As the nights draw in and jumpers come out for the autumn season, crispy golden leaves can look pretty, but can become a nuisance when they start to block your drains.

The build-up of fallen leaves in drains affect their ability to carry water away from your property. While this may seem minor, this can result in large blockages that could cause flooding. If left unchecked, blocked drains can create serious damage to your property and can even become a health risk to those who reside there.

You may first be alerted to a blocked drain when it begins to emit bad odours throughout the property, but there may also be unseen leaks. These can cause excess moisture in the home and areas of damp and mould. Wooden floors and wallpaper may become warped or ruined, and any stagnant water may attract unwelcome guests, such as flies and other critters.

Here’s what you can do to prevent this:

Plan in advance. Reduce build-up by cutting back branches in the summer months or in the early stages of the season, reducing the number of leaves falling into your drains.
Drain guards cover your drains without affecting water flow. As they are inexpensive and available in a range of shapes and sizes, this is likely to be the most efficient way to keep your drains leaf-free.
Get stuck in. Grab some bin-liners and gloves, put some old clothes on and clear as much as you can.
Go specialist. Buy or hire a specialised vacuum which sucks up all your leaves and debris. This is also helpful for pulling any leaves which have already fallen down into the drains.

With simple and regular maintenance, most issues relating to blocked drains are preventable. However, if a build-up of leaves goes unattended, what may seem like a small problem initially can escalate into a much bigger issue. If your insurer deems the damage to be due to a result of negligence, improper use or lack of maintenance, they may not pay out in the event of a claim.

Our insurance needs often change, at Edwards Insurance Brokers, we’ll work closely with you to make sure your insurance is right for you. Get in touch on 01564 730 900.