Blocked Drains in London

Common Signs You Need Help

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you likely have a blocked drain that needs professional attention:

• Slow-draining sinks and baths that don't improve with plunging
• Gurgling sounds from pipes when water drains away
• Water pooling around floor drains or backing up through other fixtures
• Unpleasant odours emanating from plugholes or drains
• Overflowing toilets or manholes in your garden
• Multiple drains affected at the same time

Don't ignore these warning signs. A partially blocked drain will eventually become completely blocked, often at the worst possible moment. Early intervention is always cheaper and less disruptive than emergency repairs.

How We Fix Blocked Drains

We use professional drain rods and high-pressure jetting to break through blockages and flush debris away. Our approach ensures the blockage is properly cleared, not just temporarily displaced. For stubborn or recurring problems, we'll run a CCTV camera to find out what's really going on inside your pipes.

Our engineers carry full equipment in their vans, allowing them to tackle most blockages in a single visit. We don't just poke a hole through the blockage—we clear it completely and, where possible, clean the pipe walls to reduce the risk of quick recurrence.

Our Blocked Drain Clearing Process

1. Initial assessment to identify blockage location and likely cause
2. Clear quote provided before any work begins
3. Mechanical rodding to break through the blockage
4. High-pressure jetting to fully clear and clean the pipe
5. CCTV inspection if underlying damage is suspected
6. Advice on preventing future blockages

London-Specific Considerations

Many London properties have shared drainage—especially converted Victorian houses split into flats. A blockage in a ground-floor flat can affect everyone above. We trace the problem to its source, even when responsibility isn't clear, helping you understand whether the issue is within your property or in communal pipework.

London's older clay pipes often have rough internal surfaces where grease and debris accumulate faster than in modern plastic pipes. Victorian and Edwardian properties frequently have drainage systems that have been modified, extended, and patched over generations. Our engineers understand these systems intimately and know how to navigate their peculiarities.

Tree root intrusion is another common issue in London, particularly in areas with mature street trees and gardens. Roots seek out moisture and can penetrate pipe joints, causing blockages and structural damage. We can identify root intrusion through CCTV inspection and advise on appropriate solutions.

What Causes Blocked Drains?

Understanding what causes blockages can help prevent them. The most common causes we see in London include:

Fat, Oil and Grease

Even small amounts of cooking fat poured down sinks gradually build up on pipe walls, eventually causing complete blockages. This is particularly common in older properties with narrower pipes.

Wet Wipes and Sanitary Products

Despite "flushable" labels, wet wipes don't break down like toilet paper. They snag on pipe irregularities and accumulate, causing stubborn blockages that are difficult to clear.

Tree Roots

Roots naturally seek water sources and can penetrate pipe joints. Once inside, they expand and trap debris, causing recurring blockages and eventually pipe damage.

Pipe Damage and Collapse

Old clay pipes can crack, collapse, or become misaligned due to ground movement. This creates points where debris accumulates, causing repeated blockages.