After a spell of heavy rain, you might notice water lingering around an outside drain, a gurgling sound from the sink or an unpleasant smell you hadn’t noticed before. It’s easy to blame the weather, but these signs can point to a drainage problem that needs attention.
Rain alone doesn’t prove a drain is blocked. But if slow drainage, backing-up water or recurring smells appear alongside it, it’s sensible to investigate before the problem disrupts your home or business.
A blockage can develop gradually, so watch for changes around your property:
One symptom alone may have several possible causes. If the problem keeps returning, affects more than one fixture or gets worse after rainfall, a professional assessment can help identify what’s happening.
If water is backing up, stop using the affected sink, shower or appliance where possible. This may help prevent more water entering the affected drain while you arrange advice. Keep children and pets away from any standing water that may contain waste.
Avoid repeatedly trying to force the blockage through or dismantling drainage fittings if you’re unsure what the problem is. Drainage systems can be difficult to assess from the surface, and an approach that doesn’t address the cause may leave you with the same issue again.
If the blockage affects several parts of the property, water is overflowing, or the problem is getting worse, contact a drainage professional promptly.
A slow drain might be caused by a local blockage, a build-up further along the pipework or another issue that needs investigation. Clearing an obvious obstruction may help in some situations, but recurring symptoms can indicate there is more to resolve.
A professional can assess the problem and recommend a suitable next step. Clarkes’ emergency plumbing service includes investigation of leaks and blockages, and the company offers blocked-drain clearance.
That means you can get help figuring out what’s wrong instead of relying on guesswork—especially when the symptoms return, or the affected drain is hard to access.
It’s tempting to put off a call if water is still draining, even slowly. But if an issue keeps returning, waiting until a busy morning or a heavy downpour can make it more disruptive to deal with.
Keep a note of which drain is affected, when you first noticed the problem and whether other sinks, toilets or outside drains are involved. These details can help the professional understand the situation when you contact them.
If you have a blocked drain in London, choose a professional service that can investigate the problem and help resolve it properly. Clarkes provides blocked-drain clearance and emergency plumbing for homes and businesses, with a 24/7 emergency response across London and the surrounding areas.
Instead of repeated DIY attempts, contact Clarkes to discuss the symptoms and arrange professional help. Call 0207 247 3650 or visit the Clarkes contact page to request assistance.
