1. Slow Draining Sinks or Showers

We've all experienced it: you're washing dishes and notice the water isn't draining as quickly as it used to. Or you finish your shower standing in a puddle that takes ages to disappear. 

It's easy to ignore these signs, but slow drainage is your home telling you there's a blockage forming.

Hair, soap residue, food particles, and grease build up gradually in your pipes. What starts as a minor slowdown can quickly become a complete blockage. 

The good news? Catching it early means we can usually clear it quickly without needing to excavate or replace pipes.

2. Unpleasant Smells Coming from Drains

If you're noticing foul odours coming from your sinks, shower, or outside drains, don't just mask it with air freshener.

Bad smells usually indicate trapped debris, a partial blockage, or - in worst cases - a problem with your drainage system's ventilation.

We've dealt with situations where homeowners lived with the smell for months, thinking it was normal. It's not.

Your drains shouldn't smell.

A quick inspection can identify the cause and get your home smelling fresh again.

3. Gurgling Noises from Toilets or Drains

Strange gurgling sounds when you flush the toilet or run water down the sink are more than just annoying - they’re a red flag.

These noises typically mean air is trapped in your pipes because of a blockage somewhere in the system.

One homeowner we worked with ignored gurgling sounds for weeks. Eventually, their toilet backed up completely during a family gathering.

The blockage had been building for some time, and what could have been a simple fix became an urgent callout. Don't wait for the worst-case scenario.

4. Multiple Blocked Drains at Once

If you're dealing with more than one blocked drain in your home - say, the kitchen sink and bathroom shower both draining slowly - this points to a problem in your main drainage line rather than individual pipes.

Main line blockages are serious because they affect your entire home's drainage system. 

Tree roots, collapsed pipes, or severe buildup can cause these issues.

The sooner you get a professional to investigate with proper equipment, the less likely you are to face a complete system failure.

5. Water Pooling in Your Garden or Near the Property

Noticed soggy patches in your garden that won't dry out, even when it hasn't rained?

Or water pooling near your home's foundation?

This could indicate a broken or leaking drain underground.

We've seen cases where homeowners assumed it was just poor drainage in their garden, only to discover a cracked pipe was leaking wastewater into the soil.

Beyond the obvious health concerns, this can cause structural damage to your property if left unchecked. A CCTV drain survey can pinpoint the exact location and extent of the problem.

Why Early Action Saves You Money

The pattern we see time and again is simple: small problems become big problems when ignored.

A slow drain cost could end up doubling if left = resulting in an emergency repair if the blockage causes a pipe to burst or overflow.

Regular maintenance and quick responses to warning signs are the best ways to protect your home and your wallet.

Even if you're not sure whether something is serious, it's worth getting it checked. Most drainage issues are straightforward to fix when caught early.

We're Here to Help Homeowners Too

Yes, our name is Commercial Drainage Services, but we work with residential customers every single day. In fact, domestic drainage makes up a significant portion of what we do.

From unblocking kitchen sinks to repairing underground pipes, we've helped hundreds of homeowners across Essex, London and Kent keep their drainage systems running smoothly.

If you've noticed any of these warning signs - or you just want peace of mind - get in touch. We'll give you honest advice, a fair price, and a permanent solution. 

Because your home deserves a drainage system that works properly, without the stress and surprises.