Blocked Drains
Outdoor drains, gulleys, manholes & stack pipes
A blocked outdoor drain is rarely a small problem. Standing water, sewage smell, multiple slow drains inside — these are signs the blockage is in the main run, not the branch. Same-day diagnosis and clearing across North London.
Leaves, silt, debris and root intrusion are the usual culprits.
Vertical waste stacks block from grease build-up on the inside walls.
When multiple internal drains slow at once, the main run is the problem.
If your outdoor drains are blocked, it's most likely due to a build-up of debris, dead leaves, and possibly tree roots. Autumn leaf-fall is the single biggest cause of gully blockages in North London — clear the leaves above the grate first if you can; sometimes that's all that's needed.
For deeper blockages, root intrusion is the next-most-common cause. Mature trees within 5–10 metres of clay drains will, eventually, find a way in through joints.
Indoor blockages are usually items being flushed or washed down that shouldn't be — paper towels, sanitary products, baby wipes ('flushable' or otherwise), cotton wool, plastic packaging. In the kitchen, fats, oils and grease (FOG) cooling and solidifying inside the pipe wall is the leading cause.
The general rule: only ever flush the three Ps — pee, poo and paper.
Tree roots seeking moisture, exploiting tiny gaps in pipe joints.
Hair in bathroom drains, especially showers — combines with soap scum to form solid mats.
Fats, oils & grease in kitchen drains — solidifies inside the pipe like cholesterol in an artery.
Foreign objects — children's toys, jewellery, lost cleaning cloths.
Wet wipes & sanitary products — the single biggest cause of UK sewer 'fatbergs'.
Mineral build-up from hard water (much of North London is hard-water territory).
Damaged pipes — collapsed or misaligned sections trap debris that would otherwise pass.
If your drain needs unclogging, a drainage professional will probably use a motorised drain auger — commonly known as a drain snake. These clear most blockages and obstructions in the drainage pipe.
For more severe blockages, a high-pressure water jetter is used. A jetter delivers water at thousands of psi, cutting through grease, scale and even tree roots, while flushing the debris downstream to the main sewer. For collapsed or severely damaged pipework, a CCTV survey is the next step — you can't fix what you can't see.
What customers say
"The service was prompt and efficient. They left the property tidy throughout."
June, Chingford
Drain Unblocking
"The engineer was smartly dressed and polite during their visit. They quickly identified the problem and cleared the drain leaving it clean and working perfectly."
Mr & Mrs Clintin, Harlow
Drain Clearing
"I would recommend this service for drain clearance. They were quick and efficient. Exceptional service all round."
Sarah, Hampstead
Sink Unblocking
Engineers on the road across Enfield, Barnet, Edgware, Wembley, Cheshunt, Potters Bar and Southgate. 24/7.