How do I clear my ACO drains?
ACO drain channels capture rainwater that may run off your drive or patio. As the drainage channel is open, silt and debris may build up and affect the performance of the drain. Regular clearance of the channel will help ensure the drain remains effective.
- Carefully remove the drain cover; in some cases you may need to unscrew this.
- Remove any debris that has built up in the drain channel.
- Once clear, flush through with a bucket of water, ensuring it drains away easily.
- Replace covers securely after cleaning.
Guttering and downpipes
Using a stable ladder, you should be able to check the joins, joints and clips that hold the guttering together around your home. You’ll want to check to make sure they’re properly connected and fitted together, keeping an eye out for any cracks or build-ups of debris.
Make sure to clear out anything that could block the flow of water through the pipes. Depending on the time of year this could be leaves, twigs, dirt, litter or any other kind of debris. Checking this regularly will help keep your gutters in good condition and help protect your home. We recommend at least twice a year; late spring to clear out seeds, pollen, and nesting materials dropped by birds. And autumn to remove fallen leaves and “soggy mush” before the winter freeze sets in.
You may want to consider these “add-ons” to reduce your maintenance workload:
- Gutter Guards which are rigid grids that clip on to block leaves and twigs
- Gutter Brushes to stop debris but let water flow
- Balloon Guards to prevent internal clogs
- Snow Guards to prevent heavy snow from sliding and crushing gutters
Safely must always be your priority; if you have any concerns about cleaning and maintaining your guttering, please contact a professional.
Exterior walls
If you notice white staining on your exterior walls soon after you move in, don’t worry. This is efflorescence and is perfectly normal, resulting from natural salts leaching out of the bricks. There’s no need to clean the brickwork – the marks will fade with time and attempting to wash them off may actually make the appearance worse.