4 min read
Blocked Drains: Causes, Quick Fixes and When to Call a Plumber
Slow or blocked drains are one of the most common household plumbing problems. Here is what causes them, what you can try safely, and when it needs a professional.
What causes blocked drains
Kitchen drains block from fat, oil and food waste that congeal in the pipe. Bathroom drains block from hair and soap scum. Outside drains and gullies block from leaves, silt and, in older properties, tree roots getting into cracked pipes.
What you can safely try
For a slow sink, remove and clean the trap under it, or try a plunger. A mix of hot water can help with light grease. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners where possible — they can damage older pipes and rarely clear a full blockage.
When to call a plumber
If several drains are slow at once, water is backing up, or there is a bad smell that will not clear, the blockage is likely deeper in the system. A CCTV drain survey locates the exact cause so it can be fixed properly rather than repeatedly cleared.
