FAQs

A drain usually blocks because of a build up of fat, food, wipes, hair or scale. Outdoor drains may be blocked by mud, leaves or tree roots. The only reliable way to confirm the cause is to inspect the pipework and clear the obstruction safely.

You can try boiling water, plunging or a mild drain cleaner, but if water is backing up or the blockage keeps returning, you will need a professional to clear it properly. Some blockages sit deeper in the system and need specialist tools.

Slow draining often means a partial blockage. This can be caused by soap scum, fat or small objects lodged in the pipe. If more than one fixture is affected, the issue is likely further down the system and should be checked.

Common symptoms include gurgling sounds, slow draining water, foul smells, overflowing toilets or standing water outside. These usually mean there is a restriction or blockage in the pipework.

Repeat blockages can come from low water pressure, too much toilet paper, non-flushable items or a problem deeper in the sewer line. A CCTV survey can show whether there is a structural issue.

Bad smells often mean trapped waste, stagnant water or a blocked vent. Outdoor smells may point to a damaged pipe or a blockage in the main drain.

Rinsing with hot water can help if the cause is surface level, but persistent smells need the drain cleaned and checked for deeper issues such as trapped waste or cracked joints.

A CCTV inspection uses a small camera to travel through the pipes and record high-definition footage. It shows blockages, cracks, collapsed sections, joint issues and root intrusion.

You may need a survey if you have recurring blockages, unexplained smells, flooding, slow drainage in several rooms or if you are buying a property and want to check the drains before completion.

Costs vary depending on the length of the drainage run and the type of report needed. Most surveys include camera footage, a condition report and recommendations for repairs if required.

Yes. A collapsed or severely damaged pipe is clearly visible on camera and can be located precisely so repairs can begin.

An overflowing tank usually means the outlet pipe or soakaway is blocked, the tank is full of solids or there is surface water entering the system. It can also happen if the soakaway has failed and can no longer disperse water.

Strong smells often point to a blockage in the inlet or outlet, a build up of waste, or an imbalance in the tank’s bacteria. Smells around drains or manholes usually mean there is restricted flow.

If toilets, sinks or showers back up, the outlet pipe or soakaway may be blocked. The tank may also be too full to cope with normal use. These issues need checking quickly to prevent flooding.

Common signs include slow drainage, gurgling sounds, strong smells and wet areas around the tank or soakaway. Most systems need emptying at least once a year depending on usage.

A septic tank treats wastewater and drains into a soakaway. A cesspit is a sealed holding tank with no outlet and must be emptied regularly. If your system fills very quickly, you may have a cesspit rather than a septic tank.