Blocked drains: when to get help
Water backing up into a sink or toilet? An outside gully overflowing? A drain that keeps blocking? These can be signs of an obstruction, although the cause is not always obvious. Below and Beyond handles drain unblocking enquiries for homes and businesses across southern England.
EXAMPLES OF OUR EXPERIENCE
Practical experience
Signs of a blocked drain
Problems can appear gradually or all at once. The symptoms below can help you describe what is happening, but they do not necessarily reveal where the obstruction is.
- Water taking longer than usual to drain away
- Wastewater rising in a sink, shower, toilet or outside gully
- Gurgling noises or unpleasant smells from drainage points
- The same drain blocking repeatedly
How a blockage is assessed
An isolated slow-running fixture may be a different problem from wastewater backing up at several points around a property. Understanding which drains are affected helps establish where to investigate. If a blockage is recurring or there are signs of damage, a CCTV drain survey may help reveal the condition of the pipework.
High-pressure jetting
We use high-pressure water jetting where the obstruction, pipework and access make it appropriate. Our background includes experience jetting through four-inch drainage pipework before Below and Beyond was established. We assess the circumstances before choosing the method.
When a blockage keeps coming back
Clearing an obstruction can restore the flow, but a repeat blockage may mean the underlying cause remains. Build-up, debris, tree roots or defects in the pipework are all possible explanations. The right next step depends on what is found, rather than assuming every drain needs the same treatment.
Before you get in touch
If sewage or wastewater is backing up, avoid using the affected sinks, toilets or appliances until the problem has been assessed. Keep children and pets away from contaminated water. When you enquire, it helps to tell us:
- Your property postcode
- Which drains or fixtures are affected
- Whether water is overflowing or backing up
- When the problem started and whether it has happened before
Sinks, toilets, showers and waste pipes
A slow fixture can involve its trap or U-bend, a waste pipe, or drainage further downstream. Tell us whether one fitting or several are affected. Leaking fittings and broken pipework may need repair rather than blockage clearance.
Questions about drain unblocking
Why does my outside drain keep blocking?
An outside drain can block because of debris or accumulated material. Repeated blockages can also be associated with problems further along the pipe. The cause cannot be confirmed from the symptoms alone.
Does a blocked drain always need a CCTV survey?
No. A camera inspection may be worth considering if a blockage keeps returning, the cause is unclear or damage to underground pipework is suspected.
What if the drainpipe is damaged?
A repair may be possible, but it depends on the location and condition of the pipe. Drain relining is one option for suitable pipes; some situations still require excavation or replacement.
What information should I send with an enquiry?
Your postcode, a contact number, which drains are affected and a short description of the symptoms. Mention any previous blockages or investigations if you know about them.