Some of the most common signs that our drainage experts have observed of a blocked toilet include slow flushing, gurgling sounds, water rising higher than usual, and bad odours. These symptoms indicate that the toilet drain is obstructed, preventing water from flowing freely it can lead to major issues if not dealt with promptly. At Plumbers365, we frequently assist households facing the warning signs of a blocked toilet such as:
When doing the washing up or loading the dishwasher, it can be common for food waste to be rinsed down the sink. While a lot of houses in the US are fitted with waste disposal systems in order to handle this, these systems are rarely seen in UK homes. Scraps, coffee grounds, and starch-heavy leftovers like rice or pasta can block pipes as seen in many cases by drainage experts at Plumbers 365.
After cooking, there can often be leftover oil, fat or grease in your pan. When this is rinsed down the sink (yes even when rinsed with hot water), this will solidify as it cools in your pipes, causing partial or total blockages over time. Fat and oil may go down as liquid but solidify in pipes, trapping debris which ultimately leads to sink blockage. We recommend letting the fat solidify in the pan, then scraping it away and putting it in the bin.
We use many different soaps and chemicals in our day to day lives. Soaps and cleansers, body washes and bubble bath. These products contain various foaming agents and sometimes even micro plastics. Plumbers 365 experts often warn that soap residue combined with minerals in hard water can create buildup in the pipes in the kitchen sink.
In most of the kitchen sink blockage cases our professionals see bottle caps, sponges, or small items accidentally dropped which obstruct the flow. This is also common in toilet blockages as things are accidentally (or deliberately) flushed which shouldn't be.
There are many things that can cause a drain blockage, whether a shower drain, bath, toilet, sink or a larger system blockage in the underground pipe network. Blockages can also be caused by a combination of elements that have built up together over time.
Drainage experts at Plumbers 365 have observed that when it comes to shower/bathroom drains, hair is the biggest culprit, especially in households with long-haired occupants. Other common causes which lead to shower drain blockage include:
Preventive tip from Plumbers365: Drainage experts at Plumbers 365 advise about having a hair catcher or drain screen, a small investment but can save costly repairs.
Snaking and Rodding are specific plumbing techniques used by drainage specialists to clear blockages and return your drains to their proper working order by manually clearing moderate to severe blockages. Snaking uses a flexible rod to dislodge or retrieve a blockage, Drain Rodding is a similar process using more rigid rods to clear deeper, more difficult to clear blockages.
Drainage experts at Plumbers 365 have observed this method to be ideal for toilets and sinks, as well as deeper drain blockages. Our professionals will select the appropriate solution to get your drains flowing again!
Also known as drain jetting or high-pressure water, this technique uses intense jets of highly pressurised water to cut through and disperse blockages in your drain system. This service has the benefit of being environmentally friendly, due to the absence of harsh chemicals, and extremely effective for difficult blockages deep in your pipe network, leaving your pipes squeaky clean and your drains flowing freely.
Plumbers 365 drainage experts often use high-pressure water blasts to clear grease, roots, and buildup in larger drains.
Before our experts dig or dismantle, Plumbers 365 drain experts use CCTV to conduct a drain survey. This allows them to see the blockage source and recommend the best solution.
The CCTV Drain Survey allows us to inspect your pipes from the inside, looking out for damage, obstructions and tree root intrusions to ensure we select the appropriate treatment for your specific drain issue.
Augering and Milling are specific plumbing techniques used by drainage specialists to clear blockages using mechanical devices which rotate to bore through more stubborn blockages. Drain augering uses a steel flexible cable with a cutting head to remove debris such as grease and hair. Drain milling uses rotating blades to cut through more difficult obstructions, such as concrete or tree roots.
Yes if it’s causing water to overflow, back up sewage, or flood your property. In such cases, experts are needed to solve the issues. Even if it seems minor, a slow drain can quickly escalate, especially during heavy UK rains or if tree roots are involved.
Read our blog for more reasons why maintaining your drains is important.
Drainage experts at Plumbers 365 often see that the time taken depends on the kind of blockage and the areas involved. However some of the common timelines for drain unblocking are:
Our drain unblocking experts at Plumbers 365 aim for same-day service across the areas we serve.
