Blocked Drains & Pipes in London

What Are Blocked Drains & Pipes?

Blocked drains and pipes happen when waste, grease, food debris, hair, soap scum, wet wipes, or foreign objects build up and restrict the flow of water through your plumbing. Over time, these obstructions can harden and worsen, leading to slow drainage, gurgling sounds, and eventually full blockages.

In London, blockages are also commonly caused by older pipework, limescale buildup, and even tree root intrusion in external drains. Professional clearing removes the blockage and helps restore proper flow throughout the system.

Why Are Blocked Drains & Pipes Important?

Clearing blocked drains and pipes is essential to protect your home or property from water damage, foul smells, and unhygienic wastewater backups. Ignoring early signs can turn a simple blockage into a serious issue—like overflowing sinks, flooded bathrooms, damp patches, or damage to pipe joints and seals.

Timely drain clearing also helps prevent repeat callouts by addressing the root cause (such as grease buildup or hidden collapses), improving long-term reliability and keeping your plumbing running safely and efficiently.

When Should You Consider Blocked Drains & Pipes?

You should consider professional help if you notice slow-draining sinks, showers, or baths, repeated clogs, bad odours from plugholes, gurgling noises, or water backing up in toilets or floor drains.

It’s also worth booking an inspection if multiple fixtures are draining poorly at once, or if external gullies overflow—especially after heavy rain.

If your property is older, you’ve recently moved in, or you’ve had recurring issues, a CCTV drain check can identify underlying problems early and prevent costly repairs later.