Blocked Drain? Complete Guide to Causes, Fixes & Prevention

Signs of a Blocked Drain

Catch blockages early before they become emergencies:

• Slow draining - Water takes longer to empty
• Gurgling sounds - Air trapped in pipes
• Bad smells - Waste trapped in the drain
• Water backing up - In sinks, toilets, or outside
• Raised water levels - In toilet after flushing
• Overflowing gullies - Outside drain covers

Common Causes of Blocked Drains

Kitchen Drains

• Grease and fat - Solidifies in pipes (biggest cause)
• Food scraps - Coffee grounds, rice, pasta
• Soap scum - Builds up over time

Bathroom Drains

• Hair - Combines with soap to form clogs
• Soap and product buildup
• Wet wipes - Don't flush, even 'flushable' ones
• Cotton buds, dental floss

Toilet Blockages

• Too much toilet paper
• Wet wipes - Major cause of sewer blockages
• Sanitary products - Should never be flushed
• Children's toys - Common in family homes

External Drains

• Tree roots - Grow into pipe joints
• Leaves and debris
• Ground movement - Causes pipes to crack
• Fat bergs - Accumulation of flushed fat

DIY Fixes to Try First

The Plunger Method

1. Block overflow hole with wet cloth
2. Fill sink/bath with few inches of water
3. Place plunger over drain, ensuring seal
4. Push down firmly, then pull up sharply
5. Repeat 10-15 times
6. Run hot water to flush

Boiling Water

For grease blockages, carefully pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain. Wait 5 minutes and repeat. Don't use on PVC pipes or with standing water.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

1. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down drain
2. Follow with 1/2 cup white vinegar
3. Cover drain and wait 30 minutes
4. Flush with hot water

Drain Snake

For hair clogs in showers/baths, a drain snake (available from hardware stores, £5-15) can pull out the blockage.

When to Call a Professional

Call a drainage specialist if:

• DIY methods haven't worked
• Multiple drains are affected
• Sewage is backing up
• You suspect a collapsed pipe
• There's a bad smell you can't locate
• Drains keep blocking repeatedly

Professional Drain Clearing Methods

High-Pressure Jetting

A powerful water jet blasts through blockages. Effective for fat, roots, and scale buildup. Usually clears most blockages in 30-60 minutes.

CCTV Drain Survey

A camera inspects the inside of your drains to find:

• The exact blockage location
• Cracks or damage
• Root ingress
• Collapsed sections

This identifies whether you need clearing or repair.

Drain Rodding

Traditional method using flexible rods. Good for simple blockages in accessible drains.

Preventing Blocked Drains

In the Kitchen

• Never pour fat or oil down the drain - bin it
• Use a sink strainer to catch food
• Run hot water after washing up
• Scrape plates into bin before washing

In the Bathroom

• Use a hair catcher in shower/bath
• Only flush toilet paper (nothing else)
• Clean drain covers weekly
• Don't flush wet wipes - ever

Outside

• Clear leaves from drain covers
• Check gullies are flowing
• Trim roots near drain runs
• Pour drain cleaner monthly (external drains only)