Unless you plan on not using the drains, you will probably face drain blockages at some point in the future. However experts at Plumbers 365 understand that while drain blockages can be inevitable, there are some expert tips for you to help you manage your drainage network:
Plumbers365 offers diverse and customised preventive maintenance packages for drain cleaning and maintenance across UK
A CCTV drainage survey is the best method to assess the cause of a drain issue or blockage in your system so that a suitable treatment can be selected. For example, if it is assumed that a blockage is caused by a build up of scum and it turns out to be a tree root inclusion, the method for fixing the blockage will be vastly different.
Plumbers 365 drainage experts always go for CCTV drain survey first before suggesting any fixes. Our experts first diagnose the issues across your plumbing network through CCTV drain survey to:
CCTV is especially recommended if you’ve had repeated blockages or suspect a collapsed drain. CCTV drain survey is also recommended before undertaking any major drain unblocking activities in order to plan for the fixes properly.
Plumbers 365 drain experts advise against using chemical drain cleaners for blocked drains. Some of the common side effects of using chemical drain cleaners which our experts feel cause more trouble are:
Plumbers365 recommends using safer, eco-friendly alternatives or better yet, call for professional mechanical clearing.
DIY drain unblocking may help in mild blockages when it comes to drain blockages, but professional help is essential when:
Irrespective of the type of blockage, drainage experts at Plumbers 365 suggest against using DIY methods and calling for professional help in order to clear any kind of blockages.
Often, the drainage experts at Plumbers 365 have seen that in older UK homes, clay or concrete pipes can crack over time. Tree roots are drawn to the moisture and enter these gaps, growing inside the pipe causing:
Plumbers 365 professionals use CCTV drain surveys to detect these and mechanical root cutting or pipe relining to resolve them without major excavation.
Experts at Plumbers 365 have often observed that gurgling sound when using a sink is a classic sign of a venting issue or partial blockage in your drain system. The air pressure imbalance causes gurgling sounds which might ultimately lead to bigger blockages. It is advisable to call for professional help when faced with such issues.
Experts at Plumbers 365 have often observed that gurgling sound when using a sink is a classic sign of a venting issue or partial blockage in your drain system. The air pressure imbalance causes gurgling sounds which might ultimately lead to bigger blockages. It is advisable to call for professional help when faced with such issues.
Plumbers 365 drainage experts have often seen that UK homes face blocked outdoor drains due to:
Our drainage experts clear these using drain rods, jetting, or excavation if needed. Our team ensures outdoor gullies and covers are also checked and cleaned.
While each individual case is different, some of the most common causes of toilet blockages as seen by Plumbers 365 experts are:
Plumbers 365 drainage experts usually advise against trying DIY for drain unblocking but in an emergency try this safe method:
If ineffective, plumbing engineers at Plumbers365 advise a check from industry professionals to mitigate further risks.
While there could be a lot of reasons behind your sink draining slowly but some of the usual suspects in sink blockages as seen by drainage professionals are:
A slow drain might seem harmless but is often the first sign of a bigger problem especially in older UK homes, calling for professional assistance.
In order to prevent drain clogging, experts at Plumbers 365 advise to install a Drain Hair Catcher apart from following these:
Yes, especially in older UK properties with cast iron or clay pipes. Overuse can cause corrosion, warping, and joint damage. Safer alternatives include:
When it comes to your drainage needs, choosing the right team makes all the difference. Here at Plumbers 365, we are committed to providing you with exceptional service and peace of mind. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us:
All our engineers are fully qualified and possess the skills and expertise necessary to tackle any drainage challenge. You can trust that your property is in capable hands, as our team is not only fully insured but also DBS checked, ensuring that you receive service from professionals who meet the highest standards of safety and integrity. Each engineer carries identification, so you can verify their credentials with confidence.
We stand by the quality of our work. Our workmanship guarantee means that you can have complete peace of mind when choosing us for your drainage solutions. We are dedicated to delivering results that exceed your expectations, and our commitment to quality is unwavering.
We understand that plumbing and drainage issues can happen at any time, so our local experts are available to you 7-days a week to help get your drains flowing again.
For new drainage installations and repairs, we provide a 10-year guarantee. This long-term assurance reflects our confidence in the quality and durability of our work. You can trust that your investment is protected, and we are here to support you for years to come.
As your local drainage experts, we pride ourselves on serving the Midlands community with reliability and dedication. Our team is committed to addressing your drainage issues promptly and effectively, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
We prioritise honesty and transparency by providing clear, detailed quotes for our services before any work begins. With open communication throughout the process and our fixed pricing model for tasks beyond the average unblock, you won’t have to worry about hidden fees or unexpected charges. Our goal is to deliver high-quality service at a fair price, free from surprises.
