If you’re dealing with a blocked drain, you need it sorted fast, and sorted properly.
From foul smells and slow-draining sinks to full-on flooding, a drainage issue can quickly turn from a small annoyance into a serious problem.
We know how disruptive a damaged drain can be to your home or business. That’s why we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week- and our technicians are only ever a phone call away.
Waiting around for a blocked drain to get fixed can end up making the problem a lot worse, so it’s always best to tackle things right away. No matter where you are in the UK, we aim to reach you within two hours, and in many cases we are on-site within an hour of your call.
We always give emergency enquiries top priority, so why wait? Get peace of mind by calling the drainage experts on 0808 164 0776 now!
Clark Drainage blocked drain clearance at a glance
Service: Blocked drain unblocking and clearance
Availability: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Coverage: Local engineers across the UK (attendance time depends on your location and demand)
Works on: Toilets, sinks, baths, showers, internal waste pipes, external drains, manholes, and sewer connections
Methods: Drain rodding, high-pressure water jetting, debris removal, CCTV drain inspection where needed
Outcome: Clear flow restored, cause explained, next-step advice to reduce repeat blockages
24/7 Emergency Drain Clearances
Drain emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. If you’ve got sewage backing up, flooding outside your house, or a blocked toilet you can’t flush – call us any time, day or night.
Our engineers can be on-site quickly to unblock drains, clear debris, and restore normal flow fast.
Domestic and Commercial Drainage Services
We provide drain unblocking for both homes and businesses. Whether you’re a homeowner with a blocked loo or a facilities manager dealing with backed-up drains and sewers, we’re ready to help.
Our engineers are trained to work safely and efficiently across all settings – inside and outside, above and below ground. We’re also equipped to work on public sewers where necessary and can liaise with your local council if required.
How we fix blocked drains
Different blockages need different solutions. Our approach is practical and method-led, not guesswork.
1) Rapid assessment
We identify symptoms, check the nearest inspection point (such as a manhole), and confirm whether the blockage is internal, external, or affecting multiple outlets.
2) Clear the blockage using the right method
Depending on what we find, we may use:
- Drain rodding to break up soft blockages and restore flow quickly
- High-pressure drain jetting to remove grease, sludge and compacted debris
- Debris removal from manholes and interceptors where safe and accessible
3) Confirm flow and reduce the chance of repeat problems
Once cleared, we test flow and talk you through what caused the blockage, what we removed, and what to avoid.
4) CCTV inspection for recurring or stubborn blockages
If you have repeated issues or signs of structural problems, a CCTV drain survey can pinpoint:
- Root ingress
- Cracked or displaced pipework
- Collapsed sections
- Scale build-up and long-term restrictions
You get a clear explanation of the findings and your options, from cleaning to repair.
Who is responsible for a blocked drain?
Responsibility often depends on where the blockage is.
- Within your property boundary: usually the homeowner or landlord is responsible for the drain and pipework.
- Shared drains or public sewers: responsibility may sit with the water company or local authority, depending on the exact location and setup.
If neighbours are experiencing the same issue, it can indicate a shared line or sewer problem. We can help you understand what we are seeing on site and advise on the best next step so you do not pay for unnecessary work.
Common Causes of Blocked Drains
Blocked pipes and drains are often caused by everyday waste being flushed or poured where it shouldn’t be. Understanding what causes a blockage can help you avoid future problems around your home or business.
Here are some of the most common causes we see when investigating blocked drains and sewers:
1. Wet Wipes and Sanitary Products
Wet wipes, tampons, pads, and similar items should never be flushed down the toilet. They don’t break down like toilet paper and often get stuck in the pipe or sewer, leading to major blockages.
2. Fat, Oil and Grease
Pouring cooking oils or fat down the kitchen sink may seem harmless, but once it cools, it hardens and sticks to the pipe. Over time, this build-up collects other debris and causes a stubborn clog. Use a bin instead of the sink for oily waste.
3. Food Waste
Leftovers, coffee grounds, rice and pasta should go in the bin or food disposal unit – not down the plughole. They can clog your kitchen pipework and cause a slow-draining sink or full blockage.
4. Hair and Soap Scum
In baths and showers, hair mixed with soap forms clumps that can clog pipes over time. A simple drain cover can help reduce this issue.
5. Non-Flushable Waste
Only the ‘three Ps’ – pee, poo and (toilet) paper – should be flushed down the loo. Everything else, including nappies, cotton buds and even tissues, belongs in the bin.
6. Tree Roots and Debris
Outside your house, tree roots can break into underground drains and sewers, causing long-term blockages and flooding. Leaves, mud and garden debris are also common causes of outside drain problems.
7. Structural Damage or Collapsed Pipes
In some cases, drain blockages are caused by collapsed or damaged pipes, which may need a more detailed CCTV inspection and potential excavation.
If your drain keeps blocking or you’ve had repeated issues with your toilet or sink, our team can investigate the root cause and recommend long-term solutions.
How to Avoid Blockages
Prevention is the best approach to avoid repeated drain blockages. Here are a few simple steps you can take:
- Never pour oil or fat down the kitchen sink – let it cool and bin it
- Keep food scraps out of your plughole
- Flush only the three Ps – pee, poo and paper
- Never flush wet wipes, even if they’re labelled “flushable”
- Use a hair trap in your shower or bath
- Speak to your local council about bin collection for cooking oil or grease
- Avoid using excessive amounts of toilet paper or flushing large items
- Try using vinegar and hot water to keep your pipes clean naturally
Frequently Asked Questions About Blocked Drains
What’s the difference between drains, sewers, and lateral drains?
Put simply, a drain is a singular piped system that exports sewage from an individual property. This flows into the sewer, which is a shared waste water system between multiple properties- usually a whole street. Lateral drains also flow into the sewer, but they are located outside of a public property- think the drains you find at the side of a road.
How can I tell if my drain is blocked?
While the source of a blocked drain is usually deep within the pipes, there are still a number of tell-tale signs to watch out for. For instance, if your toilet has stopped flushing properly, or if a manhole outside your property keeps overflowing, then it’s likely that the drain is blocked. Other warning signs include foul smells coming from plug holes, or loud slurping noises as water drains down them.
Who is responsible for maintaining and unblocking drains?
If the unblocking and repairing needs to be carried out within the boundaries of your property, then it is the homeowner’s responsibility to fix the problem. However, if the issue lies outside your property- for instance, in the sewer or in a drain beneath the pavement- then it may well be the responsibility of the local council. If you are unsure about who is responsible for blocked drains on or around your property, then we recommend you speak to your neighbours first. If they are all having the same problem, then you may be able to avoid charges for an unnecessary call out.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote Today
Blocked drains are best dealt with straight away – before they get worse. Whether you’ve noticed a slow drain, bad smell, or signs of flooding, get in touch with Clark Drainage today.
We’ll send a professional engineer to assess the problem, explain the cause of the blockage, and provide a clear quote before any work starts. No guesswork, no hidden costs – just efficient, professional drainage support from a team you can trust.
Call now on 0808 164 0776 or fill out our form to hire a local drainage engineer near you. We’ll get your drains clear and working properly in no time – so you can get back to normal, without the stress.
