When running a commercial property, whether it’s a busy office block, restaurant, or retail unit, one of the last things you want to deal with is a drainage emergency. Blocked pipes, overflowing drains, or foul odours can disrupt your business operations, put staff and customers at risk, and in severe cases, force a temporary closure.
At United Drains, we know that August is a crucial time of year for businesses to get their drainage systems checked. Warmer weather, heavier water usage, and seasonal storms can all contribute to drainage issues if systems aren’t properly maintained. That’s why proactive care is always better (and more cost-effective) than dealing with a full-scale emergency.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common commercial drainage problems, how to prevent them, and why professional maintenance is the key to protecting your property.
Why Summer Can Be Tough on Commercial Drainage
During the summer months, drainage systems in commercial buildings face additional strain. Restaurants experience more customers, offices run air conditioning units that create extra condensation, and sudden heavy downpours test outdoor drainage capacity. These factors can create blockages, overflows, or structural damage if not properly managed.
Some common summertime drainage issues include:
• Grease and fat build-up in restaurants and commercial kitchens.
• Tree root intrusion in underground drains due to dry soil searching for moisture.
• Flooding after heavy rain, particularly in car parks or basements with poor surface drainage.
• Increased foul odours caused by decomposing debris in warm weather.
The Cost of Ignoring Drainage in Commercial Properties
Drainage problems in commercial environments aren’t just inconvenient, they’re costly. According to The British Insurance Brokers’ Association, water damage and flooding account for a significant percentage of insurance claims each year. For businesses, this could mean thousands of pounds in lost revenue, property damage, and reputational harm.
For example:
• A blocked drain in a restaurant kitchen can result in environmental health fines and force a temporary closure.
• An office with flooding in its car park risks employee safety and operational disruption.
• A retail store with foul odours could lose customers instantly, damaging its reputation.
By contrast, regular drainage maintenance is relatively inexpensive and ensures business continuity.
Preventative Drainage Maintenance: What Every Business Should Do
At United Drains, we always recommend a proactive approach. Here are some key preventative measures every business should consider:
1. Regular Drain Inspections
Using advanced CCTV drain surveys, our engineers can detect early signs of cracks, blockages, or root intrusion before they turn into major issues. This is particularly important for older buildings and high-traffic commercial sites.
Learn more about our CCTV drain surveys.
2. Gully and Surface Water Drain Cleaning
Car parks, loading bays, and outdoor seating areas are vulnerable to heavy rainfall in August. Clearing gullies and ensuring surface drains are free from debris can prevent flooding and keep your business accessible.
3. Grease Trap Maintenance
Restaurants and catering businesses are legally required to manage grease disposal properly. Regular grease trap cleaning prevents fat, oil, and grease (FOG) from entering the main drainage system, where it can cause severe blockages.
4. Drain Jetting
High-pressure water jetting is one of the most effective ways to keep commercial drains clear. It removes built-up debris, scale, and grease, ensuring pipes flow freely.
5. Emergency Preparedness
Even with the best maintenance, emergencies can still occur. Having a 24/7 commercial drainage partner on call, like United Drains, ensures you’re never left stranded if disaster strikes.
Why Choose United Drains for Your Business?
United Drains is trusted by restaurants, hotels, landlords, facilities managers, and office complexes across England & Wales. We provide:
• 24/7 Emergency Callouts – because drainage issues don’t wait for office hours.
• Experienced Engineers – fully trained and equipped with the latest technology.
• Preventative Maintenance Plans – tailored to your business’s needs.
• Fast Response Times – keeping downtime and disruption to a minimum.
Our team understands the pressures businesses face and provides a reliable, discreet service to keep your operations running smoothly.
Case Study: Preventing a Restaurant Closure
One of our long-standing restaurant clients in London recently avoided a major disaster thanks to proactive drainage care. In early August, our engineers carried out a routine CCTV survey and discovered an early-stage fatberg forming in the kitchen drains.
Because the issue was identified quickly, we were able to jet the pipes clean within hours, preventing a total blockage. Had this not been detected, the restaurant could have faced closure at the height of the summer season, a costly setback.
External Drainage Resources for Businesses
If you’re responsible for managing a commercial property, you may also find these external resources useful:
• UK Government – Drainage and Wastewater Management
• Water UK – Keeping Drains Clear of Fats, Oils and Grease
• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health – Grease Management Guidance
These resources, combined with professional support from United Drains, will help you keep your business safe and compliant.
Book a Commercial Drainage Health Check Today
If you haven’t had your drains checked this year, August is the perfect time to act. By booking a commercial drainage inspection, you can prevent problems before they disrupt your business.
Call United Drains today on 0203 637 6688 or visit our Contact Page to arrange a free consultation.
Final Thoughts
Commercial drainage might not be the most glamorous aspect of running a business, but it is one of the most important. A single blockage or flood can cause huge disruption, but with regular maintenance, CCTV inspections, and professional support, you can keep your property safe all year round.
At United Drains, we’re here to help businesses stay protected. Whether it’s a one-off emergency or a tailored maintenance plan, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t wait for disaster, book your commercial drainage check-up with United Drains this August.