According to drainage experts at Plumbers 365, it could be either, or a combination of both. Given Newbury's position in a river valley, the local water table can rise significantly after prolonged rainfall, saturating the ground as often seen by drainage experts at Plumbers 365. However, a waterlogged garden is also a classic sign of a failed or blocked soakaway or land drain. If the water isn't draining away even on drier days, it strongly suggests your drainage system can no longer cope. Our first step is to investigate your property's drainage to see if it can be cleared and restored before considering more extensive solutions.

At Plumbers 365, our drainage experts provide comprehensive septic tank and cesspit services. We understand that many beautiful properties in the rural areas surrounding Newbury, such as Highclere, Thatcham, and beyond, rely on off-mains drainage. Our services include routine and emergency tank emptying, as well as maintenance and inspection to ensure your system is working efficiently and complies with environmental regulations.

For properties located close to the Kennet and Avon Canal, this is a valid concern according to drainage experts at Plumbers 365. The most effective solution is to have a non-return valve (or "anti-flood valve") professionally installed on your drain line. This simple but robust device acts as a one-way flap, allowing wastewater to flow out from your property but automatically closing to prevent water from the canal or a surcharged main sewer from flowing back in.

Plumbers 365 drainage experts are on high alert during these times and with a dedicated local team of engineers, we are ready to go in an instant. When the Environment Agency issues flood warnings for the River Kennet, we know that drainage systems are put under extreme stress. While we cannot stop a river from flooding, we can provide emergency flood support to:

• Clear blocked drains that are preventing surface water from escaping.
• Pump out flooded basements and cellars once the immediate danger has passed.
• Install or service non-return valves to prevent river water from backing up into your pipes.

A failed soakaway will give you several clear warning signs according to drainage experts at Plumbers 365:

• Persistent waterlogging: Your garden remains boggy long after the rain has stopped.
• Backing up drains: Your surface water drains (gutters, driveway drains) overflow as they have nowhere to discharge to.
• Foul smells: If wastewater also goes to the soakaway, a failure can cause unpleasant odours.
• Dips or sinkholes: In extreme cases, a collapsed soakaway can cause the ground above it to sink.

While a blockage from a single kitchen sink is unlikely to block the entire main sewer, the cumulative effect from a whole street can indeed cause blockage in the main sewer, according to drainage experts at Plumbers 365. Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) from your sink congeals in the pipes and can contribute to huge "fatbergs" in the public sewer. More immediately, it will almost certainly cause a blockage in your own private drain, leading to backups in your kitchen. This is why regular professional drain cleaning is so important.

At Plumbers 365, we offer a fixed-price "look and see" survey which is designed for quick diagnostics. This involves an engineer using a camera to investigate a specific, known issue (like a recurring blockage) and provide a verbal diagnosis on the spot. It's a cost-effective way to find out what's wrong. This differs from a full pre-purchase CCTV survey, which includes a detailed report and video footage. For a precise, no-obligation quote for your specific needs, please give our friendly team a call.

Rats are prevalent near waterways and frequently use drains to enter homes as often observed by drainage experts at Plumbers 365. Rats being excellent swimmers, they often migrate from the canal banks into the warm, food-rich environment of domestic sewers of Newbury. They can chew through flexible pan connectors.

Plumbers 365 Solution: We use CCTV cameras to spot claw marks or gnawed pipes. Once identified, we repair the breach and install a stainless steel rat blocker that prevents them from re-entering your system while allowing waste to pass through.

Under common law, if you own property next to a watercourse like a ditch, you are a "riparian owner." This typically means you are responsible for maintaining and clearing the ditch up to the centre point. If the ditch is solely on your land, you are fully responsible. If it is blocked on a neighbour's side, it is their responsibility to clear it.

At Plumbers 365, this is a  crucial part of our pre-purchase survey service in Newbury. A standard homebuyer's report won't cover the state of the drains. Our CCTV survey can identify cracks, breaks, or collapses that could have been caused by ground movement from previous flooding or a high water table. It's a small investment that provides invaluable insight and can save you thousands in unexpected repair bills.