Signs a drain may be blocked

Slow water, gurgling plugholes, bad smells, a rising toilet level or an overflowing outside gully can all point to restricted flow. If several fixtures are affected at once, the blockage may be farther along the shared pipework.

Safe steps to take now

  • Stop using the affected sink, toilet or appliance if water is backing up.
  • Keep people away from wastewater and wash thoroughly after any contact.
  • Avoid adding chemical drain cleaners; they may not reach the cause and can create a hazard for you and the engineer.
  • If water is escaping, protect nearby electrics only when it is safe to do so.
TC Drains engineer inspecting and clearing drainage equipment

Which service may be needed?

Drain unblocking restores flow. High-pressure jetting removes stubborn grease, sludge and scale. A CCTV drain survey can locate cracks, displaced joints, collapses or root entry when a problem keeps returning. Depending on what it shows, root cutting, patch lining or a drain repair may be recommended.

Reducing repeat blockages

Keep fats, oils, wipes and hygiene products out of drains; clear leaves from gullies; use sink strainers; and act on recurring smells or slow flow before the drain overflows. For commercial kitchens or frequently used systems, planned cleaning may be more economical than repeated emergency visits.

If the drain is overflowing now, contact TC Drains or call 0800 8600 289.