When water stops flowing as it should, everyday life grinds to a halt. From a blocked drain that threatens to overflow to a hidden leak that quietly damages walls and floors, plumbing and drainage problems rarely arrive at a convenient time. provides prompt, professional help—combining modern diagnostics with practical, long-lasting repairs—so you can get back to normal with minimal disruption.
This guide explains the common causes of drainage and plumbing faults, how professional engineers diagnose and fix them, the benefits of preventative maintenance, and what to expect when you book a call-out.
Why Quick Action Matters
Water is relentless. A small drip can quickly become a burst; a slow-draining sink can become a full blockage. Acting early with SOS Drainage & Plumbing helps you:
- Prevent secondary damage to flooring, plaster, electrics and furnishings.
- Control costs by fixing the root cause before it escalates.
- Reduce downtime for businesses that rely on clean, safe facilities.
- Maintain hygiene by stopping wastewater backing up into sinks, showers and WCs.
Common Signs You Need a Drainage or Plumbing Expert
- Slow drainage in baths, basins or kitchen sinks.
- Gurgling noises from pipework or traps after flushing or draining.
- Bad smells around gullies, shower trays or external drains.
- Repeated blockages that return soon after plunging or chemical treatments.
- Damp patches on ceilings or walls; higher-than-normal water bills.
- Low water pressure or temperature fluctuations on taps and showers.
If you notice any of these, professional diagnostics will save you time, guesswork and repeat purchases of short-term fixes.
Core Services from SOS Drainage & Plumbing
1) Emergency Call-Outs (24/7)
Burst pipes, overflowing toilets, backed-up manholes—emergencies need a calm, fast response. Engineers isolate supplies, make the situation safe and carry out immediate repairs or temporary works, then advise on permanent solutions.
2) Unblocking Drains
Kitchen fats, bathroom hair, wet wipes and silt are frequent culprits. Trained teams use high-pressure water jetting to clear debris, restore flow and thoroughly rinse pipework so the problem doesn’t simply move further down the line.
3) CCTV Drain Surveys
When issues keep returning—or before purchasing a property—CCTV drain surveys provide a crystal-clear view of what’s happening underground. The camera identifies cracks, root ingress, displaced joints and build-ups. You receive findings with recommendations, so decisions are based on evidence rather than guesswork.
4) Drain Repairs & Relining
Not every damaged drain needs excavation. Patch repairs and CIPP relining (cured-in-place pipe) can rehabilitate defective sections from within, sealing cracks and restoring structural integrity with minimal digging. Where excavation is unavoidable, the team completes reinstatement neatly and safely.
5) Leak Detection & Pipe Repairs
Acoustic listening, thermal imaging and pressure testing help pinpoint hidden leaks behind walls or under floors. Once located, engineers complete tidy repairs—replacing failed sections, valves or fittings and testing the system before handover.
6) General Plumbing: Kitchens, Bathrooms & WCs
From new tap and trap installations to toilet repairs, shower mixers, isolation valves and appliance connections, routine plumbing keeps your property efficient and compliant. Advice covers water-saving fixtures and correct ventilation to prevent damp.
7) Preventative Maintenance
Commercial sites and HMOs benefit from planned maintenance: drain cleaning schedules, urinal dosing, grease management for kitchens, and regular checks on isolation valves, ballcocks and overflows. Prevention reduces emergency call-outs and protects business continuity.
How a Professional Call-Out Works
- Initial Triage
You describe the symptoms (e.g., foul odour, rising water, damp patch). The scheduler notes priority, location and access details. - On-Site Assessment
The engineer inspects fixtures, internal pipework and external access points. Where appropriate, they perform jetting or set up a CCTV survey to confirm the root cause. - Clear, Fixed Recommendations
You receive a concise explanation of the fault, immediate options and longer-term measures. Where costs differ (repair vs reline vs replace), you’ll be guided on value and practicality. - Repair & Verification
Works are completed safely with protective coverings and tidy reinstatement. Flow tests and pressure checks confirm success. - Aftercare & Prevention
You leave with tailored tips and, for businesses, an optional maintenance schedule aligned to usage, seasonality and compliance needs. - Domestic vs Commercial: What’s Different?
- Domestic properties typically see blockages from food fats, hair and wipes, or small leaks at traps and joints. Solutions focus on restoring flow, preventing recurrence and keeping finishes pristine.
- Commercial premises face higher loads and compliance requirements: larger bore pipework, grease traps, dosing systems, backflow prevention, and safety documentation. Planned maintenance and fast response times protect trading hours and customer experience.
SOS Drainage & Plumbing is equipped for both, scaling methods and reporting to match the setting.
Best Practices for Long-Lasting Drains and Healthy Pipework
- Only flush the 3Ps: pee, poo and paper—no wipes, even “flushable” ones.
- Cool, contain and bin cooking fats and oils; never pour into sinks.
- Use strainers in kitchen and shower to catch food and hair.
- Keep gutters and downpipes clear to prevent water pooling near foundations.
- Know your stopcock location; test it periodically so it turns freely in an emergency.
- Insulate pipework in lofts and outbuildings to reduce winter burst risk.
- Book a CCTV survey before renovations or house purchases to avoid hidden surprises.
Sustainability & Compliance
Efficient plumbing reduces water waste, energy use and costs. Recommendations may include:
- Aerated taps and efficient shower heads to cut consumption without sacrificing comfort.
- Thermostatic mixing for safety and stable temperatures.
- Grease management for commercial kitchens to protect sewers and meet local by-laws.
- Responsible waste handling for silt and debris removed during jetting.
Documentation (risk assessments, method statements, maintenance logs) is available where sites require formal records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Chemical unblockers didn’t work—what next?
Many chemicals only shift part of the blockage and can damage seals. Professional jetting clears deposits thoroughly and is safer for pipework and the environment.
Q2: Do I need a CCTV survey every time?
Not always. For persistent or unexplained problems, CCTV reveals the root cause so money is spent in the right place.
Q3: Can drains be repaired without digging?
Yes—patch lining or full relining can seal cracks and displaced joints internally. Excavation is only used when structure, access or severity demands it.
Q4: How soon can you attend an emergency?
Response times vary by location and demand, but the aim is rapid same-day attendance for urgent issues, with clear updates along the way.
Q5: What maintenance should a small business consider?
Quarterly jetting for high-use lines, grease management for kitchens, urinal dosing in busy washrooms, and annual CCTV checks on known problem runs.
Why Choose SOS Drainage & Plumbing
- Rapid response for emergencies and clear scheduling for planned works.
- Evidence-led diagnostics—CCTV, pressure tests and leak detection to find the real issue fast.
- Cost-effective repairs including relining where viable to minimise disruption.
- Clean, respectful workmanship in homes and public-facing spaces.
- Transparent communication from first call to final sign-off.
Final Word
Whether you’re facing a midnight overflow, persistent slow drains or a mysterious damp patch, SOS Drainage & Plumbing combines speed with technical know-how to restore safety, hygiene and peace of mind. With modern diagnostics, skilled repairs and sensible maintenance, your plumbing and drainage will run smoothly—so you can get on with your day.
