Why Do Drains Block?
Most blocked drains aren't the result of bad luck — they're the result of what goes down them. Understanding the main causes makes prevention straightforward.
The most common causes of blocked drains include:
- Fat, grease and oil — poured down the kitchen sink, these solidify as they cool and build up on pipe walls
- Wet wipes — even those labelled "flushable" don't break down and cause serious sewer blockages
- Hair — a leading cause of bath and shower blockages
- Sanitary products — should never be flushed
- Food debris — especially rice, pasta and coffee grounds, which swell and clump
- Tree roots — growing into drain pipes through cracks and joints
Simple Steps to Keep Drains Clear
In the Kitchen
- Never pour fat or grease down the sink. Let it cool and solidify, then bin it. Alternatively, use a fat trap.
- Use a sink strainer to catch food debris before it enters the drain.
- Run hot water down the sink after washing up to help flush any residue.
- Avoid rinsing rice or pasta down the drain — even small amounts build up.
In the Bathroom
- Fit a hair trap over your shower or bath drain. Hair is the number one cause of slow-draining showers.
- Only flush the three Ps — paper, poo and pee. Everything else goes in the bin.
- Don't flush wet wipes, even flushable ones. They don't break down in the sewer.
- Clean plug holes regularly — a quick weekly clean takes seconds and prevents build-up.
Outside
- Clear leaves and debris from gully grates regularly, especially in autumn.
- Be aware of nearby trees — large trees close to drain runs can cause root intrusion over time. A periodic CCTV survey is the only way to check.
- Check your inspection chambers occasionally to ensure they're not filling up or showing signs of blockage.
Regular Maintenance
Even with good habits, drains can still develop problems over time. A drain maintenance programme — typically an annual high-pressure jetting — keeps commercial and domestic drains running clear and can prevent expensive emergency repairs.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice slow drainage, gurgling sounds from pipes, or persistent bad smells, call a professional before a partial blockage becomes a complete one. Early intervention is almost always cheaper than an emergency call-out.
DrainGuard 24/7 Ltd covers the whole of Northeast England, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — with no call-out fee and fixed prices.
Call 07887 212 447 any time.
