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Tag: Drainage

While it may reside unseen beneath the surface, a home’s drainage system plays a vital role in its overall health and harmony. Imagine it as the silent conductor of an invisible symphony, directing water away from your foundation, guiding it through pipes, and ensuring its safe disposal. Overlooked yet essential, effective drainage protects your home from water damage, prevents the growth of mould and mildew, and even contributes to a healthier environment.

But this symphony requires more than just pipes and gutters. Different areas of your home demand specific solutions. Your roof relies on a network of gutters and downpipes to prevent rainwater from accumulating and potentially seeping into walls and footings. Efficient driveway and pathway drainage safeguards against pooling and flooding, protecting both your property and pedestrians. Inside, a labyrinth of pipes ensures wastewater from showers, sinks, and appliances finds its way to the sewer system without leaks or blockages.

Understanding your home’s drainage goes beyond simply knowing where the pipes run. It’s about recognising potential trouble spots, like clogged gutters or damaged drainpipes, and addressing them promptly. It’s about choosing sustainable solutions like water butts or permeable pavers to minimise water loss and enhance water conservation. By learning the language of drainage, you empower yourself to maintain a healthy home, avoid costly repairs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

We offer a wealth of information, from identifying common drainage problems to DIY fixes and professional maintenance tips. Explore guides on gutter cleaning, drain unblocking, and the latest advancements in sustainable drainage solutions. Remember, a well-functioning drainage system is an investment in your home’s well-being, your wallet, and the environment. Let’s work together to ensure the harmonious flow of water in your domestic symphony.

As the cold weather continues to bite across the UK, Infinity Home Services looks at what you can do to keep yourself warm and safe.

Battling the Cold: A Homeowner’s Guide to Winter Wellness

Written by David on . Posted in Blog.

Battling the Cold: A Homeowner’s Guide to Winter Wellness

As the cold snap tightens its icy grip across the UK, our homes hopefully become refuges from the biting winds and freezing temperatures. Yet, amidst the beauty of winter, our abodes face a barrage of challenges. Frozen pipes, chilly interiors, and a strain on heating systems are the winter woes many of us can relate to.

In this guide, we’ll not only unravel the technical intricacies of winter home maintenance but also explore the human side of weathering the cold. After all, a warm home is not just about cosy interiors; it’s about creating a haven that nurtures both our homes and our well-being.

As the cold weather continues to bite across the UK, Infinity ProServ looks at what you can do to keep yourself warm and safe.

1. Frozen Pipes: A Common Nemesis

When you wake up to a freezing morning, the last thing you want to find out is that your pipes have succumbed to the icy grasp of winter. According to Water UK, the average cost to repair a burst pipe can range from £300 to £1,000. To avoid the heartache (and the hefty bill), homeowners can insulate pipes, allow taps to drip during freezing nights, and keep the heating on a low setting to maintain a steady temperature.

2. Cosy Homes, Happy Hearts

As we strive to keep our homes warm, let’s not forget the human side of winter. The Mental Health Foundation reports that exposure to colder temperatures can impact mental well-being. Adequate heating isn’t just a luxury; it’s a crucial aspect of creating a comfortable space that fosters a positive mindset. Consider upgrading insulation, using draft stoppers, and creating cosy nooks to ensure your home is a sanctuary for both body and soul.

3. A Helping Hand for Your Heating System

The Smith family in Manchester found themselves in a chilly predicament when their heating system struggled to keep up with the plummeting temperatures. According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, poorly maintained heating systems can operate at a significantly lower efficiency. Regular servicing, checking vents, and replacing filters are simple yet effective measures to keep your heating system running smoothly, ensuring warmth when you need it the most. Optimise your heating system by installing a programmable thermostat. Set it to lower temperatures when you’re away to save energy.

4. Check and Insulate Windows and Doors

Ensure windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent drafts. Consider adding weatherstripping and using draft stoppers.

5. Clear Gutters

Regularly clean gutters to prevent ice dams and water damage. Ensure downpipes direct water away from the foundation.

6. Roof Inspection

Inspect the roof for any missing or damaged tiles or slates. Addressing issues promptly prevents potential leaks and water damage.

7. Chimney Maintenance

If you have a fireplace, ensure the chimney is clean and in good condition. Schedule professional chimney sweeps to remove any build-up.

8. Protect Outdoor Taps

Turn off outdoor taps and drain hoses. Consider installing frost-free hose bibs and insulating outdoor pipes.

9. Monitor Trees

Trim overhanging branches that could pose a risk during heavy snow or ice storms. This prevents potential damage to your home and surroundings.

10. Keep Indoor Humidity Balanced

Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-50% to prevent excessive dryness. Use a humidifier if necessary, especially in bedrooms.

11. Emergency Heating Source

Have a backup heating source such as a space heater or generator, especially in areas prone to power outages.

12. Clear shared paths

If you do get some of the snow forecast, shovel and salt shared path and driveways, to ensure safe passage for everyone. This is especially important for elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure that can move around safely, or be accessed by those who assist them.

