Outside drains, gutters and walls

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.

Your gutters can get clogged with debris and leaves, especially during the autumn. Cleaning gutters regularly is an important part of home maintenance. Working high up can be dangerous, so if in doubt, call in a qualified tradesperson to do this.

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.