Blocked Drains
Frequently Asked Questions

Clearing blocked drains requires specific tools and following different steps relative to the blocking problem being faced. For example, is it a sink or a toilet? The more severe the blocking is, the more likely it is to become an emergency. That is why regular maintenance is so important for avoiding clogged drains in the first place, especially for commercial premises where damages caused to the business and the property can be very costly.

The process of clearing drains starts with research to find out what the source of the problem is. Thanks to CCTV technology, professionals can quickly find what is causing the block. More importantly, this technology allows them to find the problem without impacting your property’s drainage system. Once the problem is located typically the next step consists of using high-pressure draining to clear the clogs. Once the problem is sorted it is a good idea to book an inspection and make sure to do what you can to minimise obstruction in your daily routine.

For small drains, you can try different home remedies, such as mixing one-third of baking soda and one-third of vinegar to then pour down your sink. You can also try chemical cleaners usually sold in most supermarkets. There is no guarantee though that this will fix the problem and the safest move if you suspect the problem is serious is to contact professionals.

On some DIY websites pouring boiling water has been cited as another method to help with small clogs. However, pouring boiling water down a  drain when it is clogged can cause serious problems, such as PVC piping and pipe seals melting.

If you are the owner of the property and the blocked drain is located within the property, then you will be responsible for fixing it. However, if the problem is not actually in your private drain system but caused by a major blockage in the sewer system, then you won’t be held responsible for clearance and repair. If you are renting property and facing a minor clog that can be easily fixed, you should repair it. However, important problems affecting the drainage system, exterior drain pipes included, should be repaired by the landlord.

Blockages are caused by materials that slowly accumulate every day in your drains. These include, but are not limited to, food bits from your sink, hair, soap, and objects that shouldn’t be disposed of through your toilet, such as dental floss and baby wipes. Even things that accidentally end in the drains, such as earrings and toys, cause problems. The accumulation of such materials can create a problem in your property drainage system with unpleasant consequences like smells and property damage.

Clearing a blockage can vary from minutes to hours depending on how big the problem is. The nature of the problem will determine how much work is required. On average, clearing works won’t take more than three hours thanks to the advanced equipment and technology professionals use, which can quickly clear obstructed drains and pipes.

What were initially small consequences from a blocked drain or pipe can quickly escalate. Some problems that can arise from blocked drains and pipes are sewage backups, flooding, corrosion, smells, and the growth of insects and bacteria. Therefore, a blocked drain or pipe can become a potentially dangerous health risk. Also, costly property damage repairs can arise from drainage issues.

If you neglect a drain clog it could lead to increased pressure in pipes; as you can imagine this can be quite dangerous as cracks and bursts could follow. This is not only costly to fix but is also a potential source of significant damage to your property.

No, clogged drains won’t get better just with time. They need to be taken care of in order to avoid further problems in your drainage system. Leaving them untreated may lead to a completely blocked drainage system.

The maintenance of your drains is your responsibility. Therefore, home insurance usually doesn’t cover them. But, if the drains are damaged by circumstances out of your control, like a landslip or a tree root, you can put in a claim with your insurance provider to pay for repairs.

If your drains are well maintained, you will most likely only need to clean them every two years. However, if you experience frequent clogs, even monthly, you should contact a drainage professional as soon as possible.

The cost to clear a drain will depend on several factors, such as the city you live in and the level of work required to fix the problem. Professionals often charge a call-out fee plus the cost for the work completed. At Enviroclear, we do not charge call-out fees. You can find our prices in our pricing section. We can fix your drainage problem from as little as £75 plus VAT.

If you experience a drain blockage, you should ideally contact a professional; they are fully trained and know how to fix the problem. Trying to fix a complicated blockage without the required expertise can lead to further problems and pricey emergency plumbing work.