Skip to main content
Open 24/7 Call 023 8112 3123

Blocked Drains

Help with blocked outside drains, gullies, inspection chambers and underground drain runs: found, cleared and explained.

Call 023 8112 3123 Request a quote

About blocked drains

A blocked drain is usually noticed outside first: a gully that will not empty, an inspection chamber full of water, or a smell near the back door. Because underground drains carry waste from every fitting in the house, a single blockage can affect toilets, sinks and appliances all at once.

This page covers blockages in the underground drainage system: the pipes and chambers that run from your property to the public sewer. Clearing them is usually a job for proper drain rods or water jetting, not plungers or chemical cleaners. If you are dealing with a single blocked sink, toilet or shower, see the dedicated pages for those problems.

Clear Drainage works out which section of drain is blocked by checking chambers upstream and downstream, clears it, and flushes the line through. If the same drain has blocked before, we will talk to you about whether a CCTV survey would help identify an underlying cause.

Signs you may need help

  • Water pooling around an outside gully
  • An inspection chamber full of standing water or waste
  • Several fittings in the house draining slowly at the same time
  • Bad smells in the garden or near external walls
  • Gurgling noises from plugholes and toilets
  • Damp patches or unusually lush grass along the line of a drain

Common causes

  • Leaves, soil and debris washed into open gullies
  • Fat and food waste from kitchen sinks collecting in the drain
  • Wipes and sanitary products lodging at bends and junctions
  • Tree and shrub roots growing into older clay pipes
  • Subsidence or ground movement displacing pipe joints
  • Building work, such as rubble or cement washed into drains

What our approach means for you

  • Blockages are located by checking chambers along the drain run.
  • The whole affected section is cleared and flushed, not just the visible part.
  • You find out whether the drain is private, shared or the water company’s responsibility.
  • Recurring problems can be investigated with a CCTV survey.

How it works

What you can expect when you contact Clear Drainage about blocked drains.

  1. Check the drain run

    Inspection chambers are lifted where accessible to find the section that is blocked and see how far back the water has risen.

  2. Choose the method

    Rodding suits many simple blockages; heavier build-ups of fat, silt or scale are usually better cleared with high-pressure water jetting.

  3. Clear and flush

    The blockage is cleared and the drain flushed through so debris is carried away rather than settling further down the line.

  4. Confirm and advise

    We check the chambers are running freely and explain what caused the blockage and how to reduce the risk of it returning.

Blocked Drains across Southampton and the surrounding area

We provide blocked drains throughout Southampton and the surrounding area within roughly 60 miles. Choose your area for local information.

Also covering

Related services

Drain Unblocking

Clearing blocked drains, gullies and waste pipes at homes and businesses, then explaining what caused the blockage so it is less likely to come back.

Drain Jetting

High-pressure water jetting to clear stubborn blockages and scour away fat, silt, scale and debris from the inside of drain pipes.

CCTV Drain Surveys

Camera inspections that show the condition of a drain from the inside, so recurring problems and damage can be diagnosed accurately.

Drain Repairs

Repairs for cracked, broken, root-damaged and displaced drains, based on what a camera survey actually shows.

Blocked Sewers

Help with blocked main drains, sewer connections and sewage backing up, including working out who is responsible for the blockage.

Helpful guides

Blocked Drains FAQs

How do I know if my outside drain is blocked?

Common signs are standing water in a gully or inspection chamber, waste visible in a chamber, water backing up when you run a tap, and a persistent smell. If more than one fitting inside is slow at the same time, the blockage is likely to be in the underground drain.

Are drain unblocking chemicals worth trying?

For underground drains, rarely. Chemical cleaners seldom shift a full blockage and can leave a caustic pool that makes the drain more hazardous to work on. They can also damage some pipework. It is usually better to stop using water and get the drain cleared.

Who is responsible for a blocked shared drain?

In England, drains shared by more than one property are generally the responsibility of the local water company, even when they run through private land. Drains serving only your property, within your boundary, are usually your responsibility.

Why do blocked drains smell?

When waste cannot flow away it sits in the pipe and starts to break down, releasing gases. A smell without a visible blockage can also point to a dried-out trap, a broken seal or a damaged pipe.

Need help with blocked drains?

Call Clear Drainage or send us a few details about the problem. We will explain what is likely to be involved before any work starts.

Call 023 8112 3123 Request a quote
Call Clear Drainage Get a quote