What are signs of a blocked drain? We look at the warning signs of a blocked drain and what you should do with a blocked drain. We offer drain unblocking throughout Fleetwood, Blackpool and Lancashire.
Quick checklist of warning signs
- Slow drainage in the sink, shower or bath
- Toilet water rising or not clearing after you flush
- Gurgling sounds from plug holes and pipes
- Bad smell around drains, even when not in use
- Water backing up into other fixtures
- Damp patches on floors or walls near a pipe
- Outside drains overflowing after rain
What does a blocked drain smell like?
A bad smell that lingers around sinks, showers or the toilet is a clear sign of a problem.
When food waste, fat, grease, hair or other debris become trapped in the pipes, they break down and release gases.
The smell can appear before you see any other signs of a blocked drain.
What are the visual signs of a blocked drain?
If a drain is blocked, slow drainage is often the first thing you notice. Sinks, showers and toilets may be draining slowly or not at all, and stagnant water can sit in a shower tray or bath.
When more than one fixture is affected, the blockage may be in the main pipe or the sewer line rather than a single waste pipe. It also helps to check outside from a safe position. If water is sitting in external drains, this points to a blockage in the system. Only look from the surface because sewage gases and bacteria can be harmful.
Sounds that suggest a blockage
Gurgling sounds from plug holes, the toilet and the pipes often mean air is trapped in the pipes and pushed through the water. If you notice new or unusual noise after you flush or when the washing machine drains, it is likely that the drain is blocked or becoming blocked.
Cross-fixture effects you can test
A simple check can help you find the point of the problem. Flush the toilet and watch the shower or bath to see if water rises there, which suggests the blockage is further down the line. Run the tap in the basin and see whether the toilet water level rises, which shows shared pipework is affected. If only one fixture is slow, the blockage may be close to that trap.
Common causes of blockages
Hair and soap scum often build up in showers and baths. Fat, oil and grease can cool and stick to the inside of pipes, while food scraps can be flushed from the kitchen sink and become trapped in the pipes. Wet wipes, sanitary products and excess toilet paper should not be flushed down toilets because they do not break down well and become blocked in the system.
Small objects sometimes fall into plug holes, tree roots can find cracks in underground pipes, and broken or collapsed pipes reduce the flow of water. All these things restrict the flow and allow debris to build up over time, which can lead to flooding and structural damage if left alone.
Health risks and property damage
Sewage contains bacteria that can make you ill. Overflows can soak floors and walls, and water that seeps out will damage plaster, timber and flooring. Damp areas can grow mould. If you notice damp patches or staining near a pipe, do not ignore them because they may show a leak caused by a blockage.
Who is responsible for fixing blocked drains?
In many homes you are responsible for the drains inside your property boundary and for private pipes on your land. Shared sewers and some external pipes are often the responsibility of the local water company. If you are unsure, check your house deeds or contact your water provider for information. If you rent, report issues to your landlord or agent.
First steps to try at home
Safety should come first, so wear gloves, wash your hands after work on any drain and do not mix cleaning chemicals. For sinks, turn off the water, place a bowl under the U-bend and remove it to clear debris before refitting and checking for leaks.
A few firm pumps with a plunger over the plug hole or toilet can remove trapped air and help to clear the blockage. For kitchen sinks, a kettle of hot water can help shift fat and oil build-up. Bicarbonate of soda followed by vinegar can fizz through light build-ups and can then be flushed with hot water.
A simple hand auger or drain snake can reach debris in the pipes and pull it free. Strong acids should not be used in toilets or on old pipes because they can cause damage. If sewage backs up, stop and contact a professional.
When to contact a professional
You should contact a professional team if more than one fixture is affected, if you notice sewage backing up inside the house, if there is flooding outside near the manhole, if DIY steps do not fix the issue or if you suspect a break in the pipe or tree root intrusion.
Many drainage firms offer 24/7 emergency callouts. Before you book, check reviews and the company number, and ask for clear pricing. A trained professional has the tools to unblock the system safely and prevent further damage.
Prevention tips to stop drains becoming blocked
You can prevent many problems with simple habits. Strainers in sinks and showers catch hair and food. Pans should be wiped with kitchen roll to remove fat and oil before washing, and fat, oil and grease should go in the bin.
Wet wipes and sanitary products should not be flushed; the bin is the right place for them. Running hot water after washing up helps to clear any remaining grease.
Plug holes and traps benefit from regular cleaning to remove debris. Outside, gullies should be kept clear of leaves and you should make sure you have safe access for maintenance. If you have had repeated issues or tree roots nearby, routine checks are sensible.
Signs outside your home
Outside signs often appear around the same time as indoor issues. Water can pool near external drains after light rain, a bad smell can linger near covers or along the drainage run, and lush growth along a specific line in the garden can show the location of a leaking pipe. If you find these signs, take photos and contact a professional as soon as possible.
Insurance, rights and responsibilities
If a pipe breaks on your land, you may need to fix it. Some home insurance policies cover trace and access for leaks and drains, so check your policy and keep records of the issue and the work done. For shared sewers, the water company is often responsible, so keep copies of any reports you receive. This article gives general information and is not legal advice.
What Are Signs Of A Blocked Drain FAQs
The first signs are often slow drainage, a bad smell and a gurgling sound, which are clear warning signs.
Air and waste are trapped in the pipes, so the flow of water is blocked further down the system.
Bleach does not clear solid blockages and can react with other products. A plunger or a drain snake is more effective, and if that fails you should contact a professional.
Yes, because many wipes do not break down in sewers and become trapped in the pipes, which leads to a blocked drain.
Short delays can be usual in storms, but standing water and overflowing covers are not. Check the area and call a professional if the problem does not clear quickly.
Final steps if you suspect a blocked drain
Keep a note of which fixtures are affected and when you first notice the issue. Try simple steps like plunging and clearing traps if it is safe to do so.
If there is sewage, stop using the fixtures and call a professional. If the blockage is outside the property boundary or in shared sewers, contact your water company. Keep children and pets away from contaminated areas until everything is clean.
Struggling with a drain blockage in your bathroom or kitchen? We offer drain unblocking throughout Fleetwood, Blackpool and Lancashire. Let us help. Tru Flow Drainage is a drainage contractor that has been resolving drainage issues for local homes, businesses, and property developers for more than 25 years.
