Yes, they are. Summer brings warmer temperatures, dry ground, more visitors at home and a spike in outdoor activities like gardening and barbecuing. All of these increase the chance of things going wrong with your drains. In places like Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell, we often see more blocked drains, root damage, pipe shifts and overflows between June and September.
It’s easy to think of blocked drains as a winter problem. But summer can quietly build up issues that turn into bigger problems when they’re not spotted early. From cracking pipes to tree roots finding their way into joints, there are several reasons why warmer months can cause more callouts.
Do tree roots really cause drainage problems? Yes, especially in the summer. Trees and shrubs search for water when the ground dries out. That’s why places like Lower Earley, Crowthorne and Shinfield often see root-related blockages during warm weather. Roots find their way into cracks in clay or plastic pipes, where they expand and catch anything else flowing through.
Over time, this slows down the water and can lead to a full blockage. The only way to know for sure is to book a CCTV drain inspection, which shows exactly where the roots are growing and how serious the damage is.
What happens to drains in hot, dry ground? When the soil dries out, especially in areas like Pangbourne and Sonning, it shrinks. This slow movement can pull pipes out of position. A small misalignment may not seem like much at first, but it can create weak spots, dips and joint gaps that trap waste and eventually block the whole system.
It’s something we often find during drain surveys, particularly in older homes or those with older pipe systems.
Pro Tip: If your garden has large trees, schedule a CCTV drain inspection every one to two years to check for root intrusion before it blocks your system.
Need Help With a Blocked Drain?
Our local engineers are available 24/7 to clear blockages quickly and safely.
Warm weather means more showers, more laundry, and lots of garden water use. In places like Ascot, Slough and Virginia Water, people also tend to have more visitors and host barbecues. That extra cooking and cleaning sends a lot of grease and food waste down the drain.
When fat cools inside the pipe, it hardens. That creates sticky layers that catch more waste and eventually cause a blockage. It’s one of the most common issues we deal with during summer.
Plastic pipes don’t always cope well with high temperatures. In towns like Newbury and Bracknell, where more modern plastic pipework is used, hot weather can cause it to expand slightly and then contract again overnight. This movement adds stress and can lead to small cracks or loose joints.
The signs might not show up straight away, but as pressure builds, leaks or collapses can occur.
What should you look out for during summer?
If you notice any of the following around your home, it might mean a drain is blocked or damaged:
A bad smell from sinks or drains
Sinks and baths draining slower than usual
Gurgling noises in the pipework
Patches of water around manhole covers
Wet or sunken patches in the garden
If you live in Tilehurst, Henley on Thames or Woodley and spot these issues, it’s worth having a drain specialist take a look. Leaving it too long often makes things worse.
Booking a CCTV survey before summer gets into full swing can save a lot of hassle. We do a lot of these in Marlow, Twyford and Maidenhead where pipe layouts can be tricky and problems are harder to spot without a camera.
The cameras we use are detailed and can show tree roots, cracks or anything else inside the pipe. It’s one of the easiest ways to catch a problem before it gets bigger.
Grease from cooking should always be cooled and binned. If it goes down the drain, it will harden and stick. This is especially common after barbecues. Use a container to collect fat and use a sink strainer to catch bits of food.
In places like Theale, Winnersh and Arborfield, garden drains are often left uncovered. Grass cuttings, leaves and soil can build up quickly. Sweep patios and paths regularly, and lift gully covers if water isn’t draining properly.
If you have sinks or showers that don’t get used much, run water through them once a week. This keeps the traps full and stops smells coming back up from the pipework.
Where we work and how to get in touch
We handle drainage emergencies and planned maintenance across Reading and nearby areas, including:
Wokingham, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Slough, High Wycombe, Henley on Thames, Twyford, Marlow, Tilehurst, Woodley, Lower Earley, Earley, Winnersh, Sonning, Pangbourne, Shinfield, Arborfield, Theale, Crowthorne, Sandhurst, Basingstoke, Newbury, Ascot and Virginia Water.
If your drains are slow, smelly or overflowing, visit our page on emergency drainage services in Reading or check out our drain unblocking service in Reading to see how we can help.
Pro Tip: After hosting a barbecue, never rinse grease or oil into the sink. Cool it in a container and bin it to avoid summer drain clogs.
Book a CCTV Drain Survey Today
dentify hidden problems before they cause damage. Fast service across Berkshire.
24hrs Drainage Limited
33 Falmouth Rd, Reading RG2 8QR
0800 020 9198
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If You’re Dealing With Blocked Drains Or Require Drain Repairs, You’ve Come To The Right Destination. Contact Our Team Today At 0800 0209198 For Professional Guidance And A Complimentary, No-Obligation Quote!
We are the premier providers of comprehensive drainage solutions in Reading and throughout Berkshire. With years of experience and a dedicated team of experts, we are your trusted partners for all your domestic and commercial drainage needs.
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