What keeps blocking drains
Fat, oil and grease are among the main causes of blocked drains and sewers. They cool, set and stick to pipe walls. Water companies say wipes and other flushed items make the problem worse.
Wipes sold as flushable still cause trouble, because they do not break down like toilet paper. Bin them instead. For example, a small bathroom bin makes this easy.
Roots and older pipes
Tree roots can enter older clay pipes through worn joints. They then grow and catch waste. Victorian and Edwardian homes often have this type of pipe.
A camera survey shows whether roots are present, while cleaning alone may not last. Read our guide to tree roots in drains for more detail. Early checks help because small faults grow slowly.
Pre-purchase CCTV surveys
Many buyers now ask for a drain survey before they exchange contracts. Drains lie underground, so a standard home survey does not look inside them. A camera report fills that gap.
Your solicitor can also order a drainage search, which shows who owns the public sewers near your home. Use both, since they answer different questions. A survey shows condition, while the search shows ownership.
After heavy rain and flooding
Heavy rain can leave silt in drains and shift pipe joints. Soakaways may also take a while to recover. Check gullies, chambers and soakaways after a flood, because damage may not show at once.
If you have flooded, speak to your insurer and keep records. Ask a drainage engineer to check the pipes. Our guide to flood risk and drainage explains what to look for.
What to expect in the rest of 2026
Rules and policy on drainage keep changing, so check what applies to your home. Planning policy covers new developments, while water companies set their own rules for sewers. Ask your local council or water company if you are unsure.
Simple habits still matter most. Keep fat and wipes out of drains, clear gullies and watch for slow flow. You can ask for a free quote on our site if you need help, and we will pass your details to a local engineer.
