Foreign objects can enter main drain pipes from common day-to-day household waste. Keep external drains free of leaves by regularly flushing out with hot water, as over time small cracks or weaknesses can appear in your pipes and it is possible for tree roots to enter the pipes and start growing inside.

Cast iron soil and drain pipes do not last forever, and plastic alternatives are a cheap longer term answer. If your home has a cast iron soil pipe, it might be time to think about having it replaced.

AVOID BLOCKAGES

Scraps of food in your kitchen sink should be removed before they have the chance to build up and cause a blockage. When flushing the toilet, do not flush sanitary towels, disposable nappies or kitchen rolls. Hair and grime that gathers in the bath or shower plug hole should also be removed before it causes a blockage problem.

A gradual build-up of grease, soap and general slime build-up can cause stoppages. Grease from cooking, for example chip pans, should never be poured straight down the sink. The grease as it cools will stick to the side of the waste pipe and build up causing problems later on. Always dilute such substances with water.

IN THE EVENT OF A BURST PIPE

The first thing to do is turn off the mains shut off valve, this will stop any more water coming into the house, and reduce the pressure of the leak. However, if your storage tank is full there will be a good possibility of a lot more water flowing out, therefore by opening all other taps within your home help reduce the amount of water flow from the leak. Get buckets and any other items you may have to hand to catch any remaining water, you can then deal with any flood water and damage.

Make sure you have cleared away everything before an engineer arrives, making as much room as possible for them to operate in. The pipe may well be visible, or in an area where it is still reasonably accessible such as behind a kitchen unit.

Should a burst section need cutting and replacing with a new section of pipe get a plumber or drainage engineer, as this is not really a feasible job for a Ôdo it yourselfÓ enthusiast.

If you have been unfortunate and have incurred significant damage to furnishings, donÕt forget to take pictures for insurance purposes.

GUTTERING

It is important to keep guttering clear of leaves and debris. Replace any broken guttering as heavy rain running down house walls to the ground below, can cause a great deal of damage to your home. Gutters and drainage systems handle rainwater removal to keep water from working into cracks, taxing paintwork or finally contributing to long-term decay. At worst it foils windows, invading walls and undermining your home's foundations.

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