Blocked drains can be a real headache wherever you live in the UK, no matter whether it happens at home or in your business premises. But there are some parts of the country where blockages happen more often, and where the consequences can be much more challenging to deal with.
London is a prime example of a city with a drainage problem. The combination of a Victorian era sewage system, lots of old houses (with old plumbing and pipework) and a dense population means that blocked drains are a common occurrence. The system struggles with capacity issues, even if there are efforts underway to modernise and improve London’s drainage infrastructure.
As a homeowner, there are a few things you can do to help. The first step is to understand the common causes of blocked drains in London, as well as how to prevent and deal with blockages.
The most common causes of blocked drains in London
According to Thames Water, what typically causes drain blockages in homes in London are the following:
- Kitchen waste – where a build-up of fat, oil and food scraps becomes solid and blocks the pipes
- Wet wipes flushed down the toilet – these don’t break down properly in the sewer system like toilet paper does, and even those labelled ‘biodegradable’ or ‘flushable’ can block pipes and add mass to ‘fatbergs’
- Sanitary products such as pads and tampons flushed down the toilet – similar to wet wipes, these don’t break down and can cause blockages in pipes.
Other common causes of blockages include a buildup of hair down bathroom drains, and leaves and garden debris blocking outdoor drains. In some cases, tree roots can find or burst their way into tiny cracks in outdoor pipes, where they grow and form serious blockages.
How do you know if your drains are blocked?
The most obvious sign of a blocked drain is water that drains away very slowly, or doesn’t drain away at all. This can be particularly alarming if it’s your toilet that is blocked, as the water level may seem to rise with each flush.
Another sign of a problem is an unpleasant smell coming from the plughole or pipe, especially in relation to kitchen sink blockages. It indicates that there’s a buildup of decaying material stuck in the pipework.
How to clear up blocked drains quickly
The fastest and most effective way to fix a blocked drain will always be to call in a plumber, or a professional drainage expert. They’ll be able to quickly diagnose the problem, possibly using a CCTV survey or other tool to find the blockage and recommend a solution. In some cases, clogs can be cleared in a matter of minutes.
But for very minor issues, it could be worth trying a few DIY remedies first. These include:
- Pouring boiling water down the drain
- Using a drain snake or plunger
- Pouring a mix of baking soda and vinegar down the plughole.
All of these methods have been known to clear or dissolve smaller blockages.
If the problem is with a toilet, it’s always best to call in the experts – as these blockages aren’t usually possible to fix yourself.
How to prevent blockages in the future
The best way to avoid clogs and blockages is to use good drainage practices in everyday life. Here are some tips to remember:
- Don’t flush anything but toilet paper down the toilet – put wet wipes and sanitary products in the bin
- Use drain traps to catch hair in your shower and bath plugholes
- Never pour away cooking oil – instead, wait for it to solidify and then put it in the general waste bin. You can also find out if your local recycling centre will accept cooking oil.
- Clear away leaves and garden debris regularly from outdoor drains, and make sure to have your gutters cleaned regularly too.
