Drainage Clearance

Why Do My Drains Keep Getting Blocked?

Blocked drains are one of the most common drainage issues faced by homeowners, tenants and businesses alike. There are countless reasons why they can occur but here are some of the most frequent culprits:

• Fat and Grease Build-Up - What seems harmless — pouring oils, fats and grease down the sink actually causes them to solidify and block your pipes over time. Layer upon layer builds up, narrowing the passageway until water can no longer flow freely.
• Foreign Objects - Flushing wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds, or excess toilet paper may seem harmless, but they can quickly block your pipes. Remember — toilets are made for human waste and toilet paper only.
• Hair and Soap Residue - Bathroom blockages often result from hair that binds with soap residue, creating clumps that are surprisingly tough to remove without the right tools.
• Tree Roots - Outdoor drains are often infiltrated by tree roots searching for moisture. Once inside the pipes, roots can expand, crack the pipes and cause complete blockages if not dealt with quickly.
• Collapsed or Damaged Pipes - Over time, pipes can weaken, collapse or move out of alignment. These structural issues often show up as recurring blockages that plunging or HPWJ alone can’t solve.

Understanding the cause of a blockage is the first step to preventing it from happening again. That’s why we don’t just clear blockages - we also advise on long term solutions.

How We Clear Blocked Drains

At SPS Drainage, we don’t rely on guesswork. We use a combination of tools, tried-and-tested techniques, and years of hands-on experience to ensure every job is completed to the highest standard.

Rods and Manual Tools

For simpler blockages, drain rods and other manual equipment can often get the job done quickly. We are highly skilled at identifying when this approach will be effective, ensuring you get the fastest solution possible.

High-Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ)

When rods aren’t enough, we turn to High-Pressure Water Jetting, a powerful technique that blasts water through your pipes at extremely high speeds. This not only clears the blockage but also scrubs the inside of the pipe, removing grease, scale and debris to reduce the risk of future blockages.

CCTV Drain Inspections

Once a blockage is cleared, we don’t just walk away. Using our CCTV camera equipment, we inspect the inside of your drainage system to confirm the job is complete. This technology allows us to spot hidden problems - like cracks, root ingress, or build-ups that could cause future issues - giving you peace of mind and helping you avoid repeat callouts.

Preventative Maintenance

For commercial clients or homeowners with recurring issues, we also offer planned maintenance services. Regular inspections and cleaning help prevent blockages before they occur, keeping your drainage system in top condition all year round..

External Blockages We Handle

Outdoor drainage is just as important as the systems inside your property. In fact, issues with external drainage often lead to indoor problems like overflowing toilets and foul smells. At SPS Drainage, we deal with a wide range of outdoor blockages, including:

• Drains – Main drainage lines that carry waste and water away from your home.
• Gullies – The ground level drains that collect surface water, often clogged with leaves, soil, or debris.
• Stack Pipes – Vertical pipes that remove wastewater from multiple floors of a property.
• Soakaways – Underground systems that allow rainwater to drain away naturally, which can become blocked by silt and mud.
• Channel Drains (ACO Drains) – Long, narrow drains often used in driveways, patios, and commercial areas, prone to collecting dirt, sand, and rubbish.

Outdoor drainage problems can escalate quickly, especially in heavy rain, leading to flooding or water damage. That’s why we respond promptly to external blockages, using high-powered equipment to restore proper flow as quickly as possible.

Household Blockages We Handle

Blocked drains inside the home are disruptive and unpleasant. They not only interfere with daily routines but can also lead to unpleasant odours, unsanitary conditions and even water damage if ignored. Some of the most common household blockages we deal with include:

• Blocked Sinks – Often caused by food waste,fats and grease.
• Blocked Toilets – Resulting from wipes, sanitary items or excessive toilet paper.
• Blocked Baths and Showers – Usually due to hair and soap scum build-up.

We understand how important these fixtures are in your daily life, which is why we work quickly and efficiently to restore full functionality with minimal disruption.

Emergency Drain Unblocking – Anytime, Anywhere

There’s nothing worse than a drainage emergency at the worst possible time. Imagine a toilet overflowing just as guests arrive or a kitchen sink backing up during a busy dinner service at your restaurant. These situations can’t wait until morning or the next business day.

That’s why SPS Drainage offers a 24/7 emergency service. Day or night, rain or shine, you can count on us to arrive quickly, diagnose the problem and restore normality to your home or business.

The Dangers of Ignoring a Blocked Drain

Some people are tempted to ignore minor blockages, hoping they’ll resolve themselves. Unfortunately, this rarely happens. In fact, leaving a blocked drain untreated can cause:

• Unpleasant Odours – Stagnant water and trapped waste create foul smells that spread throughout your property.
• Hygiene Risks – Blocked drains can become a breeding ground for bacteria, creating potential health hazards.
• Water Damage – Overflowing water can cause damage to floors, walls, and furnishings.
• Structural Damage – Persistent blockages may indicate cracked or collapsed pipes, which could threaten the integrity of your property.
• Increased Costs – What begins as a small, inexpensive problem can escalate into a major repair if left unresolved.

By calling SPS Drainage at the first sign of a blockage, you can save yourself time, money and stress.

How to Prevent Future Blockages

While we’re always here to help, prevention is better than cure. Here are some simple tips to keep your drains flowing freely:

• Avoid pouring cooking oil, fat, or grease down the sink.
• Use drain guards to catch food scraps and hair.
• Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.
• Dispose of wipes, sanitary products and nappies in the bin.
• Run hot water through your sink after washing up to help prevent build-up.
• Schedule regular drain maintenance with a professional.

By making small changes in daily habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of future blockages.

Commercial Drainage Services

In addition to serving households, SPS Drainage also provides specialist services for businesses, landlords and public organisations. We understand that a blocked drain in a commercial environment isn’t just inconvenient - it can also affect your reputation, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health and safety regulations.

We work with:

• Restaurants and cafes.
• Hotels and guesthouses
• Retail premises
• Schools and universities
• Care homes and healthcare facilities
• Industrial sites

Whether you need an emergency callout, a one-off CCTV inspection or a scheduled maintenance contract, we tailor our services to your business needs.

Customer Peace of Mind

Every job we carry out is backed by our commitment to professionalism, reliability and customer care. From the moment you call us, you’ll be dealing with our friendly, knowledgeable engineer who will explain what’s happening every step of the way. We don’t just clear blockages - we provide peace of mind, knowing that your property is in safe hands.