glevum-v2

What Not to Flush Down the Toilet (Even If It Says “Flushable”)

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:19:57 GMT

One of the biggest causes of blocked drains is unsuitable items being flushed.

Even products labelled “flushable” can build up in pipework and lead to serious blockages.

Items that should never be flushed include:

Wet wipes and baby wipes
Sanitary products
Cotton buds and dental floss
Cooking oil and grease
Paper towels

Preventing these issues is one of the easiest ways to reduce emergency call-outs and keep your drainage system flowing properly.

Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Emptying (Before It Becomes a Problem)

richard@innuo.co.uk (Richard Jaques) — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:19:48 GMT

At Cotswold Drain Service , we often attend properties across Gloucestershire where septic tanks have been left too long.

Common warning signs include:

Slow drainage inside the property
Unpleasant smells near drains or the tank area
Gurgling sounds from toilets and sinks
Wastewater backing up outdoors

Regular septic tank emptying helps prevent costly repairs and ensures your system stays compliant and environmentally safe.

If you’re unsure when your tank was last emptied, our team can advise on the right schedule for your property.

Drain Issues We’re Seeing Around Cheltenham This Month

richard@innuo.co.uk (Richard Jaques) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:20:42 GMT

Cheltenham’s mix of older properties, tree-lined streets, and seasonal weather means certain drainage issues crop up again and again.

Recently, we’ve been seeing:

Blocked drains caused by grease, wipes, and food waste buildup
Root ingress in clay pipework, especially in older neighbourhoods
Increased call-outs after heavy rainfall due to overwhelmed drainage systems

If you’ve noticed slow-draining sinks, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant smells, it’s often a sign of a developing blockage. Early intervention can prevent more serious damage and emergency call-outs.

Common Drain Problems in Older Homes Across Gloucestershire

richard@innuo.co.uk (Richard Jaques) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:20:42 GMT

Gloucestershire is home to a large number of older and period properties, particularly throughout the Cotswolds and surrounding towns and villages. While these properties have character, their drainage systems often require specialist care.

We regularly attend properties across Gloucestershire dealing with:

Cracked or collapsed underground pipes caused by ground movement
Tree roots entering older drainage systems
Narrow or outdated pipework that blocks more easily
Septic tanks that require regular emptying and maintenance

Many older drainage systems were not designed for modern water usage, making them more susceptible to blockages and wear over time.

CCTV drain surveys are an effective way to identify hidden issues and plan repairs before problems escalate. Routine inspections and maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of older pipework.

Cotswold Drain Service has extensive experience working with older homes throughout Gloucestershire, providing practical and long-lasting drainage solutions.

Flood-Prone Areas in Gloucestershire and How to Protect Your Drains

richard@innuo.co.uk (Richard Jaques) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:20:42 GMT

Parts of Gloucestershire are more vulnerable to flooding, especially during periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall. Flooding can place additional strain on drainage systems and increase the risk of blockages, backups, and property damage.

To help protect your drains, we recommend:

Keeping external drains and gullies free from leaves and debris
Avoiding flushing wipes, grease, and non-degradable items
Ensuring septic tanks are emptied regularly
Arranging a CCTV drain inspection if flooding or backups occur repeatedly

Preventative drainage maintenance plays an important role in reducing flood-related issues.

Identifying and resolving minor problems early can help protect your property during extreme weather.

If you’re concerned about flooding or ongoing drainage problems, Cotswold Drain Service provides expert drainage support across Gloucestershire.