The clocks are changing, the air is turning crisp, and pumpkins are popping up on doorsteps across the country. As spooky season arrives, there’s one kind of scare you really don’t want to deal with… a drainage disaster!

Whether you’re running a business or looking after your home, the real horrors this autumn could be lurking right beneath your feet. From clogged drains to ghostly gurgles, we’ve seen it all.
Here are some of the most common seasonal problems we see at DALROD, and how our expert teams can help you tackle them before they turn into a fright:
The Creeping Clog
It starts slowly… a sink that takes a little longer to drain, a toilet that bubbles after flushing. Before you know it, you’ve got a full-blown blockage on your hands.
In homes, these buildups are often caused by grease, hair and soap scum. For businesses (especially those in hospitality or food service) the main culprit is usually fats, oils and food waste. Over time, these materials cling to the inside of your pipes and narrow the passage, until eventually nothing can get through.
How DALROD can help:
- Drain Unblocking: Our engineers use high pressure water jetting to clear even the toughest blockages quickly and safely.
- Regular Maintenance Plans (PPM): Perfect for busy businesses that can’t afford downtime. We’ll keep your drains clean, clear and ready for anything.
Phantom Smells
Ever caught a strange smell you just can’t place? That’s often the first sign of a deeper problem. Trapped waste, blocked pipes or stagnant water can all cause unpleasant odours that linger and spread.
How DALROD can help:
- CCTV Drainage Surveys: Our camera inspections let us see exactly what’s happening underground, pinpointing the cause of smells, leaks, or recurring blockages.
- Drain Cleaning and Descaling: We’ll flush out residue and buildup, leaving your system fresh and free-flowing.
Once we’ve identified the cause, we can create a plan individually tailored to your needs. Whether that’s a maintenance contract or drainage repairs and renovations.
Gurgling Ghouls
If your drains are making strange gurling sounds, don’t worry, it’s not your building coming to life! These noises are usually caused by trapped air or partial blockages. ignoring them can cause bigger problems later on.
How DALROD can help:
- Diagnostics and Repair: Our engineers are trained to find and fix underlying issues fast, preventing future disruptions.
- Emergency Callouts: Because ghoulish gurgles never appear at a convenient time, we’re available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Autumn’s Fallen Foes
Falling leaves and stormy weather can quickly turn outdoor drains and gutters into a nightmare. Blocked gullies, flooded carparks, and overflowing gutters are common for this time of year, especially for commercial properties.

How DALROD can help:
- Gutter and Surface Water Drain Cleaning: We’ll remove leaves, mud, and debris to prevent blockages and flooding.
- Routine Site Maintenance: Ideal for businesses with large outdoor areas and high footfall. Our maintenance plans keep your site safe, clean and fully operational through the cold, wet winter months ahead.
A little preventative maintenance now can save you from a very real fright later.
Don’t Let Your Drains Become a Real Horror Story
At DALROD, we’ve been tackling drainage nightmares for decades, from domestic disasters to large, commercial emergencies. Our local engineers have the experience, equipment and expertise to deal with every kind of problem, big or small.
Whether it’s a spooky smell at home, a flooded forecourt at work, or a blocked kitchen sink in a busy restaurant, we’ve ready to help.
This Halloween, don’t let the horrors lurk below. Call us today for expert advice, 24/7.



