have visited your home, in order to prevent you having to experience the inconvenience of such problems occuring again.
Tags: blocked drains, emergency drainage company, Emergency plumbers London, London drains unblocked
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December 18th, 2009
There are times when, no matter how careful you are, you will need to call an emergency plumber. London is full of old drains and sewers that are working far beyond the capacity that they were designed for. As a leading emergency drainage company in London, we at IQ Plumbing Services see many blocked drains – some of them quite serious blockages underground, and some which are easily dealt with indoors.
If you get a blocked sink, it may not be the underground drain at fault. Start by using a rubber plunger: place it tightly over the drain hole and pump vigorously. If this doesn’t work, there is a sink trap below the sink that you can remove by using a tool as commonly found as a wrench. Be sure to have a bucket underneath to catch the flow, and a piece of wire to remove any debris. When the trap is replaced, it is advised that new gaskets are used.
If the sink is still blocked after being flushed through again, you will need to call the emergency plumbers; London has plenty to choose from.
Toilet blockages are more difficult. You cannot use hot water as this can cause the enamel to crack, and caustic chemicals are environmentally unfriendly. If a plunger doesn’t work, it is best to call an emergency drainage company. They will most likely use a plumber’s “snake” to begin with – an adjustable auger with a sprung coil that is worked along the pipe. This will clear most clogs and is an inexpensive repair.
We at IQ Plumbing Services can clear most blockages in just a few minutes, for very little cost.
Tags: blocked drains, emergency drainage company, emergency plumber, plumber in London
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December 15th, 2009
We at IQ Plumbing Services are a top emergency drainage company operating within the London area. We get more calls about clogged up drains than anything else, yet issues such as this are mostly preventable.
Blocked drains are caused, mainly, by a lack of care. However, this is understandable when considering the busy day-to-day lives of Londoners.
The most used drain in the house runs from the kitchen, and this is the one that is most likely to get clogged. This problem can be lessened by being cautious about what is being emptied into the sink and by keeping the outside drain area clear of debris; simple tasks that can save you the added expense and stress of having to call out an emergency plumber because the most valuable sink in your house isn’t working.
People often ignore slow flowing sinks until they stop working altogether, and this is when emergency plumbers in London are usually called out. Nine times out of ten, the cause is a build up of fatty deposits. Liquid fat is emulsified by hot water and detergent and as water cools, the fat is deposited along the pipes. As time goes on, these deposits build up, trapping other debris along the way. Coffee grounds, especially, cause a concrete-like consistency that makes restoration even more difficult.
There are ways to avoid this: let grease set in the pans after use, then scrape it into the rubbish. Dispose of molten fat in an empty can, then throw it away. Dispose of coffee grounds in the bin, not the sink.
If you do get a blocked sink, a rubber plunger can help clear it. Before calling an emergency plumber, make sure that the blockage isn’t in the sink trap – this is easy to resolve.
We at IQ Plumbing Services have plenty of experience with blocked drains – if you need help with yours, give us a call.
Tags: blocked drains, emergency drainage company, Emergency plumbers London, London plumbers
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November 11th, 2009
At IQ Plumbing Services, we pride ourselves on being one of the most professionally equipped emergency plumbers in London. For this reason, we have cutting edge technology to deal with slow running or blocked drains where the reason for the blockage is unclear. Because drains are buried deep underground, it’s not always easy to make a diagnosis.
People assume all blocked drains are caused by sink waste, toilet flushings or garden debris finding their way into the system While these are undoubtedly the most common reason for calling out emergency plumbers, London has a very old underground drainage system which itself can often be the cause of blocked drains.
When we get a call-out for a blockage, we always listen carefully to what the home owner has to tell us – especially if the drain has suddenly blocked, or the current blockage has recurred following an earlier emergency callout. It could be that something more serious is going on, such as a cracked drainpipe or even a collapsed sewer.
This is when CCTV drain inspection becomes invaluable. If the usual methods won’t work, then it’s time to determine the exact cause and nature of the problem. A CCTV camera is remotely controlled by an operator, who observes the footage on a van monitor. He can take a close look at the problem, diagnose the cause and – in the event a repair is necessary – pinpoint exactly where digging needs to be done. This avoids a great deal of upheaval and expense for the home owner.
If you need a plumber in London, then we at IQ Plumbing Services have the equipment to deal with any problem, no matter how large or small.
Tags: blocked drains, emergency drainage company, Emergency plumbers, Emergency plumbers London, plumber London
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November 9th, 2009
A well maintained drainage system is essential to our health and well being. However, because our drains are out of sight, we tend only to notice them when they become blocked. We forget our drains need regular maintenance in the same way other plumbing systems do.
At IQ Plumbing Services, we offer a professional service for blocked drains across London. However, it’s a much better idea to prevent drains becoming blocked in the first place.
