Drainage holes in plastic windows: why they are needed and how to clean in Minsk

What is the result of drainage troughs?

Over time, the drainage canals can become clogged with dust, dirt, and particles from the street, and if they are not cleaned regularly, serious problems can arise:

The water buildup inside the frame.The liquid is not able to escape and remains in the profile, creating the perfect mold environment.
Condensate on the glass package.The increased humidity inside the window causes the windows to swell, especially in the cold season.
Freezing and ice.In winter, the water accumulates freezes and ice appears on the bottom of the frame, which can lead to deformation of the profile.
It smells bad.The water that's stuck starts to blossom and can pull out of the window with the fog.
Damage to seals and fittings.Constant moisture destroys the rubber and causes corrosion of metal parts.

Most often, I am contacted by Minskers in the spring, after the snow melts, or in winter, when windows start to cry.

How do you clean the drainage holes yourself?

Drainage cleaning is a simple procedure that you can do with your own hands.

What you need:

A soft brush or a small brush.
A thin non-metallic object (a wooden toothbrush, plastic stick, cocktail pipe).Do not use metal needles and wire— they can scratch the inner surface of the channel.
A small-scale vacuum cleaner (if desired).
Soap solution and a small syringe or a bottle with a nose.
Dry cloth.

Step by step instructions:

Find the drainage holes.Open the lid and look at the bottom of the frame outside. There are usually 2-3 holes about 5 to 8 mm in diameter, often covered with caps.
Clean the outside area.Remove the dirt and dust from the holes with a brush or a brush so that they do not enter.
Clear the channels.Take a toothbrush or plastic stick and carefully move it inside the hole to remove the accumulated dirt.
Wash it up.Take a soap solution into a syringe and inject it into the holes, allow the water to stand for a while to dissolve the dirt, and then clean it again with a stick.
Check the passing.If it flows freely outward (you can see a drain from the street) — the drainage works. If the water stays inside or flows slowly, repeat the cleaning.
Dry it up.Remove the moisture residue from the dry cloth around the holes and place the caps in place.

I recommend doing this twice a year: in the spring (after winter) and in the fall (before cold).

When do you need professional help?

Self-cleaning helps 90% of the time, but sometimes the problem is deeper:

If the water still doesn't go away after cleaning, the profile inside of the hole may have become dirty and the stick can't get to it.
If you notice that the drainage holes were drilled incorrectly during manufacture (for example, too high, causing water to not flow).
If the seals or the fittings are damaged due to prolonged moisture stagnation.
If the window freezes and ice appears on the frame, it can be a sign of more serious problems (a violation of geometry, poor quality installation).

In such cases, it is better to invite a master. I travel to any district of Minsk and Minsk district, carry out a diagnostic and professional cleaning of the drainage system using special equipment.

Prevention of rust: advice from a master

To keep drainage holes clean for as long as possible, follow these simple rules:

Put on your protective caps.If they don't, you can buy and install them; they protect against insects and large trash.
Wash the windows regularly.When washing, pay attention to the bottom of the frame, remove dirt from the drains.
Keep an eye on the seals.If the rubber is worn out, more dust and moisture can get inside the frame.
Don't close the drains for the winter.Some people mistakenly glue them with scotch because they're afraid of the cold, which is a gross mistake: clogging the drainage leads to moisture buildup and freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean the drainage holes with a vacuum cleaner?

Yes, you can, use a narrow plug and turn on the mid-range vacuum, but keep in mind that the vacuum will only remove dry dirt, and the wet debris is better removed mechanically.

Why is it blowing from the drainage holes?

It's okay. The drainage system is a natural ventilation system. If the drain is too strong, it's probably a problem with the wrong adjustment or the drainage system in the house.

What if the drainage water flows into the apartment?

This means that the geometry of the window is broken or the drainage holes are made incorrectly. Usually the water should flow out. If it flows in, you need to inspect the master and maybe cut the shutter or replace the sealant.

Are you just cleaning or doing a full service job?

I offer a full range of services for repairing and servicing plastic windows, from cleaning drains to replacing furniture and restoring the geometry of the windows, and if necessary, I'll diagnose all the windows in the apartment and give recommendations.

Why call me to the Minsk window service?

20+ years of experience.I've been working with plastic windows since 2003 and I know the features of all the popular profiles (REHAU, VEKA, KBE, etc.).
Free admission and diagnosis.I'll come to you at a convenient time, inspect the windows, assess the condition of the drains and other elements.
It's a professional tool.I use special pickles, washing dishes and equipment to drain the canals.
Guarantee up to one year.I give a written guarantee on all types of work.
It's a dirty job.I clean up after myself, I take out the trash.