Blocked Drains in South East England: What Causes Them and How to Prevent It

Drainage&Plumbing Ltd

20/06/2025

Uncategorized

Blocked drains are a common issue across South East England—whether you live in a flat in Croydon, a semi in Bromley, or a house in Caterham. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s something you should ignore. A blocked drain can quickly turn from a small inconvenience into a serious mess (and a big repair bill).

In this post, we’ll explain what causes most blocked drains, how to spot the early signs, and what you can do to stop them happening in the first place.

Why Do Drains Get Blocked?

Most blocked drains don’t happen overnight. They build up slowly, bit by bit, until one day the water just won’t go down. Here are some of the main culprits we see every week:

Grease and fat from cooking, poured down the kitchen sink

Hair and soap scum in bathroom plugholes

Wet wipes, cotton pads and sanitary items flushed down toilets

Leaves, mud and moss blocking outdoor drains

Tree roots growing into cracked or weak underground pipes

If you’ve got older pipework (like many homes in Coulsdon or Kenley), even a small shift in the ground can lead to a collapsed drain.

Signs You’ve Got a Blocked Drain

You don’t need to wait until the sink overflows or your garden floods. Here are early signs of a blocked drain:

Gurgling sounds from plugholes or toilets

Water draining slowly or not at all

Foul smells coming from the kitchen or bathroom

Damp patches near drain covers or walls

More than one toilet or sink affected at once

If you notice any of these signs, deal with them early ,it’s always easier and cheaper.

How to Prevent Blocked Drains

A little care goes a long way. Most blockages can be avoided with some simple habits:

Don’t pour oil or grease down the sink. Wipe it into a container and bin it.

Use a hair catcher in showers and baths.

Only flush the 3 P’s: pee, poo and paper.

Keep your garden drains clear of moss, leaves and mud.

If you live under trees, book an annual drain check or CCTV survey.

And remember—store-bought drain cleaner doesn’t fix deeper issues. It just moves the problem slightly further down the pipe.

What If the Drain Is Already Blocked?

You can try:

Boiling water and washing-up liquid for greasy build-up

Baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water

A plunger if the blockage is local (e.g. sink or toilet)

But if the water backs up, or the smell is really bad, it’s time to stop and call in a professional.

Need a Local Drainage Expert?

At Drainage & Plumbing LTD, we’ve unblocked thousands of drains across South East England. From emergency callouts to long-term drain care, we’re fast, reliable, and fully equipped with CCTV, jetting, and repair tools.

We cover:

Croydon, Bromley, Sutton, Wallington, Coulsdon, Kenley, Caterham

Plus 25+ other areas in South East England

Call us any time on 07771 200 075