How Extreme Weather is Affecting Exeter’s Drains

Introduction

Like much of the South West, Exeter has recently been hit by the effects of extreme weather. Most recently, Storm Chandra has hit much of the UK, including causing the River Exe to swell and come over the top of its banks.

Storm Chandra has brought torrential rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding across the UK and the South West was among the hardest hit. Roads around Exeter were reported as flooded and impassable, forcing closures and travel advisories. The Met Office also recently issued yellow rain warnings for the Exeter area.

Stormy weather and heavy rainfall has become increasingly more common across Exeter and much of the UK. This has meant that infrastructure, such as pipes and drainage, have also been under a lot of strain as a result.

Why Drainage Matters in Exeter

When torrential weather events like Storm Chandra hit, it can be hard to avoid flooding unless the right infrastructure is already in place. Exeter’s sewage system was originally built back in the Victorian era, with much of the existing infrastructure still dating back to the 19th century.

Many of the properties throughout the Exeter area such as Heavitree, Topsham and Exmouth are also home to older properties. This means that the older drainage systems across Exeter simply aren’t built to withstand the results of increasingly worse weather events.

When storms like Chandra hit, the challenges aren’t just about heavy rain. They’re about how that water is managed once it reaches streets, gardens, and buildings. Here’s some of the problems that recent storms and floods have highlighted:

Ageing Pipes and Drains - Ageing or poorly maintained pipes and drains will struggle under extreme weather conditions This makes maintaining and upgrading them essential for protecting homes and businesses alike.

Surface Water Flooding – Heavy rainfall overwhelms local paths and roads. Without effective drainage and flooding measures, water pools and seeps into properties or blocks access routes as recently shown by a report from Devon Live in Exeter and the surrounding areas.

Blocked or Overflowing Drains – Heavy rain and flooding can also cause leaves, debris and other waste to clog drains. Drains that are already blocked or become blocked during flooding can increase the flood risk and cause more damage. Sewage backups are also a serious health and environmental concern.

How the Drain Guys Can Help

At the Drain Guys, we’re used to dealing with all kinds of drainage problems for homes and business across Exeter. Our expert technicians use state of the art drainage methods and provide a wide range of services that can help deal with flooding risks, or reduce their impact. This includes:

Drain Clearance & Inspection - We offer professional drain clearance and inspection surveys, such as CCTV surveys to locate and remove blockages before heavy rain strikes. We also provide an emergency 24-hour service, meaning we are always available to help you. We always aim to be with you as soon as possible, especially when the problem is urgent.

Gutter & Surface Water Solutions - Clearing the drains is one thing, but managing where the water goes in the first place is key. The Drain Guys can advise on gutter maintenance and water channels to redirect rainwater away from vulnerable areas.

Preventative Maintenance - Waiting until after a storm hits can be costly, which is why preventative maintenance plans are so important. Regular drain maintenance helps keep drains free from debris, ensures pipes remain clear and flowing, and prevents small issues from escalating into expensive emergencies, helping homes and businesses better withstand extreme weather.

Contact us Today

If you’re concerned about drains, flooding or drainage issues in Exeter or the surrounding area, contact The Drain Guys today. We have many years’ of experience providing a wide range of drainage services to homes and business throughout the area.

This includes drain unblocking, drain surveys, no-dig drain repairs, maintenance plans and more. We also provide a no fee call out service and an emergency 24-hour service. Contact us today to get a quote and to find out more.