Outside Drains and Gullies

Outside drains and gullies can block with leaves, silt, mud, fat, wipes or debris washed into the trap. If water is sitting outside the property or a gully is overflowing, it is best dealt with before smells or wastewater become worse.

I clear the gully and outlet where access allows, then check the flow so you know whether it was a straightforward blockage or a sign of something further along the drain.

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

Can you unblock drains without digging?

Most blockages can be cleared without digging. Excavation is only considered where there is damage or access problems that cannot be solved another way. Many drainage problems are straightforward once the right access and equipment are used, but repeated symptoms should not be ignored.

Can you check the drain after clearing it?

Yes. Flow testing and practical checks help confirm that the drain is running properly after clearance. If the drain tests well after clearing, I will say so; if there are warning signs, I will point them out clearly.

Can you clear blocked sinks?

Yes. I clear kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, baths, showers and waste pipes affected by fat, food waste, hair, soap and scale. Many drainage problems are straightforward once the right access and equipment are used, but repeated symptoms should not be ignored.

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. Many drainage problems are straightforward once the right access and equipment are used, but repeated symptoms should not be ignored.

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. Where possible, I keep the explanation simple: what was blocked, how it was cleared and whether anything else is worth checking.

Can a blocked drain be an insurance issue?

Sometimes, especially if there is damaged pipework, root ingress, collapse or escape of wastewater. A CCTV survey may be useful if evidence is needed. A good visit should leave you with both a working drain and a clearer understanding of why the blockage happened.

Can you clear commercial drains?

Yes, depending on the site and access. I can help with many small business and commercial drainage problems. Where possible, I keep the explanation simple: what was blocked, how it was cleared and whether anything else is worth checking.

Can a drain look clear but still have a problem?

Yes. A drain can run after clearance but still have roots, scale, damage or a defect that causes future blockages. 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 landlords?

Yes. I can help landlords with blocked drains, toilets, sinks, outside drains and recurring drainage issues. 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 blocked outside gullies cause smells?

Yes. A gully holding waste, silt or stagnant water can cause unpleasant smells, especially if the outlet is restricted or the trap is full of debris. 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. The important thing is to clear the blockage properly first, then check whether the drain is running normally afterwards.

Can wipes really block drains?

Yes. Wipes are a major cause of blockages because they do not break down like normal toilet paper. The important thing is to clear the blockage properly first, then check whether the drain is running normally afterwards.

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. If I think further investigation would genuinely help, I will explain why before recommending it.