Blocked Kitchen Sinks, Baths and Showers

Sinks and waste pipes often block gradually with fat, food waste, soap, hair and scale. Chemicals may make the water move for a short time, but they rarely remove the build-up properly.

I clear the pipework using suitable methods and check whether the blockage appears local to the waste pipe or connected to a wider drainage problem.

How I Approach a Blocked Drain

The first step is to understand the symptoms and find the best access point. I then clear the blockage using suitable drainage equipment, test the flow and explain what I have found. If the drain needs further investigation, I will tell you why.

The aim is not to make the job sound bigger than it is. Some drains simply need clearing properly. Others give warning signs that something in the pipe is catching waste or slowing the flow, and that is when experience matters.

When a CCTV Drain Survey Helps

CCTV is not the main service on every blockage, but it is valuable when a drain in East Sussex keeps blocking, smells persist, rats are suspected or there are signs of root ingress, open joints or damaged pipework.

I do not automatically recommend a camera survey for every drain. If the blockage clears cleanly and the pipe runs well afterwards, that may be enough. If the symptoms suggest a hidden fault, a CCTV survey can stop you paying for repeated clearance without understanding the cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will you tell me if I do not need a repair?

Yes. If the blockage appears straightforward and the drain tests well afterwards, I will not make repair work sound necessary when it is not. Where possible, I keep the explanation simple: what was blocked, how it was cleared and whether anything else is worth checking.

Why does the drain block after heavy rain?

Heavy rain can expose restrictions, silt build-up, poor falls or surface water problems that are not obvious in dry weather. Where possible, I keep the explanation simple: what was blocked, how it was cleared and whether anything else is worth checking.

Do I need to know where the manhole is?

It helps, but if you are not sure, I can usually advise based on the property layout and symptoms. A good visit should leave you with both a working drain and a clearer understanding of why the blockage happened.

Is jetting always the answer?

No. Jetting is very useful on many drains, but the best method depends on access, pipe condition and the type of blockage. A good visit should leave you with both a working drain and a clearer understanding of why the blockage happened.

Do you charge VAT on top?

No. The wording used on these pages is fixed price, no VAT and no separate call-out charge added to the quoted price. I try to keep the advice practical so you understand the likely cause, the sensible next step and whether any extra work is actually needed.

Can you remove fat from drains?

Yes. Fat and grease build-up can often be removed using suitable professional drainage equipment. If the drain tests well after clearing, I will say so; if there are warning signs, I will point them out clearly.

Can you check the drain after clearing it?

Yes. Flow testing and practical checks help confirm that the drain is running properly after clearance. I try to keep the advice practical so you understand the likely cause, the sensible next step and whether any extra work is actually needed.

Can you help landlords?

Yes. I can help landlords with blocked drains, toilets, sinks, outside drains and recurring drainage issues. Where possible, I keep the explanation simple: what was blocked, how it was cleared and whether anything else is worth checking.

Is drain cleaning different from unblocking?

Unblocking gets the drain flowing again. Cleaning goes further by removing grease, silt, scale or debris so the pipe has a better chance of staying clear. If the drain tests well after clearing, I will say so; if there are warning signs, I will point them out clearly.

Can you help if rats are coming through drains?

Yes. Where rats may be using the drainage system, a CCTV survey can help find broken pipes, open joints or redundant connections. A good visit should leave you with both a working drain and a clearer understanding of why the blockage happened.

What causes blocked drains?

Common causes include fat, grease, wipes, scale, toilet paper, roots, silt, broken pipework and displaced joints. Where possible, I keep the explanation simple: what was blocked, how it was cleared and whether anything else is worth checking.

What happens if the drain blocks again?

If the same drain blocks again, I would look for signs of an underlying fault such as roots, scale, poor fall, cracked pipework or a displaced joint. The important thing is to clear the blockage properly first, then check whether the drain is running normally afterwards.

Do you offer fixed prices?

Yes. Fixed-price wording is a key part of the service so customers know where they stand. I will always explain what I find in plain English so you know whether it looks like a one-off blockage or something that may return.