June 14, 2025
Expert Drain Solutions Across London and The South East
Clogged drains might seem like an inevitable part of life, but most blockages are caused by everyday habits we can change.
We’ve spent years helping customers all across London and the South East—from bustling city streets to quiet towns—solve their drainage issues. And while we’ve encountered some bizarre culprits in our time, most blockages boil down to a few usual suspects.
From grease to hair, discover the common causes of blocked drains and practical tips to keep your pipes clear—expert advice for homes and business across London and the South East.
If you’re suffering from reoccurring blockages, this is usually a sign that your drains are in trouble. Book a professional CCTV drain inspection today and uncover the real reason why your drains keep blocking.
If your drains are constantly getting blocked, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and the solution could be simpler than you think! Let’s us uncover the causes of drain blockages
The Culprits Behind Blocked Drains
Here’s a rundown of the top offenders causing blocked drains. Avoid these, and you’re already a step ahead of most people!
1. Grease: The Hidden Enemy
Think pouring leftover grease down the sink is harmless? Think again. Over time, that same grease hardens and clings to your pipes, creating sticky traps for other debris. The result? A greasy blockage that can stop your drains dead in their tracks.
Pro Tip: After cooking, let fats and oils cool, scrape them into a container, and toss them in the bin. Your drains will thank you!
2. Baby Wipes: The Silent Saboteurs
We know—they’re convenient, disposable, and you just want to flush them away. But baby wipes are notorious for sticking to other debris in your pipes, forming stubborn clogs. Even “flushable” wipes aren’t as drain-friendly as you might think.
Pro Tip: Keep a small bin in the bathroom for wipes, cotton pads, and other non-flushable items. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
3. Hair: The Tangled Menace
Hair might seem harmless, but once it gets into your drain, it has a way of catching soap and other debris, forming a sticky, tangled mess. This is especially common in showers and bathtubs.
Pro Tip: Use a drain cover or hair catcher to block hair from entering your pipes. And for those with long locks—give your hair a quick brush before jumping in the shower to minimize shedding.
4. The Food Scrap Sneak Attack
You might not be tossing full plates of food down the sink, but even small bits of leftover pasta or rice can expand in your pipes and cause trouble. Over time, food particles can turn into a drain-clogging paste.
Pro Tip: Scrape all plates and pans into the bin before washing up. If you have a garbage disposal, run it with plenty of water to prevent buildup.
5. Toilet Paper Overload
Extra-thick, luxury toilet paper might feel amazing, but it can cause issues for your drains—especially if you’re flushing more than necessary. Over time, the excess paper can clump together and block your pipes.
Pro Tip: Stick to regular toilet paper and try to use only what you need. It’s better for your pipes and the environment.
6. Bath Bombs and Salts: They’re Not All Bliss
Bath bombs and salts might promise relaxation, but they can leave small, undissolved particles behind in your drain. Over time, these can combine with other debris to create a blockage.
Pro Tip: Save the luxurious bath bombs for special occasions, and always run plenty of water when draining your tub. Better yet, opt for liquid bubble bath—it’s much easier on your pipes.
7. Small Objects: Tiny but Mighty Troubles
From kids’ toys to stray earrings, small objects love finding their way into drains. While most might pass through, others can get stuck and attract other debris.
Pro Tip: Install a mesh cover over any small drain openings, especially in sinks and baths used by children.
8. Coffee Grounds: A Brewing Problem
Ground coffee smells amazing, but it doesn’t break down like you think it might. Rinsing it down the sink can lead to stubborn blockages.
Pro Tip: Compost your coffee grounds or toss them in the bin. It’s better for both your pipes and the planet.
9. Cotton Products
Cotton buds, pads, and wool are often flushed or rinsed down drains, where they can tangle into other debris and block pipes.
Pro Tip: Dispose of all cotton products in a bin instead of flushing them. Keep a small bathroom bin handy to make this habit stick.
10. Soap: The Sticky Culprit
Liquid or solid, soap can accumulate in your pipes over time, forming a sticky residue that traps other waste. Bars of soap might shrink and slip down the drain, while liquid soap can act as a glue for other materials.
Pro Tip: To prevent soap buildup, run hot water regularly to flush your pipes and clear away residue.
How to Prevent Drain Blockages in Your Home
While some clogs are unavoidable, most can be prevented with a little care and attention. Here are some everyday habits to adopt:
Dispose of fats, oils, and food scraps in the bin.
Use drain covers in showers, sinks, and tubs to catch hair and small debris.
Never flush non-biodegradable items like wipes, cotton buds, or pads.
Flush your pipes once a week with boiling water to clear out soap and grease buildup.
When to Call in the Experts
If you’re dealing with a slow-draining sink or a completely blocked pipe, it’s best to call in the professionals before the problem worsens, we specialize in clearing even the toughest blockages, using advanced tools like high-pressure water jetting to ensure your drains are as good as new.
We’re proud to serve homes and businesses across London and the South East, delivering fast, friendly, and affordable solutions.
Get Your Drains Flowing Again
Don’t let a blocked drain disrupt your day—contact Drain 247 today for expert advice and quick solutions.
Whether you’re in the heart of London or the South East’s picturesque countryside, we’re here to help. Let’s keep your drains flowing smoothly—because life’s too short for sink drama!
We hope you’ve found this guide helpful! At, we’re passionate about keeping your drains flowing smoothly and sharing advice to help you avoid future problems.
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