13. Check on Vulnerable Neighbours

Keep an eye on any neighbours who might be more vulnerable during extreme weather, such as the elderly, those with medical conditions, or families with young children. If the cold spell is prolonged, it might even be useful to help coordinate shopping for those who struggle to get around.

14. Maintain Communication

Keep an open line of communication with neighbours, especially during heavy snowfall, to address any urgent needs or concerns.

15. The Infinity Home Services Touch

As the cold snap continues its dance across the country, remember that winter wellness is a holistic journey. Embrace the joy of cosy blankets, indulge in hot cocoa, and take time to appreciate the warmth of home. After all, it’s not just about enduring winter; it’s about turning it into a season of comfort and joy. How will you make your home a haven this winter?

In the face of winter challenges, Infinity Home Services stands ready to be your partner in home well-being. From addressing frozen pipes to optimising heating systems, our expertise extends beyond technical solutions to encompass the warmth and comfort your home deserves. Let us help you to navigate the complexities of winter maintenance, ensuring your home remains a snug retreat throughout the season.

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As we fortify our homes against the cold, let’s not forget the human touch that makes winter truly special. From ensuring our spaces are warm and inviting to addressing technical challenges, this winter is an opportunity to transform our homes into sanctuaries of comfort. How will you embrace the warmth in your home this season? If any of the problems mentioned above are affecting you, please get in touch with Infinity Home Services by calling 0800 148 8088, or completing the form below:

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With this winter's heavy rainfall still pounding the UK, it's placing increasing pressure on homeowner's drainage system with some potentially nasty side effects! Infinity Home Services explores all of these issues, and how you can avoid the common pitfalls.

Navigating the Deluge: Tackling Flooding and Drainage Woes Amidst Heavy Rainfall

Written by David on . Posted in Blog.

Navigating the Deluge: Tackling Flooding and Drainage Woes Amidst Heavy Rainfall

In the quiet hum of a rainstorm, homes become fortresses against nature’s embrace. Yet, as the current downpours unveiled, even the sturdiest fortresses face challenges. From cascading gutters to overwhelmed drains, heavy rain can wreak havoc on a home’s drainage system. As the waters rise, so does the need for homeowners to safeguard their abodes. In the wake of widespread flooding, let’s explore common drainage and guttering issues triggered by heavy rainfall and discover strategies to fortify our homes against the deluge.

With this winter's heavy rainfall still pounding the UK, it's placing increasing pressure on homeowner's drainage system with some potentially nasty side effects! Infinity ProServ explores all of these issues, and how you can avoid the common pitfalls.

Rising Waters, Rising Flooding Challenges

The recent surge in heavy rainfall has placed homeowners on the frontline of a battle against water intrusion. In Tendring, the first four days of January have already seen 36mm of rainfall; which is 75% of the average for the month! According to the National Flood Forum, over 5 million homes, or 1 in every 5 in the UK are at risk of flooding, underscoring the urgency of addressing drainage vulnerabilities. Data from Flood Re estimates that the average repair bill to a flooded home amounts to £32,000, marking a significant annual cost.

As the skies open up, overwhelmed gutters and sluggish drains become the Achilles’ heel of our homes, inviting potential water damage and flooding. We have outlined below some of the key concerns caused by flooding:

Gutters: The Silent Guardians Overwhelmed

Gutters, the silent defenders of our roofs, often bear the brunt of heavy rain. The UK Met Office reports that some areas experienced rainfall exceeding 200% of the average, placing immense pressure on residential gutters.

When leaves, debris, and other gunk clog your gutters, water has nowhere to go but over the edges, leading to a cascade of problems. From foundation issues to damaged siding and leaky roofs, the repercussions of neglecting gutter maintenance can be severe. It’s therefore vital that you ensure guttering, hoppers, downpipes and outlets remain clear; a regular clearing out a couple of times a year should suffice for this simple maintenance activity.

Surface Water Drainage Woes: A Common Battlefront

Surface water drains, tasked with whisking away excess water, can become inundated during heavy rainfall, leading to localised flooding. The Environment Agency highlights that poorly maintained drains contribute significantly to surface water flooding.

Both urban and rural areas face these challenges alike. The building of homes on flood plains naturally presents a higher risk of water being unable to drain away, but also the expanse of hard landscaping, and increased building in general, with insufficient mains drainage extension exacerbate problems with an already pressured infrastructure. Within rural areas, inadequate drainage improvement of natural watercourses, such as dredging of major rivers, is causing water levels to continually rise, increasing the number of flooding breaches caused each year.

Inadequate drainage capacity, both locally and in terms of major infrastructure is significant, and often exacerbated by outdated or undersized systems. The speed of construction of new developments across Essex and Suffolk are undoubtedly increasing this pressure exponentially, with reports that many homes in the region are equipped with drainage systems below recommended standards. 

Homeowners find themselves grappling with the aftermath – water pooling around properties, infiltrating cellars and footings, and threatening the very foundations of their homes. In the worst examples such as those seen across the UK in recent times, we see entire homes, streets villages and towns completed flooded.