Preventing blocked drains
Rather than call out the emergency drainage company, it’s best to prevent drain blockages in the first place.
Drains become blocked over time, as a result of waste build-up. This can be avoided by the use of sink traps in the kitchen and bathroom; not using the toilet to dispose of litter, and clearing contents from dishes before washing them. A weekly flush with hot detergent or drain cleaning fluid will then be enough to keep the pipes clear.
Causes of blocked drains
Hair, soap, food waste and cooking fat are all typical causes of blocked drains. However, if drains are not well covered then leaves, silt and litter can also cause problems, reducing the efficiency of the system by partially blocking it. In time, this will become a complete blockage.
It is far better to clear a partial blockage than a full one, so if hot water or drain cleaning fluid doesn’t increase the flow, it’s time to call a plumber. Occasionally, a blocked drain can have a more serious cause – for example, the drain may actually have collapsed.
At IQ Plumbing Services we offer a full range of drain clearance services, including the use of CCTV where the cause of the blockage is uncertain.
Tags: blocked drains, emergency drainage company, Emergency plumbers, Emergency plumbers London, plumber London
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October 19th, 2009
Leaking or blocked drains can cause problems for any household. Drains and sewers can suffer from the ravages of time, and often from the ravages of plant roots and builders’ shovels too. It can be reasonably easy to test and check your drains if you can access inspection chambers. These, however, can often become lost beneath fences or decking.
As a consequence of the large number of terraced houses in the capital, emergency plumbers in London are also aware of the possible drainage problems in these areas. Victorian buildings in particular should be inspected regularly. When a simple maintenance issue is ignored it can soon become a reason for calling an emergency drainage company.
Checking the drains yourself can be a simple process. As with any DIY work, care and common sense are needed. To check your drains, first run some taps in your house. Lift the cover on the inspection chamber outside (while watching out for children and pets, as well as your toes and back). If the drain is working efficiently you should see the water flowing through the chamber. Look out for signs of any problems, such as tree roots in the chamber or pipes, or stagnant water. If you discover foul-smelling or black water you can be fairly certain there’s a blockage in the system.
The qualified and experienced engineers here at IQ Plumbing Services can inspect your drains using tried and trusted methods along with the latest technology. We can provide a rapid response to any drainage emergency, or a reliable maintenance service to prevent one.
Tags: blocked drains, emergency drainage company, Emergency plumbers, Emergency plumbers London, plumber London
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September 30th, 2009
Blocked drains are the bane of many a homeowner’s existence. They are a true inconvenience and they cause havoc in the home. Whenever you hear that telltale gurgling and see the beginnings of toilet bowel water pushing up, give us a call.
We will be there in no time to sort the problem out and leave you with a healthy drainage system. You can rely on us, our quality service and our reasonable pricing to keep your blocked drains healthy and functioning well.
Live a little
The last thing you need to come home to on a Friday evening is one or more blocked drains around the home. This puts a damper on all your weekend plans and heaven forbid if you have guests over. What you need is a fast, reliable plumbing service that will make short work of any blocked drains. Blocked drains are no laughing matter; they bring your life to a halt and make things difficult to function.
If your drainage systems are all interconnected, you cannot use anything. Not toilets, not basins nor sinks, no showering or bathing; a weekend of that is sure to drive anyone nuts. We will take care of any blocked drains; we make use of the latest technology and best methods of unblocking drains.
Come to us for service that you can trust, service that you do not have to wait for and service that you can afford. Come to us for simply the best service that money can buy when it comes to blocked drains.
Tags: blocked drains, emergency drainage company, Emergency plumbers, Emergency plumbers London, plumber London
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September 25th, 2009
In most cases, blocked drains are not an overnight thing as they may have been building over a long period. Thus it is important to make sure that you look at some of the signs which show that there is something that is going wrong on the drainage system and if necessary a corrective measure has to be taken.
As an emergency drainage company, IQ Plumbers would advise you to take the precautionary measure to avoid an emergency.
It is usually the case that a slow running bathtub’s drain points run to a partially clogged drainpipe that requires prompt clearing to prevent complete closure of pipe indicating a plumbing emergency. This is one way of avoiding further damage or to highlight that you should call emergency plumbers before it gets worse.
Dos and don’ts for clearing drains
While it is advisable for you to try and fix the blocked drain, it is important that there are things which you do or which you do not have to do. One thing that should never be done is to throw some chemicals into the system as a way of clearing the drain as it would boomerang if the water flows into the house.
Use of chemicals may also have a disastrous effect on those who may be attending to the blocked drain. After all this may disturb the environment. It also important to have some strainers in the drainage system as these would catch the debris which would reduce the chances of a blocked drain.
Tags: blocked drains, Emergency plumbers London, London plumber, unblock drains
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