Have a Quick Look Around First

Before you start panicking, just check what's actually going on. Is it one drain being difficult, or have you got problems everywhere?

One drain? Usually something simple. Multiple drains backing up at once? That's when things get interesting, and not in a good way.

Start With the Obvious Stuff

Put some rubber gloves on and pull out whatever you can see. I know it's grim, but you'd be shocked how often this actually works.

We arrived at one job where the customer had spent £50 on drain cleaners.

Took us thirty seconds to pull out a massive clump of hair and hey presto - problem solved.

Try the Old Hot Water Trick

This one's been around forever, and it works more often than you'd think. Boil your kettle, squirt some washing-up liquid down the drain, then pour the hot water after it.

Give it ten minutes, then see if your tap drains properly. Sorts out greasy blockages a treat.

Get the Plunger Out

If hot water doesn't work, time for some elbow grease. Make sure you're using the right plunger though - those cup ones for sinks, the other type for toilets.

Don't go mad with it. We've seen people get so carried away that they've cracked their ceramic sinks. Steady rhythm, good seal around the drain, and a bit of patience.

Those Chemical Things From the Shop

Look, we’re not going to tell you not to use them, but we’re not a fan and advise you not too. They're pretty aggressive stuff, and we've seen them cause more problems than they solve, especially in older properties.

If you do use them, read the instructions properly and make sure there's plenty of air in the room. And whatever you do, don't mix different products. That's how people end up in hospital.

When to Admit Defeat

Sometimes you just can't sort it yourself. If you've tried everything and it's still not working, or if you're getting sewage coming back up through floor drains, that's when you need someone with a proper kit.

We've got cameras that go right down into your drains to see what's what, and high-pressure jets that can shift pretty much anything.

What takes you hours of messing about, we can usually sort in no time.

Stop It Happening Again

Once it's flowing properly, keep it that way. Don't tip cooking fat down the sink - let it go solid in the pan and scrape it in a bin.



Those little drain guards are worth getting. A couple of pounds from any hardware shop, and they catch all the hair and bits before they cause trouble.

Monthly hot water flush keeps things moving nicely. Like an MOT for your drains.

Give Us a Shout If You Need Help

If you're anywhere in Essex, Kent, or London and your drain's being a pain, just call us. We've seen every type of blockage going - nothing surprises us anymore.

We're around 24/7 because blocked drains don't care if it's Christmas morning. No call-out charge either, and we'll usually know what we're dealing with pretty quickly.

Don't let it turn into a bigger problem. Ring us on 01268 527335 and we'll get it sorted.