Foul Water Drainage: When The S&*t Really Hits The Fan!

There are of course two main forms of drainage involved within any property; surface water drainage, and foul water drainage. The latter removes sewage or water from a toilets, sinks or has been used for food preparation or washing. For most homes, foul water drainage discharges into a mains sewerage system, and onto a water treatment plant. Within more rural properties, foul water might discharge into a septic tank. 

Given the nature of what a foul water system carries, you wouldn’t want this to overflow, either outside your home, or more worryingly backing up through your toilet and overflowing! Flooding of the sewerage infrastructure can result in this catastrophe. Installing non-return valves should help to dramatically reduce the risk of this happening. Inflatable toilet bungs could offer a quick, more temporary solution also.

Mitigating Flooding Risks: Homeowner’s Toolkit

Beyond professional services, homeowners can play a pivotal role in mitigating risks. We’ve outlined above three of the key risks associated within flooding, however, there are of course others that can occur. Below, though, we have provided a range of steps that homeowners can take to help reduce the impact of flooding:

  1. Regular Maintenance of drainage systems: Ensuring you keep gutters, hoppers, downpipes, outlets and drains clear will help to reduce the risk of them backing up and causing further damage. Surface and foul water drainage may require specialists to undertake their clearing, with services like drain jetting.
  2. Elevate Electrical Systems: Ensure electrical systems and wiring are elevated above potential flood levels to prevent short circuits and electrical hazards.
  3. Install Flood-Resistant Doors and Windows: Consider installing flood-resistant doors and windows to create a watertight barrier and protect the interior of your home.
  4. Elevate Appliances and Utilities: Elevate water heaters, furnaces, and other essential utilities above the potential flood level to prevent damage and ensure functionality.
  5. Invest in Sump Pumps: Sump pumps are invaluable in preventing cellar flooding. Regularly maintain and test these devices to ensure they are in optimal working condition.
  6. Seal Cellar Walls: Apply waterproof sealants (tanking) to cellar walls to prevent water seepage. Consider installing a waterproof membrane for added protection.
  7. Raise Electrical Sockets: Elevate electrical outlets above potential flood levels to avoid water damage and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
  8. Create Graded Slopes: Ensure the ground around your home is properly graded away from the foundation. This helps divert water away from the property, reducing the risk of flooding.
  9. Install Non-Return Valves: Install non-return valves in foul water drains to prevent floodwater and sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rains.
  10. Install Air Brick Covers: Air Bricks are small bricks with holes near to ground level which supply ventilation to your property. But during a flood, they can let in dirty and damaging water. Covers can be installed to limit the penetration of flood water into your house.
  11. Flooring Choices: If you’re considering new flooring for your downstairs, choose materials that are flood resilient rather than carpet. A hard surface like tiling can considerably reduce the damage caused and make for a much easier clean-up.
  12. Planting Considerations: Choose flood-resistant plants and consider creating swales or berms in your landscaping to direct water away from your home.
  13. Flood Barriers and Sandbags: Keep flood barriers and sandbags on hand for temporary protection during sudden flooding events.
  14. Backup Power Source: Invest in a backup power source, such as a generator, to ensure essential systems like sump pumps and emergency lighting continue to function during power outages. This is especially important if you live more remotely and are further from key infrastructure.
  15. Flood Insurance: Secure comprehensive flood insurance coverage for your home. Standard homeowners’ insurance often does not cover flood-related damages. The Government-backed Flood Re service may be a good place to start.
  16. Emergency Preparedness Plan: Develop and regularly review an emergency preparedness plan with all household members. Ensure everyone knows evacuation routes and emergency contact information.
  17. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of local weather forecasts and flood alerts. Early awareness allows for proactive measures and timely evacuation if necessary.

Infinity Home Services: Your Ally Against the Deluge

Enter Infinity Home Services, your ally in protecting your home against the challenges of heavy rainfall. Our expertise extends beyond fixing issues; we specialise in proactive measures to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding on your property. From efficient gutter installations to strategic drainage solutions, we stand ready to safeguard your home from the ravages of nature.

Weathering the Storm Together

As we weather the storms that nature throws our way, the resilience of our homes lies in preparedness. With the right strategies and partnerships, we can transform our residences into impervious fortresses. Whether it’s upgrading gutters or implementing smart drainage solutions, the path to a flood-resistant home starts with awareness and action. So, as the rains subside, ask yourself: Is your home ready to face the next deluge?

As the storm clouds dissipate, leaving behind a trail of soaked landscapes and tales of drainage woes, it’s crucial for homeowners to take proactive steps. Infinity Home Services offers the assurance needed to navigate the aftermath of heavy rainfall confidently. By investing in proper maintenance and strategic upgrades, you can safeguard your home against the next deluge. After all, isn’t it better to be prepared than caught in the downpour unawares? To get help with preparing for the future, complete the form below, or call us now on 0800 148 8088.

By agreeing to this, I agree to receiving updates about our services, promotions, special offers, news and events from Infinity ProServ Ltd (T/a Infinity Home Services) and any sister companies.

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