Most blocked drains build up slowly. Grease, hair, soap and roots collect over weeks until the water has nowhere to go. Catching it early is usually cheaper and far less messy.
Early warning signs
- Basins, baths or showers draining slower than usual
- Gurgling from the plughole or the toilet after you run water
- A bad smell from drains or the gully outside
- Water rising in the outside gully when the washing machine drains
Simple prevention
- Wipe greasy pots and pans with paper towel before washing them
- Use a hair catcher in the shower and bath
- Only flush toilet paper: wet wipes do not break down, even the ones labelled flushable
- Keep the gully grid clear of leaves and garden debris
Skip the harsh chemicals
Strong chemical drain cleaners can damage older pipes and rarely shift a proper blockage. If a drain keeps blocking, or more than one drain is slow at the same time, the problem is likely further down the line and needs proper equipment.