Blocked drains are one of the most common plumbing issues for UK homeowners — and one of the easiest to prevent. Whether it’s a kitchen sink or an outdoor gully, understanding what causes blockages is the first step toward keeping your pipes clear.
Here are the top seven causes of blocked drains and simple ways to prevent them.
1. Fat, Oil, and Grease
When poured down the sink, grease cools and hardens, sticking to the inner walls of your pipes. Over time, it forms a thick layer that restricts water flow.
🧽 Prevention tip: Pour leftover grease into a sealed container and dispose of it in the bin instead.
2. Hair and Soap Scum
Hair mixed with soap residue can quickly clog bathroom drains and shower traps.
🧴 Prevention tip: Use drain guards to catch hair and clean them regularly.
3. Food Waste
Even with a sink strainer, small food particles can escape and build up.
🥕 Prevention tip: Scrape plates thoroughly before washing and avoid rinsing food debris down the sink.
4. Wet Wipes and Sanitary Products
Despite being labeled “flushable,” wipes and sanitary items do not break down easily — they cause serious blockages in household and main sewers.
🚫 Prevention tip: Only flush toilet paper. Dispose of everything else in the bin.
5. Tree Roots
Tree roots seek moisture and can grow into small cracks in underground pipes, causing major blockages.
🌳 Prevention tip: Regular CCTV surveys can detect early root intrusion before it becomes costly.
6. Scale and Limescale Build-Up
In hard-water areas, minerals in the water can create thick layers of scale inside pipes.
💧 Prevention tip: Use descaling agents periodically and ensure pipes are flushed properly.
7. Collapsed or Damaged Pipes
Age, ground movement, or poor installation can cause pipes to collapse.
🔧 Prevention tip: Book a professional drain inspection if you notice recurring blockages.
What to Do If Your Drain Is Blocked
If plunging or DIY cleaners don’t help, don’t risk damaging your system. Call in the professionals.
At Reliant Drains, we use advanced high-pressure jetting and CCTV diagnostics to safely clear and identify the cause.
Call to Action
Need your drain unblocked today?
📞 Call 07852 287411 for a fast, local response — 24/7, no call-out charge, and guaranteed results.