Why Does My Drain Keep Blocking? 7 Common Causes
If the same drain keeps blocking, there may be more going on underground. Here are seven common reasons drains repeatedly block and when further investigation may be needed.
Why does a drain keep blocking?
Recurring blockages can be caused by grease, wipes, debris, tree roots, damaged pipework, displaced joints or an obstruction that has not been fully removed.
If the same drain repeatedly blocks, a CCTV drain survey may help identify the underlying cause.
A blocked drain is frustrating enough once. When the same drain keeps blocking again and again, it can point to a problem that needs more than another quick clearance.
Fixed Price Drainage provides drain unblocking, CCTV drain surveys, drain tracing and drain repairs across Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.
Grease, Fat and Food Waste
Kitchen drainage can gradually become restricted when fats, oils and grease enter the pipework.
Once cooled, grease can stick to the inside of the pipe and trap food particles and other waste.
Wet Wipes and Sanitary Products
Many wipes and sanitary products do not break down in the same way as toilet paper.
They can become caught on joints or rough areas inside the drain and gradually create a blockage.
Read about blocked toilets →Tree Root Intrusion
Roots naturally search for moisture and may enter underground drainage through cracks or defective joints.
Once inside, they can trap waste and repeatedly restrict the flow.
Cracked or Damaged Pipes
Damage caused by age, ground movement or roots can create rough areas where waste repeatedly catches.
If damage is suspected, CCTV investigation can help identify the location and nature of the defect.
Learn about drain repairs →Displaced Pipe Joints
If underground pipe sections move out of alignment, they can create a lip inside the drain.
Waste can then repeatedly catch on the uneven joint.
The Original Blockage Was Only Partially Cleared
Water may begin flowing again even though some obstruction remains.
More waste can then collect around the remaining material and cause the blockage to return.
£156 including VAT
No separate call-out fee.A Collapsed or Seriously Damaged Drain
More serious structural damage can stop wastewater moving through the drainage system properly.
In these situations, repeated unblocking may only provide temporary relief.
Depending on the defect, repair options may include localised repair, excavation or drain patch lining .
When Should You Consider a CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV survey is not required for every blocked drain, but it can be particularly useful when the problem keeps returning.
- The same drain repeatedly blocks
- Several drains are affected
- There are unexplained drainage smells
- Roots may be entering the drainage system
- Underground pipe damage is suspected
- A repair is being considered
Recurring Blocked Drain FAQs
Common causes include grease, wipes, roots, damaged pipes, displaced joints and partially cleared obstructions.
Not every blockage requires one, but recurring problems may justify inspecting the inside of the drainage system.
Suitable localised defects may sometimes be repaired using no-dig drain patch lining.
Let's Find Out Why.
Drain unblocking, CCTV investigation and drainage repair support across Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.