Top 10 Common Drainage Issues (And How to Fix Them)
By Drainage & Plumbing LTD – Your Local Experts in South East England
Drainage problems have a way of showing up at the worst times. A blocked sink just before dinner, a toilet that refuses to flush, or a strange smell coming from the drains—it’s never just an inconvenience. Left untreated, these problems can damage your property, affect hygiene, and cost more to put right later.
That’s why at Drainage & Plumbing LTD, we’ve built our reputation on being the team you can call when you need things sorted quickly and properly. With thousands of successful jobs behind us, we know the issues that crop up most often in homes and businesses across South East England—and how to fix them.
Here are the 10 most common drainage problems we deal with, and how we put them right:
1. Blocked Drains
What’s happening: Food waste, hair, grease, dirt, or even tree roots can clog your drains, causing sinks or outdoor drains to back up.
How we fix it: We usually start with a CCTV survey to see what’s going on, then clear it using high-pressure jetting or drain rods. It’s fast, thorough, and gets your drains flowing again.
2. Toilet Blockages
What’s happening: Too much toilet paper, wipes, or even toys (yes, it happens!) can cause blockages. Sometimes the problem is further down the pipe.
How we fix it: We use specialist tools and, if needed, jetting to clear the pipe quickly and hygienically. Whether it’s in a home, school, or business, we sort it without fuss.
3. Slow-Draining Sinks & Showers
What’s happening: Grease, hair, and soap scum build up gradually until water struggles to drain away.
How we fix it: A professional clean of the pipework clears the debris and helps prevent future blockages. For busy households or commercial kitchens, we often suggest regular maintenance.
4. Bad Smells from Drains
What’s happening: Nasty odours usually mean trapped waste, dry pipes, or a deeper drainage fault.
How we fix it: We trace the smell with cameras, clean out the cause, and disinfect the affected area. We’ll also give advice to keep smells away for good.
5. Fat, Oil & Grease (FOG) Build-Up
What’s happening: Kitchen pipes often get clogged with grease, especially in restaurants and takeaways. Over time, it forms a thick layer inside the pipe.
How we fix it: Our jetting equipment cuts through grease deposits. We’ll also explain how to stop it coming back—because prevention is easier than cure.
6. Broken or Collapsed Drains
What’s happening: Cracked or collapsed underground pipes can cause constant blockages, leaks, and bad smells.
How we fix it: We use non-invasive CCTV inspections to find the problem, then repair it using trenchless methods like relining where possible. If excavation is needed, we do it carefully and leave your property tidy.
7. Tree Root Intrusion
What’s happening: Roots push their way into small cracks in underground drains, blocking or even breaking the pipe.
How we fix it: We cut out the roots, then repair or reline the pipe. For properties with big trees nearby, we also offer routine checks and preventative solutions.
8. Overflowing Gutters & Downpipes
What’s happening: Leaves, moss, and debris clog gutters, forcing water to overflow and damage walls or foundations.
How we fix it: We clear gutters, repair broken downpipes, and can fit guards to reduce future build-ups. A seasonal check is the best prevention.
9. Flooding After Heavy Rain
What’s happening: Sudden downpours can overwhelm older or poorly designed drainage systems.
How we fix it: We look at the layout of your system and suggest improvements such as sump pumps, flood barriers, or better surface water drainage. If flooding has already happened, we offer emergency water removal and a full inspection.
10. Leaks & Damp from Hidden Pipes
What’s happening: Small leaks inside walls or under floors often go unnoticed until they cause damp, mould, or even structural damage.
How we fix it: We use modern leak detection tools (thermal imaging, acoustic devices) to find the leak quickly without ripping your home apart. Then we repair it properly so it doesn’t return.
Why Choose Drainage & Plumbing LTD?
- 24/7 callouts – emergencies don’t wait for office hours.
- Fast response – we aim to be with you within the hour.
- Local experts – covering Croydon, Sutton, Bromley, Epsom, Wimbledon, and surrounding areas.
- Qualified engineers – fully trained, up to date with industry standards.
- Fair prices – no hidden extras.
- Trusted track record – over 5,900 jobs completed successfully.
Areas We Cover
We serve homes and businesses across South East England, including:
Croydon • Sutton • Wallington • Coulsdon • Banstead • Bromley • Mitcham • Epsom • Reigate • Redhill • Leatherhead • Kingston • Wimbledon • Richmond • Caterham • Guildford • Crawley • Haywards Heath
If you’re nearby, we’ve got you covered.
📞 Need Help Now?
Don’t let a small drainage issue turn into a big, expensive problem. Call us today for a free quote or 24/7 emergency service.
📧 Email: support@drainage-plumbing.co.uk
📱 Phone / WhatsApp: 07771 200075
🌐 Website: drainage-plumbing.co.uk
Drain Cleaning South East: Affordable Solutions
👉 Pro tip for homeowners: Most blocked drains start small. Watch out for slow draining sinks or odd smells—sorting them early can save you a lot of trouble later.
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