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 Eltham 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

Should I call if only one sink is slow?

Yes, especially if it has been getting worse. A slow sink can be an early sign of a building blockage in the waste pipe. Where possible, I keep the explanation simple: what was blocked, how it was cleared and whether anything else is worth checking.

Can you clear blocked toilets?

Yes. I clear blocked toilets, soil pipes and related drain blockages where the toilet is backing up or not flushing away properly. The important thing is to clear the blockage properly first, then check whether the drain is running normally afterwards.

Can you clear blocked washing machine waste pipes?

Yes. Washing machine waste pipes can block with soap, lint, grease and scale. I would rather give clear advice at the time than leave you guessing whether the same drain is likely to block again.

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. 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 tell if the drain needs a CCTV survey?

Often I can tell from how the drain clears and how it runs afterwards. If a camera survey would genuinely help, I will explain why before recommending it. 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.

Is a recurring blockage normal?

No. A recurring blockage usually means there is an underlying cause that should be checked. If the drain tests well after clearing, I will say so; if there are warning signs, I will point them out clearly.

What is high pressure water jetting?

It uses water under pressure to clear and clean suitable drains, removing grease, silt and compacted debris. The important thing is to clear the blockage properly first, then check whether the drain is running normally afterwards.

What if the blockage is caused by roots?

Roots can often be cut back to restore flow, but the entry point may remain. If roots are present, I will explain the likely options clearly. 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. If I think further investigation would genuinely help, I will explain why before recommending it.

Can you clear commercial drains?

Yes, depending on the site and access. I can help with many small business and commercial drainage problems. 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. The important thing is to clear the blockage properly first, then check whether the drain is running normally afterwards.

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

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. If the drain tests well after clearing, I will say so; if there are warning signs, I will point them out clearly.